Summary The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (PACS). The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (PACS) will function in Radiology Service. Responsibilities This position will serve as first level support to the system users and will subsequently communicate issues to the PACS Administrator(s). This resource will provide daily operational support to system users. This position will demonstrate the ability to work independently. The Assistant PACS technologist will provide support to the GS-11 PACS Manager assisting with system application issues and instructs users in the proper operation of digital image processing, post-processing, storage, and display systems. The technologist performs VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control. When Cerner Millennium launches in Cleveland, the incumbent will also support the operations that were previously performed under VistA and VistA imaging. The technologist works with the PACS Manager and coordinates contingency plans during equipment downtimes and initiates repair requests with appropriate services or vendors. The technologist provides oversight of hardware relating to PACS display workstations, applications, speech recognition hardware, and other medical imaging hardware. The technologist assists the PACS Manager GS-11 providing training to radiologists, technologists, and other clients in the proper and efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS and VistA imaging systems. The technologist provides instruction and guidance in daily operations of the ancillary systems such as: speech recognition dictation, dose reporting systems, contrast reporting systems, mammography reporting systems, imaging sharing software, etc. This position is located within the Health Science section of the Radiology & Nuclear Medicine Service at the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System (VANEOHS). Duties: Analyze problems and determine the appropriate course of action required to resolve problems. Work with vendors and service staff to troubleshoot problems with hardware, software applications, system and end user access. Monitor and support voice recognition system daily. Ensure digital image quality standards and post-processing parameters are maximized for the best clinical results. Perform application software training, customize software for various users and take appropriate action to ensure PACS system security as it relates to patient information. Train PACS support employees in the conversion of analog diagnostic film images into Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) digital format for onscreen review and subsequent electronic storage using film digitizer. Assist in the sending and receiving of PACS DICOM digital x-ray images. Coordinate training and provides ongoing daily support to users of the Voice Recognition System. Answer questions from all Clinical staff concerning PACS and related imaging systems including the Radiology Information System. Participate in VISN 10 PACS community and work with the Director of Health Science and PACS Manager for implementation of new imaging informatics technologies. Develop instructional materials for display of radiographic images at clinic workstations. Maintain manuals, reference books, documentation and/or software instructions associated with the programs and systems used in the Imaging Department. Prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and software instructions for systems users. Develop appropriate contingency plans and execute plan to ensure continuous patient care in case of emergency. Collaborate with Imaging Teams to prepare documentation of the organizations imaging, hardware and network systems. Modify and prepare basic copies of system documents and guides to assist end users in the basic operation of imaging systems within the department. Work closely with the Radiologists and Modality Supervisors to create worklists in PACS to effectively read studies in a timely manner. This also includes management of hanging protocols used by radiologists. Maintain accurate records, as required by management, for quality assurance analysis, quality control, performance improvement, and other related purposes. Work closely with the Director of Health Science and PACS Administrator(s) to identify problems, gather data, perform analysis, and propose solutions to problems and barriers to establishment of an efficient, cost-effective imaging network environment. Research and/or analyze problems, issues, or program requirements supporting the functions of a digital imaging system. Determines pertinent issues and collects relevant information from a variety of sources. Review information and applies standard analytical techniques. Makes recommendations or proposals to address problems and issues. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 94126-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. 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 2 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: Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies described at that level. i.e., experience that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics needed to provide diagnostic radiologic technology services at that level which include: 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. In addition to the experience listed above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSA's: Ability to provide support and troubleshoot system application and hardware issues and instruct users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage and display systems. Ability to perform VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control. Ability to initiate repair requests with appropriate services or vendors. Knowledge of PACS system infrastructure and functionality. Ability to provide training to all user levels in the efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS system. 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 Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Work requires walking, pushing, and lifting of patients and their respective transporting. devices, patient's records and MRI scans and inputting data into the VISTA computer system as well as laundry and other stocking items needed. Heavy lifting of incapacitated patients is done with the help of other employees and various lifting devices. Work requires technologist to be aware of all who enter the MRI room and what they have on or in them along with the type of monitoring equipment they may have (ex; O2 tank, IVAC pump). Incumbent must pass pre-employment physical and designated drug testing. 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 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. 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. 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.