The Lead MRI Technologist has the responsibility of the coordination and performance of the Magnetic Resonance area. The incumbent works closely with the technologists, radiologists, referring clinicians and clerical staff to assure optimum quality control, efficient coordination of activities, high quality diagnostic exam results, and patient satisfaction. 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).] [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and7407(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). Preferred Experience: Grade Determinations: GS- 11 Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies needed to provide services as a quality control technologist, DRT team leader, supervisory radiologic technologist, [PACS technologist, clinical program director], or an assistant chief radiologic technologist. [The technologist] 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. Knowledge of contingency plans during equipment downtimes. ii. Ability to act as liaison for Radiology with biomedical engineering and OI&T. iii. Ability to develop methods and programs to evaluate, monitor, and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems. iv. Ability to lead a team of multidisciplinary members in accomplishing strategic planning and integration of PACS and network elements. v. Ability to perform complex system administrator functions such as: oversight of RIS (Hospital Information System/Radiology Information System) links, AE titles, individual and user group creation and access management, etc. vi. Knowledge of VA and other national guidelines pertaining to PACS network, VistA imaging, and database security. vii. 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.] References: VA Handbook 5005/119 Part II, Appendix G25, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard GS-0647, dated December 13, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. Physical Requirements: The incumbent requires one to be able to sit, stand or walk for long periods of time as the work is primarily sedentary in nature. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on clinical needs. The incumbent will be using multiple computer systems, using both mouse and keyboard Input, stressing the hand wrist. ["Lead MRI Technologist duties include leading the technologists in any PAVA affiliated hospital or clinic (CBOC). During absence of the Assistant Chief or Chief Technologist, the incumbent acts as his/her designee. Incumbent ensures the effective operation of the Magnetic Resonance Section from a technical standpoint (i.e. planning, directing, and controlling activities and resources, people and material) to meet the needs of the section - this includes staffing, assignments, workflow and scheduling administration. Incumbent will distribute workload; maintain the work to ensure that all members of the Imaging Section properly adhere to policies and procedures developed by the Radiology Service and Medical Center, when applicable. Lists the major duties and responsibilities of the position Supervises the technical services and programs that support this complex tertiary care facility, VA satellite clinics in surrounding communities, and VISN 21. These services provided are direct and have a significant impact in other multi-mission organizational units' ability to provide critical patient support. The incumbent's ability to identify and implement methods for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of performing these services and the liaison role the incumbent plays affect the overall operational services to the patients, families, and community. Sets and adjust short-term and long-term priorities and prepares schedules for goals on completion of assigned tasks. The Lead MRI Technologist is required to adhere to the on-call, holiday, weekend, and weekly work schedules and participate in rotating shifts as required. Incumbent is competent to perform the most complex MR imaging procedures at least 25% of the time and may be assigned post processing responsibilities. Assigns work based on priorities, consideration of difficulty and requirements of assignments, and capabilities of employees. Manages technologist Staff Scheduling: Develop and maintain an on-call schedule for MRI technologists in conjunction with other sections and service leadership. Determine staffing requirements based on past, present, and future workload patterns and develops the daily schedules. Organize staff work assignments, including lunch and break rotations. Report absences and tardiness to Assistant Chief and Chief Technologist. Recommends the reassignment of techs, if necessary, because of call-ins or increased/decreased workload. Coordinates leave requests i.e. vacation schedules, to maintain optimal staffing levels. Coordinates and approves leave requests to maintain optimal staffing levels. Evaluates and directs work performance of subordinates. Responsible for yearly performance appraisals and annually reviews the functional statements and the performance standards on all employees under his/her supervision. Evaluate technical imaging contractors work to ensure quality and standards compliance. Makes decisions on work problems presented by facility supervisors, administrators, facility team leaders, similar personnel, and contractors. Provides advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on both clinical and administrative matters. Follows established Quality Assurance (QA) guidelines and protocols to ensure integrity, availability, authenticity, and confidentiality of imaging data transmitted by the various modalities. Assigned as the MR Safety Officer (MRSO) for Palo Alto Healthcare Center, including management of an effective screening program, development of MRI-safe scan protocols, and training of MR and Non-MR staff on MR safe practices. Incumbent must be professional, cooperative and be able to work with other employees. Work Schedule: Various tours of duty: day, evening, nights, weekends, holidays, on-call Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
