Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Mammography)

This position is in the Diagnostic Imaging Service and serves all locations at VA Central Texas Health Care System. This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of breast imaging examinations including mammography, interventional procedures of the breast, and extensive knowledge of Mammography Quality Standards Act, VHA certification in mammography, ACR accreditation in mammography, tomography, breast ultrasound, stereotactic biopsy, and breast MRI.

Qualifications:

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 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).
• 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:

GS-10
Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-09, directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. Experience includes full range of general radiologic imaging exams, broad knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area, and is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor.

• NOTE: to be equivalent to the GS-9 level, experience must also be earned while having an Advanced AART Certification.

Certification. Advanced American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ARRT) (MR).

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs:

• Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.
• Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures.
• Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.
• Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.

Preferred Experience:

• Licensed and accredited through ARRT; certified in Mammography
• Licensed and accredited through ARDMS in Ultrasound or on-the-job training in lieu of
• Knowledgeable of equipment QA functions
• Knowledgeable of FDA/MQSA regulations and requirements
• Minimum of 1 years' experience in mammography and ultrasound
• Knowledgeable of applicable computer programs

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.

Physical Requirements: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs and over); Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour); Pushing (1 - 2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (up to 3 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing (aid permitted).

Responsibilities:

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until October 6, 2025. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be April 11, 2025, with subsequent cut-off dates on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

Applicant Expiration: Applicants will remain active for 3 months after their initial application is received and/or updated. After that time, you must update your application through your USA Jobs account if you would like to be made active again for possible consideration during the open period.

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assists in managing day-to-day operations of the Mammography section to include reviewing of upcoming scheduled appointments to ensure appropriateness of exam and assist radiologist in the pre-screening and protocoling process.
• The Advanced DRT/Mammography will review incoming orders for appropriateness and defer any unique requests to the radiologist for review. Determine 'do as ordered' as per regulation and guidance from the radiologists; process order via the electronic medical health record to the radiologist (or hard copy if necessary), assist radiologists with contrast orders for disposition and contrast type.
• Report machine deficiencies and ensure work orders are submitted for Biomedical assistance or vendor to access issue, submit work orders to any other issues within their section that need attention, repair, or replacement.
• Ensure all supplies needed to perform procedures, to include biopsies and contrast, have been ordered and will manage stocks to ensure no outdated supplies are in the department and that supplies are available for procedures to avoid cancelling appointments.
• Responsible for clinic cancellation due to tech call-out or on leave. Assists in managing leave, to ensure there is a minimum number of staff to cover operating three machines. Deals with emergency leave as they come up and defers requests beyond their scope to the Assistant Chief Technologist.
• Will work individually with the section nurse to get biopsies or special procedures on the schedule and inform the radiologist of the exam.
• Responsible to handle informal complaints from the employees and do what he/she can do to resolve the issue. The incumbent will interface with the Assistant Chief Technologist and Chief Technologist on areas of concern that are outside the scope of their duties and requiring supervisory intervention.
• Obtains images of sufficiently high quality most useful to the interpreting radiologist. The incumbent must evaluate the patient body habitus based on the patient's age, size, condition of skin (placing markers if indicated), position limiting disabilities and previous breast augmentation or surgeries to determine proper exposure technique settings.
• Positions patients accurately, applying knowledge of anatomy and imaging equipment to provide optimal visualization.
• Performs diagnostic mammograms on patients with identified breast problems. Performs additional mammographic projections from protocol or direction from Radiologist.
• Stocks room with supplies needed to perform examinations and provide emergency treatments. Prepares the room and equipment necessary prior to each patient examination.

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30am - 4:00pm
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
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 #: 53513F / Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Mammography)
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Salary : $82,112