The Supervisory Radiology Technologist has the overall responsibility for the coordination and performance of the Computed Tomography at the James H. Quillen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Mountain Home, TN. He/she works closely with the technologists, radiologists, clinicians and clerical staff to assure optimum quality control, efficient coordination of activities, high quality diagnostic/therapeutic imaging exam results, and patient satisfaction. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. 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). 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. 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: GS-9 This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of cross-sectional human anatomy and its application in spiral, and/or, multi-slice computer tomography, inclusive of 3-D reconstruction scans, including drainages, biopsies, and peripheral vascular examinations. The technologist requires specific knowledge and training in the location, appearance, and function of the various major and minor systems susceptible to radiological illumination; to interpret the examination request accurately; to understand the functioning and interrelationship of the various organs; to use the methods and techniques which will identify organs appearing on the digital display monitor, or on film, and the various stages of the examination to judge the acceptability of the image and/or scan for diagnostic use and to emphasize the aspects of interest to the physician. Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-10) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies needed to provide services as a supervisory radiologic technologist. Assignments: All assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Employees at this level are fully functional as an advanced DRT and carry out their assigned tasks independently. The incumbent functions as section supervisor for a group of advanced DRTs at the GS-10 level and below, which may include support staff. The incumbent evaluates new products and equipment and makes recommendations to the supervisor concerning upgrades/new purchases that would improve operations. The incumbent develops and maintains protocol manuals for procedures performed in the section. The incumbent is responsible for implementation and adherence to all safety practices and policies for the section. The incumbent directs the development and implementation of services and treatment to patients through the supervision, mentoring, and oversight of assigned clinical staff. Experience must demonstrate practice skills in a specialty area or in administration demonstrating progressively more professional competency and judgment. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Ability to analyze organizational, technical, and administrative problems and to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient section operation. Ability to analyze and use data effectively to manage section workload, quality, performance, and productivity. Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution. Ability to supervise technologists performing a wide variety of difficult radiographic exams (CT, MRI, Special Procedures, Mammography, Ultrasound). Ability to interview and evaluate candidates for positions, evaluate subordinate performance, recommend appointments, advancements, or recommend or take appropriate disciplinary actions. Skill in participating in organizational facility initiatives, workgroups, and/or committees. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 December 13, 2019 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["The Supervisor DRT (CT) will have full knowledge of equipment and be responsible for oversight of protocols and procedures including but not limited to quality control, compliance with regulatory guidelines, technologist schedule, available patient appointments and overall daily operations of CT. The Incumbent will be tasked with maintaining efficient workflow in the CT department; distributes workload and assignments to CT staff, ensuring timely completion of required duties. The Incumbent ensures adequate in-house and rotating on-call coverage for the CT area. Have experience with and skilled in problem solving and conflict resolution. Analyzes organizational, technical, and administrative problems and develops/implements solutions that result in efficient section operation. Consults with and apprises Radiology Supervisor of problems that arise and makes recommendations for a solution. The Incumbent will provide guidance and training for new employees to include orientation to CT, policy overview, protocol overview, and CT competencies. The Incumbent will be tasked with focused work assignments or duties, requiring expert knowledge and high reliability. These assignments or duties are aimed at Facility or Departmental process improvement as well as meeting VISN and/or National Initiatives. The Incumbent will participate in and be an integral part of Departmental and Facility committees such as Radiation Safety, Protocol Management, Dose Tracking, and Quality Improvement. CT duties will include but are not limited to a full range of diagnostic and interventional examinations, complex CT angiography, CT portography, 3-D computer reconstruction, and complex computer measurements and manipulations. The CT supervisor technologist assists the radiologist in a full range of CT procedures that include but are not limited to: percutaneous superficial and deep organ biopsies; paracentesis and thoracentesis; and drainage procedures. The Incumbent ensures all CT images are of acceptable diagnostic quality, as determined by the interpreting Radiologist. Each image should stand on its own. ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principles will be followed during all examinations to ensure the Veteran receives the lowest necessary radiation dose. This includes, but is not limited to proper coning, centering, parameter selection, and shielding. To ensure that diagnostic quality exams are obtained, the Technologist performs basic patient physical examination and review of appropriate laboratory data and tailors the examination and image acquisition on a case-by-case basis. The technologist starts intravenous lines, monitors vital signs, and acts as first assistant to the physician in the performance of all CT-guided procedures. Performance of the procedures requires sterile technique and close interaction between the physician, nurse, technologist, and patient. Receives patient, explains methods of procedure, positions patient and makes exposures necessary for the requested examination. Monitors the examination by checking the computation, performance and results of the selected parameters to obtain the best diagnostic computer-generated data and images. Evaluates scans while in progress and notifies the radiologist or referring physician of significant CT scans/angiography studies requiring their immediate attention and visualization while patient is undergoing examination. Determines when additional slices are needed through an area of abnormality if physician is not immediately available. Reviews new developments in the field and recommends to supervisor those which would improve the operation of the sections. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm with on-call modality supervisor rotation required Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 60101-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
