Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

The Diagnostic Imaging Service within the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center is seeking Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists for the Hinesville Clinic in Hinesville Georgia and the Brunswick Clinic in Brunswick Georgia.

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The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) in General Radiology within the Ralph H. Johnson VA HealthCare System. The DRT at this level performs routine to complex radiographic examinations using diagnostic imaging equipment such as digital radiographic units, fluoroscopic units, portable equipment, and DEXA (Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry) machines.

Typical duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Performs imaging using digital/computerized radiography equipment. Work includes computer manipulation, patient/protocol/parameter selection and releasing images to storage system (VistA and PACS). Knowledge and application of procedures results in accurate and timely processed radiographs.
• Responsible to the Radiologists and/or supervisor for the quality and quantity of radiographic exams performed. Notifies Radiologists and/or ordering providers of examinations requiring their immediate attention.
• Practices radiation safety and ALARA principles to reduce exposure to patient, staff, and self. Utilizes lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields as well as proper collimation, technical factor selection and adherence to VHA and facility Radiation Safety policies
  and directives. Complies with regulations, wears film badges/ring badges, as directed. Screens all child-bearing age patients for pregnancy and documents appropriately.
• Receives and identifies patients using at least two identifiers. Ensures selection and performance of correct patient, correct exam, correct protocol.
• Ensures all pertinent anatomy is demonstrated, correct anatomical markers are visible, proper annotations are made, and correct orientation of the image is set prior to transmitting to the PACS. Verifies accurate and timely archiving/completion of imaging
  on PACS. Registers and cases exam in a timely manner. Immediately notifies PACS administrator for correction of any errors.
• Explains exams to patients to ensure understanding of expectations and requirements.
• Performs bone densitometry examinations utilizing DEXA scanner. Determines technical factors, positioning of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of DEXA scanning. Positions the patient and equipment to obtain desired images. Verifies regions of interest (ROI); evaluates quality of measurements for problems due to artifacts, pathology, etc.; recommends additional scanning as necessary; flags values that require physician's attention (low T-score; unreliable results, etc.); and archives results.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, Brunswick location 8:00am - 4:30pm, Hinesville location 7:30am - 4:00pm
Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: FS 58734
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.
• English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

• Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R) and hold an advanced ARRT certification in MR.
• Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 2 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).

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). All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
(1) DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
(2) DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels.
(3) DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
(4) DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
(5) Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT.

Grade Determinations: GS-08

Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level.

Assignments. Employees at this grade level serve as staff DRTs at the full performance level. Candidates at this grade level must be qualified to independently provide services in specialized areas of radiologic technology and/or general radiologic technology services with only occasional oversight or direction for highly complex issues.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

• Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines.
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed.
• Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
• Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed.
• Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers.
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas ofinterest.

Reference: FORMER VA HANDBOOK REFERENCE: PART II APPENDIX G25. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.

Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion. It may require long periods of standing, walking and sitting. It may involve frequent bending, twisting, lifting; positioning patients; and carrying, pushing, or pulling moderately heavy objects.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.