Massachusetts Healthcare Jobs

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Responsibilities These Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist positions are in Radiology service at the VA Boston Healthcare System, located at the Jamaica Plain, MA campus. These positions are intermittent and temporary not to exceed one (1) year. The incumbent's principal responsibilities are to perform Computerized Trans axial scan procedures for the patients of this medical center. Technologist prepare patients by explaining the exams thoroughly along with positioning the patient to minimize radiation exposure. CT technologist is to examine the appropriateness of an exam. Then under the guidance of the radiologist perform the exam in a timely manner in accordance to departmental guidelines. Examinations include but are not limited to any multiplanar imaging requests of the Cranium, Thorax, Abdominal/Pelvic cavities, extremity and vascular imaging. The technologist is required to have strong knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy to identify pathological and or structural abnormalities. The incumbent will also be responsible for the following functions, but not limited: Maintain and record all Quality Assurance standards accurately in accordance to departmental guidelines. The technologist maintains BLS Certification and will satisfy credentialing requirements are met and have records readily available. The technologist will display superior bolus tracking ability based on the needs of the imaging request. This should include all CTA/CTV Neurological, Cardiac, Thoracic, Endovascular Abdominal, Extremity exams. The technologist will have a strong fundamental knowledge of departmental and exam protocol requirements. The technologist will prepare the contrast media under the direction of the radiologist. Using sterile technique, the contrast media is carefully drawn then loaded into a syringe. The contrast media is delivered intravenously via power injection. The technologist will monitor the injection, and patient post administration of contrast media to ensure no reaction has occurred. The technologist has knowledge on observing and monitoring patients during injections.- In the event of allergic reaction, the technologist understands the complexity of the reaction and knows how respond appropriately using alert devices and assisting radiologist/code team. Maintains compliance with departmental standards in regard to venipuncture and iv administration. Technologist understands policies and procedures for practicing radiation safety. Adhering to A.L.A.R.A. whenever possible as well as how to communicate High Dosing Outliers results with the radiologist. The Technologist Identifies the patient prior procedure in accordance to privacy guidelines. Once the exam is complete sends imaging appropriately to PACS for achieving. Understands how to close out a case and removal of patient information appropriately. Work Schedule: Intermittent, TBD at time of interview, weekends and holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: F03606 EDRP Authorized: Contact, the EDRP Coordinator Karen Chapman for questions/assistance at Karen.Chapman@va.gov Relocation Incentive: Not Authorized Recruitment Incentive: Maybe Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required NOTIFICATIONS: This position is in the Excepted Service. Veterans' preference does not apply for other current permanent Federal agency employees. Due to a critical staffing shortage, 38 U.S.C. § 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans' preference for this job announcement. Current Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held. This position is a NAGE Bargaining Unit position. This position is covered by a special rate. Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) will be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 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. A current, valid state-issued Driver's License is required for this position. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/29/2023. 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 (ARRT) (R). Advanced ARRT certification is required for Computed Tomography (CT). Education. Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months duration (or the equivalent) in a post-high school diagnostic radiologic technology program, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from schools accredited by the ARRT and certification by the ARRT in radiology. 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: DRT GS 9: (a) Experience. At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-8) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to check system for operation and assess acceptable performance based on established guidelines. Knowledge of calibration parameters and the ability to make adjustments as needed. Knowledge of patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results. Ability to monitor patient's physiologic changes during the procedure and keep the radiologist informed. Skill in using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy in dealings with the customer base, patients, staff, family, visitors, and volunteers. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy, recognizing unusual images, and determining proper positioning to best demonstrate areas of interest (c) The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *Ability to balance the needs of patients and staff while still performing complex scans and procedures. *Knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. *Ability to assess factors that may contraindicate the procedure. *Knowledge of basic first aid and basic life support practices related to radiography. *Knowledge of physical assessment, aseptic techniques, intravenous methods and techniques and universal precautions. *Knowledge of pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural care of patients. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/77 PART II APPENDIX G25The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: This position requires a moderate amount of physical activity working with the equipment and maneuvering patients including eye/hand coordination; full use of arms, hands and wrists; transporting, lifting, lowering, moving, turning heavy objects and/or patients; standing, sitting, or reaching for extended periods of time. Requires color vision and depth perception: must be able to differentiate subtle shades of gray on a diagnostic image; must also respond to audio signals. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. Additional Information 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.