Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Tec

Summary

This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Eastern Region, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN 4), Philadelphia, PA. The work involves the operation of radiologic equipment in a hospital or clinic environment as part of the diagnostic plan for veterans.

Duties

The incumbent is assigned to the Diagnostic Radiologic Technology (DRT), X-Ray Section of the Radiology Service, independently performing standard and complex radiographic examinations. The Lead Technologist communicates and interacts between multiple clinics and services throughout the Medical Center. They provide workflow directions to the x-ray staff and provide administrative support for the supervisor. They provide initial training and ongoing mentorship for our employees and students. Expert knowledge of radiation safety, and the ability to extract information from patients' medical record is essential to provide safe, diagnostic procedures for all populations of patients. Performs radiographic exams Consults with radiologists to determine the requirements of non-standard exams. Utilizes patient's electronic medical records to review blood laboratory results, document progress notes, identify and flag irregular orders, and record allergies or contraindications related to contrast studies. Triages assignments and manages the overall workflow for the x-ray modality on a daily basis. Maintain accurate timekeeping records via VATAS. Responsible for maintaining and updating AMION on-call scheduling system for the Diagnostic Radiology Technology section. Performs a comprehensive range of radiographic procedures, including general radiography, fluoroscopy, portable imaging, and operating room studies. Assists the supervisor in assessing staffing requirements by analyzing past, present, and projected workload trends, and supports the development of weekly and monthly schedules. Organizes and coordinates daily assignments, including lunch and break rotations, ensuring efficient distribution of work among Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists (DRTs) to optimize turnaround times for routine, urgent, and emergent examinations. Contributes to the orientation and training of new technologists and supports the supervisor in instructing staff on specialized procedures, as well as the implementation of new or updated policies. Participates in educational initiatives, including departmental in-service, and provides input into the evaluation process for Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist. Serves as a liaison between the Radiology department and Biomedical Engineering, facilitating communication and collaboration on equipment-related matters. Ensures the availability of adequate supplies to meet workload demands through a systematic approach to ordering, receiving, and inventory control, working closely with the inventory specialist and acquisitions team. Oversees that all room are consistently stocked with necessary supplies, with particular attention to emergent equipment and materials. Assists the supervisor in identifying and recommending methods and products to reduce costs and/or enhance quality and ensures that supplies are properly stored in a timely manner. Conducts daily quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) checks for imaging equipment as needed, promptly reporting any errors or issues to the supervisor. Adheres to hospital infection control and safety protocols, with particular emphasis on sterile techniques, proper storage of sterile supplies, disposal of body fluids and sharps, appropriate attire, hand hygiene practices, and participation in ongoing education. Maintains electronic records of patients. Ensures accurate patient and image identification for all examinations. Responsible for explaining procedures and potential risks to patients in a clear and compassionate manner. Manages patient flow efficiently and systematically. Assists in training other department personnel, new personnel, personnel with modified performance plans, and any students who may rotate through as part of their clinical education. Responsible for ensuring and maintaining cleanliness within assigned technical work areas, and coordinates with Environmental Management Services (EMS) as necessary. Demonstrates a commitment to exemplary radiation safety practices by adhering to established safety procedures. Accepts duties/assignments outside of their normal workstation for purposes of receiving additional training, tour changes, and staff availability. Actively seeks out work when assigned tasks are completed. The incumbent performs assigned duties with minimal supervision during normal and off-tour hours. Possesses comprehensive knowledge of the technical operation and routine maintenance of computers, disc drives, consoles, imaging devices, and related equipment. The Lead Technologist is an integral member of a team that provides 24-hour coverage, including after-hours and on-call availability, to respond to emergencies requiring radiographic procedures. The employee's relationship with supervisors, co-workers, and others within the organization is consistently courteous and cooperative in nature and overall contributes positively to the effective operation of the Diagnostic Imaging Service.

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.) Certification. All applicants must be certified in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R). 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). NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description. (1) Credentialing Standards. Public Law 97-35, the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75, Standards for the Accreditation of Educational Programs and the Credentialing of Radiographic Personnel. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field. (2) Exception for Non-Certified, Entry Level Candidates. Non-certified DRTs who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (R) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate DRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of certification for a period not to exceed two years for a DRT that provides care under the supervision of a certified DRT at or above the full performance level. This exception only applies at the GS-5 entry level technician. For grade levels above the entry level, the candidate must be certified. Temporary appointments of non-certified DRTs may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. (3) Loss of Credential. An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. 5. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 6. English Language Proficiency. DRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U