Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CBOC)

SummaryThe Lead Radiologic Technologist at the Santa Rosa, CA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) is responsible for coordinating all modalities within the Imaging Service and overseeing all CBOCs within the San Francisco VA Health Care System. They work closely with technologists, other lead technologists, radiologists, clinicians, and clerical staff to ensure optimal quality control, efficient coordination of activities, high-quality diagnostic exam results, and patient satisfaction.DutiesHelpCharged with the responsibility to ensure that programmed personnel assignments are carried out promptly and effectively, as well as aiding when required. Ensures that the Imaging Service's goals, objectives, and work plans are carried out and communicated to the Imaging Service team. Serves as a liaison with all levels of management and executes actions that will guarantee high quality imaging. Monitors technologists' performance and assures that the utmost quality of care is delivered among the CBOCs. Assists in formal orientation, training, and evaluation programs. Recommends, coordinates, and evaluates new or modified procedures and protocols. Ensures that the protocol manuals are up to date with accurate and relevant information. Participates in the continual education program of the technologists, as well as other technologists, through departmental in services. Participates in the evaluation of new employees and any radiology students. Identifies, distributes, and balances the patient workload and all other tasks among technologists according to established workflow, skill level, and imaging specialization, and adjusts to accomplish the workload in accordance with established priorities to ensure the timely completion of assigned tasks. Researches, learns, and applies a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods to identify, assess, analyze, and improve the Imaging Service team's effectiveness, efficiency, and work. Leads the team in evaluating its strengths and weaknesses and provides leadership in exploring alternatives and determining areas for improvement.Determines staffing requirements based on past, present, and future workload patterns and develops the weekly schedule. Organizes staff work assignments, including lunch and break rotations. Participates in quality improvement as directed to ensure the CBOC Radiology Service in Santa Rosa, Oakland and Eureka complies with all performance measures established by the Radiology Service, Medical Center, VISN 21, VA Central Office, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization (JC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), System wide Ongoing Assessment and Review Strategy (SOARS), and Office of the Inspector General (01G). Complies with all JC "National Patient Safety Goals", such goals include but not limited to: (1) effective communication among caregivers, (2) accuracy of patient identification, (3) elimination of wrong procedural site, wrong patient, and wrong procedure, (4) safety of using medications, (5) reduce patient harm associated with clinical alarm systems, (6) reduce the risk of health care associated infections, (7) identifies safety risks inherent in its patient population, and (8) Universal Protocol. The incumbent always assures the safety of all patients. Adheres to the Radiology Service Policy and Procedural Manual, and the directives and policies set by JC, OSHA, Hybrid-Title 38, and the Radiology Service Continuous Quality Improvement (COI) Committee.Computerized Tomography (CT) duties and responsibilities: The incumbent is an expert in all CT and CTA studies. Performs Computerized Tomography (CT) imaging studies of the human anatomy. The types of exams performed include CT Abdomen and Pelvis, CT Body, CT Brain, CT Chest, CT Bone Densitometry, CT Extremities, CT Sinuses, CT Spine, and CT LDCT. Confers with the radiologists to establish the requirements of non-standard examinations, and determines technical factors, positioning, thickness of slices, radiation levels, and clinical requirements of the CT examinations. Responsible for verifying and executing physician orders for diagnostic CT examinations, ensuring the proper preparation of the exams, and the safety and well-being of the patient during the procedures. Determines the best methods of obtaining optimal CT examinations while ensuring patient safety, regulates patient flow, and consults with the radiologists to determine procedural protocols or variances in established procedures. Evaluates exam quality and makes necessary corrections to improve image quality. Practice radiation safety to minimize exposure to patients, staff, and yourself. This is achieved using lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, lead-lined walls, and collimation. The technologist ensures compliance with radiation regulations and wears radiation dosimetry badges.Other duties as assigned.Work Schedule: M-F 8-1630Telework: Not AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: AuthorizedPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedRequirementsHelpConditions of employmentYou 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 trial period.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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.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).QualificationsApplicants 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.English Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d)Certification Requirement: 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 technologistEducation Requirement: 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).Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9 Experience. At least one 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.Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it was earned after completion of the basic certification requirements. Experience as a graduate DRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a DRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a DRT is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a DRT would receive one week of full-time credit for each two weeks of half-time workDemonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs and demonstrate the potential to acquire the assignment-specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*):Knowledge of radiation protection standards, devices and techniques, including concepts of accumulated dosage, dose monitoring, and genetic changes.Ability to utilize advanced imaging software that supports complex imaging programs and recognize changes in equipment and procedures that might result in increased exposures, and ability to recommend methods to prevent such exposures.Knowledge of basic physics including concepts of energy, electric power, magnetic fields, and properties of x-ray, to understand the operation of the equipment.Knowledge and skill in positioning of patients for a wide variety of highly complex imaging (CT, MRI, IR, ultrasound, mammography) studies.]Preferred Experience: DRT-Computed Tomography Certification ARRT (Radiology and CT).References: VA Handbook 5005/119, Part II, Appendix G25, dated December 13, 2019, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standards, GS-0647.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9.Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019EducationNote: 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 informationReceiving 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.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.Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.Expand Hide additional informationCandidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.BenefitsHelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.