Summary The incumbent is responsible for all duties supporting the Radiology and Cardiology PACS and associated systems as they relate to software/hardware supporting image display and interpretation. Performs quality control procedures on associated equipment and prepares reports on findings. They will coordinate with Service/facility ADPACS, OIT, Vista Imaging Coordinator, and Clinical Engineering (CE) personnel at RRVAMC. Responsibilities Duties include but not limited to: Assists with the database, archiving, training, program management, ADPAC application coordinator, and technical aspects of the radiology information systems (HIS/RIS), imaging reporting system (transcription, storage, and retrieval system) for the RRVAMC Diagnostic Imaging Service. Assists with the technical and administrative duties such as: equipment and space needs, utilization; policy, procedure, and goal development; and oversight of all quality assurance programs associated with these systems. Supervision of the daily backup of the system, management of various PACS equipment and networks. Work in close coordination with the Chief Tech, Supervisor and the Lead Technical Staff, CE and OI&T specialists regarding all systems training, maintenance, and quality assurance monitoring required by the system. Provide training for Radiologists and associated personnel on PACS and VR software. Develop continual upgrades, programs, and capabilities to the PACS system, utilizing knowledge of imaging modalities, devices, configurations, and optimum requirements of the PACS systems as needed in a radiological environment. Software packages designed to augment delivery of imaging services, working with CE and OI&T to modify, install, and upgrade applications for the system. Test upgrades and implement training for all users involved. Performs all QA/QC testing according to manufacturer's guidelines and service policy. Generates electronic work orders for biomedical engineering. Performs daily review of the Radiology INCOMPLETE exams list. The employee is proficient in the performance of routine radiographic examinations. Assists in the examination of patients when workload and staffing require it. May be called upon to participate in off-tour rotations, holidays or when staffing shortages and emergencies occur. Complies with all Policy regarding infection control practices pertaining to pre cleaning and cleaning processing of RMEs. Responds to telephone and other inquiry from customers (patients, family providers, other staff) providing assistance and information. Provides support and assistance in all areas of the service with technical, administrative, and other tasks, based on the needs of the Service. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: May be available Functional Statement #: 40301-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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), 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). Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. 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-11 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 needed to provide services as a quality control technologist, DRT team leader, supervisory radiologic technologist, [PACS technologist, clinical program director], or an assistant chief radiologic technologist. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: Knowledge of contingency plans during equipment downtimes. Ability to act as liaison for Radiology with biomedical engineering and Ol&T, VISN PACS Administrators and vendor support Ability to develop methods and programs to evaluate, monitor, and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems. Ability to lead a team of multidisciplinary members in accomplishing strategic planning and integration of PACS and network elements. Ability to perform complex system administrator functions such as: oversight of RIS (Hospital Information System/Radiology Information System) links, AE titles, individual and user group creation and access management, etc. Knowledge of VA and other national guidelines pertaining to PACS network, VistA imaging, and database security. Knowledge of specific positioning, technique, and imaging procedures so he/she will be able to perform and reconcile image information correctly and efficiently during technical post processing and evaluation. Preferred experience: Experience in image management principals, image archiving, communications systems, DICOM, and image information management systems. Experience in computers, including hardware, interface issues, operating systems, ethernet, software applications, among others. Knowledge in Radiological Medical Terminology, imaging modalities and radiology workflow processes. General knowledge of radiology exams. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. In accordance with Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) Bulletin, Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages dated October 1, 2023; Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists (DRTs), 0647 (all specializations are included) are not subject to Veterans Preference. This will continue until September 30, 2024. Veterans Preference will not be collected for this announcement. Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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/. Additional Information 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. 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.Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.