Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist -Lead Mammography Technologist

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application.

Major duties

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Duties: Performs duties as the Lead Mammography Technologist in the facility or within the confines of the mobile mammography bus. Operates independently and without direct supervision as the technologist responsible for the performance and coordination of all mammography exams and procedures. Maintains effective workflow in the mammography section by coordinating, planning, organizing and executing appropriate patient breast imaging studies, procedures, and referrals to expedite patient care. Schedules patient for exams/procedures and maintains patient information in the mammography reporting system. Assists in developing and maintaining the mammography quality assurance program Performs Quality Control procedures in accordance with vendor specific guidance, as outlined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA), American College of Radiology (ACR), and VHA directives. Assists the Diagnostic Radiology Supervisor and Radiology Leadership in creating, implementing, collecting, critiquing and preparing mammography documents and reports with current data to ensure compliance with FDA/MQSA, ACR, and VHA mandates Submits updates as required to the ACR to ensure compliance and continued operation of mammography services. Submits mammography images and required documents every 3 years to ACR accreditation for renewal. Ensures that the examination rooms and work rooms are kept clean and neat in appearance, as well as fully stocked with supplies. Assists DRT Supervisor in developing and presenting management briefing reports specific to the operation of the mammography section such as the repeat/reject image analyses, annual audit, quarterly credentialing qualification report, Assists Radiologist in the performance of special examinations and procedures such as needle localization, cyst aspiration, and core biopsy. Troubleshoots equipment used in mammography by monitoring the daily, weekly, and quarterly QC procedures and provides suggestions about repairs and/or adjustments Assists VA SLC Digital Imaging Team with incoming and outgoing mammography image studies provided on CD for continued care. Employs up-to-date record keeping and tracking mechanisms. Maintains radiologists, technologists and physicist credentialing records to ensure that each person maintains the minimum MQSA qualifications. Responsible for explaining exams to patients in terms the patient will comprehend as well as understanding potential hazards. Receives and interprets breast imaging requests. Inputs pertinent radiology information into computer systems. Responsible for processing orders, registering, canceling and editing exams via the computer radiology information system (RIS). Validates and sends lay summary letter to each patient once the mammogram has been reported by a radiologist. Properly identifies patient images, laterality, and position. Ensure images, identification and imaging request match. Ensure proper dosage techniques to minimize radiation exposure, utilize radiation safeguards by practicing ALARA. Perform patient education. Ensure that a thorough patient history is documented and forwarded to the radiologist. Ability to modify exams/procedures as needed to compensate for patient's individual medical conditions and body habitus. Ability to make critical decisions, interact with patients of different ages and health conditions, maintain patient confidentiality, and work under stressful conditions, such as operating or emergency rooms. Driving is required for this position, the employee must possess and maintain a current, valid state driver's license. Work Schedule: Rotating shifts 24/7 coverage weekends, holidays and on call Telework: No Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:61540 DRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact SLCedrp@va.gov , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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: 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).] English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d) Driver License Requirement. This position requires a current, valid Driver's License. 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 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 Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Functions as a lead DRT for a group of DRTs at the full performance level and below, providing input on performance, resolving daily workplace issues, and maintaining efficient workflow. Provides a full range of general radiologic imaging exams, has a general knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area, and is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:

1. i. Ability to provide technical oversight and assign personnel and tasks to be accomplished in a manner that assures completion of the workload utilizing the personnel to the greatest advantage thus providing the optimal level of patient care within the workday.
2. ii. Ability to plan, direct, and distribute work assignments to DRTs at lower grade levels.
3. iii. Skill in instructing and training DRTs on newly acquired equipment.
4. iv. Ability to plan and project staffing needs.
5. v. Skill to independently perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations

Preferred Experience: One year at the next lowest grade GS-8 performing mammography examinations. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Education

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/.

Requirements

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. 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.