This position provides planning, guidance and oversight of departmental QM program as well as assisting in long range planning of the Radiology VistA package in DHCP. Serves as a specialist providing support in the operation / management of digital image acquisition, processing, storage, and display systems at San Diego VAMC. Responsible for training Radiologists, Technologists, Clinicians, and Residents while also trouble shooting, reporting errors, and providing ad hoc reports as necessary. 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. 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). 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. 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: In addition to meeting the basic requirements listed above, applicants must meet the grade requirements for 1 year equivalent to at least next lower grade level GS-10. EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the GS-10 grade level in Federal Service, directly related to the position being filled, that demonstrates the clinical competencies needed to provide services as a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Examples of qualifying experience include, but are not limited to: Performs peripheral and visceral angiography of the abdominal systems and extremities i.e. renal, hepatic, mesenteric, aortic, femoral, etc. Such procedures may be performed in the operating room. The purpose of these exams is to achieve diagnostic or therapeutic studies of the vascular systems. Candidates must also demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of all Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and VA standards regarding radiology quality assurance and other technical functions. Ability to train staff on quality assurance and control. Knowledge of inventory management systems. Knowledge of x-ray and other image-producing machinery in order to design and operate a complete radiology quality assurance program. Knowledge of physics and [physical properties of CR and DR panels and image production to diagnose difficulties in x-ray machinery and post processing equipment. Preferred Experience: 3+ years of experience in a advanced modality highly preferred. Strong verbal and written communication skills. 2+ years of Radiology equipment configuration and connectivity experience highly desired. Previous experience reviewing image quality in General Radiology, MRI, CT, IR, DEXA, Mammography and Ultrasound is highly preferred. Experience with contracts, invoice payment, equipment and contract procurements and market research. References: VA Handbook 5005/119, PART II, APPENDIX G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: DRT's work requires long periods of standing, walking and/or sitting and walking up to 8 hours. There is repeated bending, pushing / pulling, reaching above shoulders, use of both hands (hands and fingers), twisting and carrying of moderately heavy articles weighing from 15-44 pounds such as multiple cassettes, grids, as well as wearing lead aprons in addition to sedentary duties. Movement of moderately heavy equipment is generally power assisted such as portable machines. Positioning of patients who are disabled may require considerable effort and working in awkward positions. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done only with help of other employees and devices provided by the Radiology Section. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. ["The incumbent is the primary individual responsible ensuring that communications are operational for all sites. The incumbent's ability to accomplish objectives requires collaborating with other service line officials, Chair of Radiology, Chief Technologist, Imaging Supervisors, Bio-Med, Vendors, Radiation Safety Officer and Quality management. The incumbent will ensure that professional staff is provided the time and resources to complete their clinical, teaching and research activities in an optimal/ effective manner. Work results affect the efficiency of operations, and quality of data processing products and services, and the adequacy of data used in subject matter processes. Major duties are below but not limited to: Responsible for leading monthly Quality Improvement committee in the Department of Radiology and reporting on quality issues identified in each modality. Develops performance improvement plans and corrective actions based on findings. Monitors outcome of improvement plans to ensure success. Performs general ADPAC duties within Radiology Service. Develops Quality Control methods and programs to evaluate and monitor the imaging techniques of the technologists in each imaging modality. Incumbent ensures that documentation is maintained in regard to departmental QC programs on equipment and notifies imaging Service management officials and biomedical engineers if results deviate outside acceptable tolerances. Ensures adequate documentation is maintained on Quality Management systems in order to trend analysis of data. Incumbent provides impartial data to front line supervisors pertaining to technologist's efficiency and expertise of imaging to aid them in oversight and training of those techs who fall short of established guidelines. Knowledge of process improvement and continuous quality improvement, Joint Commission, FDA, ARRT, and Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), and VHA quality standards, policies and, regulations necessary to diagnose and systematically solve complex problems within complicated systems of care. Knowledge of applicable accreditation and survey requirements imposed on the service line including inspection criteria and grading methods as they affect the needs and demands upon the administrative management of the various divisions. Imaging medical records quality responsibilities. Identifies and determines training needs for Technologists and Physician staff with regard to all relevant elements of documentation of imaging information/notes/reports in CPRS and/ or VistA. The incumbent serves as Imaging Service CPRS trainer and liaison to hospital CPRS experts. The incumbent maintains accurate records as required by management and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) for quality assurance analysis, quality control, performance improvement and other related purposes. Assists the Chief of Radiology, Chief Technologist or Supervisors in the assessment, procurement of new equipment, and inventory of all equipment within Radiology Service. Identifies problems, gathers data, performs analysis, and proposes solutions to problems / barriers to establishment of an efficient, cost-effective imaging environment. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?Readying Warriors and Caring for Heroes! This position is located within Surgical Services at the CAPT James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) in North Chicago, IL. The FHCC is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), and Department of Navy (DoN)/Department of Defense (DoD). It is larger than just a single facility, but rather it is a fully-integrated medical care facility with a single combined VA and Navy mission. The combined mission of the FHCC means active duty military and their family members, military retirees, and eligible veterans receive health care at this facility.VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Join the FHCC team of energetic, career-minded professionals! For additional information, click onhttp://www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov/index.asp.