Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-Picture Archival Communication System (PACS)

Summary

*****A recruitment/relocation incentive may be offered to highly qualified candidate(s).***** The PACS Technologist provides planning, guidance, instruction, maintenance, and troubleshooting for all aspects of the daily operations relating to the Picture Archiving and Communications Systems section. This position serves as a specialist providing support in the operation and management of digital image processing, storage, and display.

Duties

This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. The Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist serves as a specialist providing support in the operation and management of digital image processing, storage, and display and is responsible for training Radiologists/Physicians, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists, Clinicians, and other staff members in hardware/software applications needed to support Radiology PACS functions. The PACS Technologist duties include, but are not limited to: PACS Technologist duties - 75% Provides planning, guidance, instruction, maintenance, training, and troubleshooting in all PACS related systems/components. Provides first line, technical support, for image transmission, voice recognition, and image display errors within all imaging modalities. Initiates appropriate repairs when possible and instructs users in the proper operation or contingency processes. Initiates help tickets and/or work orders when the scope of work needed exceeds the on-site technical level. Investigates system malfunctions to determine the root cause of the issue. Defines and isolates specific issues using available diagnostic recovery techniques and initiates corrective actions. Monitors PACS and executes contingency operations in the event of planned and unplanned downtimes, disaster responses, or elevated security risk situations. Oversees all aspects of implementation of software and upgrades to the PACS system including VISN 8 primary and backup data centers. Set up PACS Workstations for Radiologists at all sites of care, including remote PACS Workstations. This includes the assembly, set up, configuration, calibration, and confirmation testing for all PACS related components including the actual workstation (desk), monitors/mounts, keyboards, mouse/touch pad, voice recognition system, and any additional PACS-related items requested by the end users. Monitors PACS, voice recognition, and other related systems including applications systems, network interface software, modality interfaces, and system administrative software. Evaluates system performance by utilizing various tools, capacity planning, and imaging maintenance to adjust system and operation parameters as necessary. Designs, implements, and maintains a quality control program for digital radiographic images to include, but not necessarily restricted to evaluation of image quality from modality to viewing monitor. Clinical Duties DRT - 25% Performs technical work in support of diagnostic radiology under the direction of a Radiologist/Physician. Operates digital, computerized, or conventional radiology equipment to carry out the diagnostic plan for patients. This may include fixed, portable, and surgical imaging equipment. Determines appropriate technical parameters; calculates the correct exposure factors of distance, time, kilovoltage (kV), and milliamperage (mA). Independently performs radiographic examinations of the head, trunk, spine, and extremities to assist in the diagnosis of injury or illness. As a team member with the Radiologist, the incumbent will perform fluoroscopy procedures, such as: Upper Esophagrams, Lumbar Punctures, Myelograms, Urethrograms, GI Procedures, Barium (Single/Double Contrast), and all other routine fluoroscopy procedures. Sets up the room and ensure sterile supplies, local anesthetics, contrast material, catheters, and other required supplies are present and prepared Provides intraoperative/post-operative fluoroscopy and diagnostic radiography as requested by the Operative Surgeon or appropriately credentialed Clinician. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc/Situational-Occasional, Non-routine Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 80746F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized - As determined by Facility/Agency Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all qualifications requirements at time of application. 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 Language Proficiency: DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). Certification-Documentation Submitted: 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-Documentation Submitted: 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). Grade Determinations: In addition to meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist, GS-11: Experience: Candidates must have at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-10) directly related o 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. Examples of experience for the PACS technologist at the GS-10 grade level includes, but is not limited to: provides support and troubleshoots system application issues and instructs users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage, and display systems. The technologist performs VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control. The technologist 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 provides 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 ope