This is a position in the Radiology Service at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center. This position is intended to provide experience and on-the-job training. The DRT (PACS Administrator) provides clinical applications as a professional who comprehends the objectives and functionality of clinical and administrative application and the interrelationship of those applications to the operations of the clinical services, particularly about the computerized medical record. 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). Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as a DRT on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the DRT occupation. For employees who do not meet all of the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: DRTs that require a certification, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. DRTs that require a certification only at higher grade levels must meet the certification requirement before they can be promoted to those higher grade levels. DRTs who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. DRTs initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or certification that meet all of the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. Employees who are retained as a DRT under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry as a DRT. 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: Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist , GS-11 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. Assignments: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. DRTs at this grade level may be appointed to one of the following assignments: - PACS Technologist. This position serves as a liaison for the Office of Information and Technology (OI&T), Biomedical Engineering staff and clinical users to ensure the PACS system is configured to optimize imaging including distribution capabilities; develops methods and programs to evaluate, monitor and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems; serves as team leader in planning, developing, and instructing users in the operation of PACS network elements, the integration of these with related systems, and recommends corresponding upgrades. This position researches and or/analyzes problems, issues, or program requirements supporting the functions of a digital imaging system; performs complex system administrator functions such as: oversight of RIS (Hospital Information System/Radiology Information System) links necessary to interface with the HIS (Hospital Information System), Application Entity (AE) titles, individual and user group creation, and access management, system filters, exam code dictionaries, DICOM configuration testing, hanging protocols, voice file exchange, and other duties associated with this position. The incumbent ensures compliance with all national and VA information and security requirements, including archiving of images to VistA imaging. This position may independently function as a DRT, which may include complex modality such as CT, MR, mammography, ultrasound, and IR. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: 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. 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. Preferred Experience: 1-2 years PACS Support experience, AART Registered, VistA References VA Handbook 5005/119 , PART II APPENDIX G25 Physical Requirements: The work involves normal to long periods of standing, walking, crouching. There is some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50lbs. Patient mental status and physical habitus will require the incumbent to be able to assist patients during transfer that is required of examinations. Specific vision abilities required by this job function include but not limited to are close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. There will be above average use of computer equipment, with such equipment as mouse, keyboard, and monitor which involves long periods of sitting. ["Duties are but not limited to: Clinical Responsibilities 30 Technology Advancement: Recommends and evaluates new or modified procedures/protocols. Assists technologists on specialized tasks and new/modified procedures and policies. Independently performs all Radiography and Computed Tomography protocols with and without the use of contrast materials. Prioritizes exams in a manner to optimize patient care while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient. Confers with Radiologists to determine requirement of nonstandard exams. Determines technical factors, positioning, number and thickness of scans, etc., to produce and satisfy requirements of CT scanning. Works with the Radiologist as a member of the radiographic team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the Radiologists and the performance of the exam. Must be continuously on the alert for the patient's condition. The alertness of the individual is essential to recognize patient reactions, anticipate technique factor difficulties, etc. Maintains an ARRT certification. Assists in the clinical and didactic training of Radiology students, as well as the education and the advancement of fellow co-workers. Radiology Clinical Application Interface The Radiology CAC sets up VISTA files, parameters, menus and clinical references for users; troubleshoots complex program irregularities and determines appropriate action for correction. Plans, designs, analyzes, acquires, documents, tests, implements, integrates, maintains, or modifies computer applications to enhance clinical processes and improve performance. Determines procedural problems versus ADP deficiencies; evaluates and corrects applications, makes modifications and corrections to maintain clinical applications; recommends specific programming projects to enhance application utilization. Works closely with Chief Information Office as well as hospital staff to implement integrated packages, resolve conflicts, and ensure smooth operations in areas where package scope overlaps or is integrated with other services' functions. Quality Assurure Notifies radiologists of examinations requiring their immediate attention. Assures transmittal of images to PACS. Performs PACs duties, which includes capturing computerized radiographs and digital images; applies an algorithm, configures the image and verifies patient information before transmitting them to the picture archive system. Performs image manipulation and data correction as necessary. Monitors and performs DICOM correction. Receives reports from technologists of equipment problems and troubleshoots. Maintains good communications with biomedical engineers and OIT for facilitating repairs and equipment needs. Keeps Radiology Administrator informed of all equipment/PACS issues. Additional Duties Provides guidance and technical direction necessary for accomplishing the work of the team. Assures the work of employees assigned / selected to support PACS and/or PACS image management are carried out. Monitors the status and progress of work and adjusts in accordance with established priorities. Obtains assistance from the Radiology Supervisor DRT as needed for major issues or problems that arise. Assignments made by the supervisor cover operating policies, priorities and work schedules. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Telework: AHOC Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 93832-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.