Summary This position is located at the Atlanta VA Medical Center and is directly supervised by the Radiology Section Chief and Chief Technologist. This position functions as a lead technologist for a group of DRTs. The technologist performs a full range of general radiologic treatment procedures and possesses broad knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area. The technologist is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. Responsibilities Duties include, however, not limited to: Coordinates preventative maintenance services (vendor related service) with the imaging modality technologist and biomedical engineering as needed. Works with the supervisors and physicists to ensure compliance with radiation safety program for acceptance testing of all new installations of equipment and annual physicists' reports as necessary. Will maintain accurate records and reports, as required by management, for quality assurance analysis, quality control, performance improvement, and other related purposes when needed. Is responsible for ensuring that communications are operational for all assigned contracted clinical sites, including Community Care referrals pertaining to the orders for patients within the surrounding area when needed. Collaborates with various referred vendors regarding complex order results that may affect the efficiency of operations, and quality of data processing products and services, and the adequacy of data used in subject matter processes. Assists and maintains a collaborated quality control program for digital radiographic images to include, but not necessarily be restricted to, evaluation of image quality from modality thru a viewing monitor(s). Is responsible for the assessment of imaging quality throughout the "imaging chain"; from exam production, if available to the arrival of the image (s) into the modality processing computer, transfer of the image from the modality to the PACS, ensuring the electronic matching of the images with the Radiology report via Voice Recognition dictation system. Ensures DRT functions are completed in daily operations. Responsible for monthly quality improvement data and Radiology Orders Management data for presentation at the departmental quarterly meetings, in addition to reporting on quality issues identified in the modality. Performs Radiology Technologists (Mammography) duties within the Service for 25% of the time when assigned. Ensures acceptable system performance levels by utilizing various tools for monitoring performance, capacity planning, imaging management/maintenance to adjust system and operation parameters as necessary. Has practical knowledge quality control regarding all aspects of equipment and radiation safety and maintains daily functions of equipment when needed. Has extensive knowledge of a wide range of analytical and diagnostic methods and procedures. Evaluates and monitors the imaging techniques of technologists in each imaging modality. Incumbent ensures that documentation is maintained daily regarding departmental QC programs on equipment and notifies imaging service management officials and biomedical engineers if results deviate outside acceptable tolerances when needed. Maintains accurate records as required by management and Joint Commission, FDA and MSQA for quality assurance analysis, quality control, performance. Maintains daily records on all mammography examinations, including outsourced exams. Monitors compliance with recommendations for follow-up studies. Ensures patients are contacted to ensure that they are aware of the need for follow-up care. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 4:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 54946FS Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not 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), 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).] 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 (GS - 10) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies needed to provide services as a supervisory radiologic technologist. Mammographers must be able to employ specialized mammographic image techniques such as magnification views and implant views of the breast. The mammographer is required to be completely familiar with, and adhere to, all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines regulating the practice of mammography, radiation safety, and quality assurance requirements. Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: The incumbent functions as a lead technologist for a group of DRTs at the GS-10 level and below. The technologist performs a full range of general radiologic treatment procedures and possesses broad knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area. The technologist is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. 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. *Skill in directing on-the-job training for employees. ii. *Ability to evaluate work performance of lower level employees and recommend performance ratings. iii. *Skill in technical planning and oversight to set and adjust work priorities, and [ensure] that work requirements are met based on employee capabilities. iv. Ability to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served, including knowledge of growth and development. v. *Knowledge of medical center, VHA, and government-wide human resources management regulations, policies, and procedures. References: VA Handbook 5005/119 PART II APPENDIX G25 December 13, 2019.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: This position requires heavy lifting , 45 pounds and over, prolonged standing, repeated bending, transferring. stooping, stretching, walking, pushing, or pulling with and without assistance from another patient care provider or significant other. Reaching above the shoulder; use of fingers, good dexterity (both hands required). Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; distinguish basic colors; good hearing (aid permitted); good vision; speed in working and emotional stability. Must have the ability to Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Lead Apron) for periods of time. A health examination must be successfully complete prior to this assignment and periodically thereafter as required by the Employee Health Clinic policy. 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 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. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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.