Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Description:

The Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) assists the Imaging Supervisor with the planning, developing, and directing of the DRT staff, students and operations of the Imaging Service. The incumbent functions as a lead DRT for a group of DRTs at the GS-9 level and below. The incumbent provides a full range of general radiologic imaging exams, has a broad knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area, and is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor.

Requirements:

Basic Requirements :

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for assignments that include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Mammography (M) duties performed independently, as applicable. Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent can operate independently and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.
• Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE). NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.
  • Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is
    accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field.
  • Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception
    only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.
  • Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment.
• Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations : Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10: The incumbent functions as a lead DRT for a group of DRTs at the GS-9 level and below. The incumbent provides a full range of general radiologic imaging exams, has a broad knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area, and is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):

1. Ability to provide feedback to supervisor on technical aspects of work.
2. Ability to resolve informal employee complaints.
3. Ability to monitor and report on the status and progress of work and make adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established procedures.
4. Ability to perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations.

Preferred Experience:

1. Lead or Supervisory Experience
2. Critical thinking
3. Communication skills
4. Experience with providing training

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ .

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is at the GS-10.

Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.


Major Duties Continued:

1. Serves as the point of contact on the prioritization and proper scheduling of DEXA, Fluoroscopic, examinations.
2. Ensures maintenance of scheduling flexibility to accommodate emergent cases.
3. Follows established departmental policies, procedures, and protocols. Serves in all duties with professionalism and respect for staff, internal and external customers.
4. Ability to provide feedback to the supervisor on technical aspects of work.
5. Ability to resolve informal employee complaints.
6. Ability to monitor and report on the status and progress of work and adjust to accomplish the workload in accordance with established procedures.
7. Skill to independently perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations.
8. In the absence of the Imaging Supervisor, may serve as their representative at department and facility meetings.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.