Summary The Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) is responsible for the coordination and oversight of the performance and technical operations of those staff in their line of direct reports within Ancillary Service for the Battle Creek VAMC and subsequent community based outpatient clinics (CBOCs). The incumbent will assist with supervisory responsibilities in the absence of other Diagnostic Imaging supervisors for additional imaging staff within Ancillary service; as needed. Responsibilities Major duties include, but are not limited to: Responsible for the performance of the individuals under their direct supervision within Ancillary Service. He/she interviews and assists in evaluation of candidates for positions in the service and recommends promotions, reassignments or other status changes of assigned personnel. Resolves informal complaints of employees at the lowest level when possible or coordinates with Ancillary leadership as appropriate as needed. The incumbent provides direction to personnel in managing their respective sections and offers advice and guidance in handling unique problems. Monitors activities within the Radiology sub-section of Ancillary Service, analyzes organizational, technical and administrative problems, and takes appropriate action as required in order to ensure efficient and effective program operations. Advises employees of performance requirements and keeps them informed of their progress in meeting these requirements. Identifies continuing education and training needs. Holds corrective interviews with employees regarding inadequate performance or conduct. Recommends disciplinary actions when appropriate. Regularly sets objectives for self, staff and the department. Deals with the union representatives on matters involving employees. Implements provisions of personnel management programs where well established procedures exist such as EEO, career development plans, departmental policy and procedures, award and incentive programs, grievance procedures and safety practices. Directs in-service trainings and oversees radiologic student programs ensuring staff maintains a high level of skill and meets at least the minimum level of continuing education required for certification and/or licensure. Participates in the development/revision, implementation and communication of goals, policies, and standards for the department. Works with nursing and other clinical supervisors in addressing radiology service issues and to support the maintenance of high quality patient care. Recommends action to the Service Chief and the Diagnostic Imaging Supervisor in regard to equipment purchases, modifications and construction within the department. Participates in quality performance/improvement activities and ensures compliance with Joint Commission requirements for activities under his/her area of responsibility. Quality assurance activities include image quality assessment and continual review and update of protocols and techniques. Responsible to ensure proper imaging equipment operation and safety for carrying out recommendations from the Radiation safety committee, tissue & tumor board, Radiology quality committee, and or other committees as appropriate. Quality assurance reviews of imaging completed by subordinates (positioning/label/technique/ network information). Assists in the troubleshooting of problems with imaging equipment including PAC's. Assists with daily maintenance of imaging systems as they relate to the proper acquisition of data/images from modalities. Assists in the coordination of testing of radiology equipment by in-house engineers and/or outside manufacturers and health physicists and well as coordinates the preventive maintenance program. Practices hospital safety, infection control, universal precaution and uses As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principles in radiation safety in accordance with age and/or gender specific departmental guidelines. Assists in developing policy and procedure for technical staff with input from the Diagnostic Imaging Supervisor, Service Chief and Quality Management Technologist. Incumbent oversees scheduling grids as appropriate. Collaborates with clerical and administrative staff to ensure appropriate availability according to established business rules and or VHA directives. Performs radiographic procedures using the proper technique. These exams are performed using proper exposure techniques and technical aids to produce images of diagnostic quality with minimum repeats. Completes procedures on time through case editing with in VISTA application. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patient, staff and self as well as ensuring direct reports do the same. Utilization of necessary protective equipment is mandatory such as the use of lead aprons, lead gloves, and lead shields. Maintains records and files of exams performed on patients within Computerized Patient Record System. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc Functional Statement #: 93519-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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. 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 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. 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). 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-10: You must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09), which is directly related to the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience include, but are not limited to: fully functional as an advanced DRT and carrying out assigned tasks independently; completing varying assignments including special and complex imaging procedures beyond the full performance level, clinical instruction, and basic QM type duties; knowledge of techniques for gathering relevant information from the medical record, significant others, and health care providers. In addition to the experience above, 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. *Ability to analyze organizational, technical, and administrative problems and to develop and implement solutions that result in efficient section operation. ii. Ability to evaluate quality management procedures and processes. iii. *Ability to analyze and use data effectively to manage workload, quality, performance, and productivity. iv. *Skill in developing new policies and guidelines as needed. v. Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G25 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: The work requires a high level of standing. There will be some walking, sitting, and carrying of light to moderate items. The need to transfer patients is not frequent but will be required. The administrative work requires keen and sustained attention span and stress management over long hours. There is frequent use of a computer, keyboard, and display terminal. 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 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. VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. 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.