Summary

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) is seeking a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to work in the Diagnostic Imaging Service - Magnetic Resonance Imaging section within the facility. This position will be located in Houston - TX. Employee at this level is considered fully functional and able to carry out their assigned tasks independently. Performs technical work in support of Diagnostic Radiology under the direct supervision of a physician.

Qualifications

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: Must be a citizen of the United States
• (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - chapter 3 - section A - paragraph 3g.) 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 the technologist 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)
• Grandfathering Provision
• 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
• English Language Proficiency
• DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) - and 7407(d)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR)
• This specialty modality requires additional knowledge of superconducting magnets - the physics of superconducting magnets - and how they relate to the human anatomy in medical imaging
• The technologist must be educated in the safety factors governing a magnetic environment that patients - visitors - and equipment enter
• The practitioner must have specialized knowledge of cross sectional anatomy and how it relates to the soft tissues and vessels of the human body
• The technologist must also have specialized knowledge in the radio-frequency surface coils required for each specific anatomical area to be imaged
• This assignment may also perform basic magnetic resonance safety program duties
• Technologists must be knowledgeable in contrast media - power injectors - and PACS
• DRT assignments that include performance of independent duties in this subspecialty require advanced ARRT (MR) certification
• Grade Determinations: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist - GS-9 Experience
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level - directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills - and Abilities.The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): i
• *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures
• ii
• Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record - significant others - and health care providers
• iii
• *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure
• iv
• Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography
• v
• Knowledge of physical assessment - aseptic techniques - intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions
• vi
• Knowledge of pre-procedural - procedural - and post-procedural care of patients
• Preferred Experience: Certified as an MRI Technologist
• Minimum 1 year as an MRI Technologist
• 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-09
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09
• Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation - see Duties section for essential job duties of the position
• May require standing - lifting - carrying - sitting - stooping - bending - puling - and pushing
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
• Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions
• the area is adequately lighted - heated - and ventilated
• However - the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.

Duties

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The duties of the advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Diagnostic Imaging Service include - but are not limited to: Operates MRI equipment to capture high-quality diagnostic images in accordance with radiologists' protocol and physician's specifications
• Verifies patient identification and reviews medical history relevant to the MRI procedure
• Screens patients for contraindications such as metal implants or pacemakers
• Explains the MRI procedure clearly and addresses any concerns to ensure patient understanding and comfort - reducing any anxiety
• Delivers patient care tailored to meet the cognitive - emotional - and developmental needs of adult and geriatric patients
• Performs various MRI exams on head - neck - spine - chest - abdomen - pelvis and extremities - with and without contrast
• Performs Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) exams of the veins and arteries throughout the body - including those in the brain - neck - heart - chest - abdomen - pelvis and limbs
• Prepares - positions - and immobilizes patients accurately and comfortably in the MRI scanner using cushions - straps - or supports to ensure comfort - patient safety - high-quality imaging - and to minimize motion artifacts
• Reviews all radiology requests for accuracy - appropriateness - and desired date
• They investigate any questionable details and consult with the radiologist - if necessary
• documents all relevant information in VistA and/or the patient's Electronic Health Record before contacting the patient to perform the exam
• Maintains technical proficiency among the variety of scanners their perspective applications and protocols
• Optimizes scan times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases
• This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patients
• Inserts intravenous (IV) lines for contrast administration using aseptic technique - ensuring proper vein selection and secure placement
• Technologist must maintain venipuncture competency
• Participates in quality control and assurance programs to maintain optimal imaging procedures
• Performs routine checks and basic troubleshooting on MRI equipment
• Reports and documents any incidents - equipment malfunctions - or safety concerns in a timely manner
• Maintains an organized and well-stocked MRI suite - including medical supplies - contrast agents - IV kits - syringes - PPE - linens and disinfectants
• Independently organizes and completes assignments in a safe and timely manner
• Aids team members as needed
• Assists radiologist - other technologist - students from affiliated institutions and other health care professionals - as MEDVAMC is a teaching institute
• The technologist must possess computer proficiency for effective use of technology in managing patient information - documentation and communication within a healthcare setting
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 12:30 p.m
• - 9:00 p.m
• Subject to change based on the needs of the facility
• Recruitment Incentive (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)
• Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual - based on prior work experience or military service experience
• 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 #: 580-00184-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.