Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (PACS Technologist)

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Calibrate diagnostic quality medical grade monitors.
• Troubleshoot problems with devices when image quality problems arise.
• Help implement and maintain an on-going Quality Control Program applicable to all phases of testing x-ray equipment and procedures including implementation of techniques and training of personnel to meet these needs.
• Reconcile image information during technical post processing and evaluation.
• Manage image/patient demographic data-flows from within the VISN.
• Work in conjunction with vendors and servicing personnel to troubleshoot problems with hardware and software.
• Coordinate work with Biomed Information Technology and Informatics to ensure proper function and security of PACS Power Scribe and VISTA/CPRS/EHRM systems.
• Schedule downtime and /or implement workflow changes or work around solutions until problems are resolved.
• Coordinate with Diagnostic Imaging Service supervisory staff to ensure routine maintenance and downtime will affect patient workflow to a minimal degree.
• Act as a resource to the VISN HSS VISN Diagnostic Manager VISN Diagnostic Medical Director Radiologists Technologists and VISN Diagnostic Manager VISN Diagnostic Medical Director Radiologists Technologists and VISN leadership to provide in-service training to technologists and clinical staff in the operation and maintenance of the DR equipment as well as other Imaging Informatics Systems in the VISN providing troubleshooting tips as requested.
• Provide basic support of modality connectivity problems such as image transfer or worklist problems and consulting with Biomedical Engineering or OI&T personnel as needed.
• Performs general ADPAC duties within Diagnostic Imaging Service.
• Develop Quality Control methods and programs to evaluate and monitor the imaging techniques of the technologists in each imaging modality.
• Ensure documentation is maintained in regard to departmental QC programs on equipment and notifies imaging service management officials and biomedical engineers if results deviate outside acceptable tolerances.
• Ensure accurate documentation is maintained on Quality Management systems in order to trend analysis of data.
• Provide impartial data to front line supervisors pertaining to technologists efficiency and expertise of imaging to aid them in oversight and training of those techs who fall short of established guidelines.
• Provide backup support to other sections of the Diagnostic VISN as required during emergent situations.
• Purchase plan and participate in the deployment installation and acceptance testing of new products.
• Review evaluate and recommend replacement of equipment as needed.
• Conduct cost/benefit analysis of new purchases and makes recommendation for modifications as needed.
• Acquire organize and maintain various records and reports as required by management for QA analysis quality control performance evaluation and improvement Radiation Safety Data and other purposes as needs evolve.
• Ensure facility is able to perform administration management of major systems including database LAN and telecommunication/wide area networks.
• Attends professional seminars and keeps current on developments in the field of Radiology.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 0800-1630
Telework: Ad-Hoc
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

• 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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the Required Documents section of this announcement.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public determining if your employment advances the public interest we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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 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).
  • 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.
• 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) 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: In addition to the basic requirements for appointment the following criteria must be used when determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates:

Specialized Assignment: 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.Diagnostic

Radiologic Technologist GS-11

• Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-10) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies needed to provide services as a PACS technologist. Examples of experience include but are not limited to:
  • Provided support and troubleshot system application and hardware issues and instructed users in the proper operation of digital image processing storage and display systems.
  • Performed VistA radiology VistA imaging and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control.
  • Initiated repair requests with appropriate services or vendors.
  • Applied knowledge of PACS system infrastructure and functionality.
  • Provided training to all user levels in the efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS system.
  • Applied 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.
• Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of contingency plans during equipment downtimes.
  • Ability to act as liaison for Radiology with biomedical engineering and OI&T.
  • Ability to develop methods and programs to evaluate monitor and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems.
  • Ability to lead a team of multidisciplinary members in accomplishing strategic planning and integration of PACS and network elements.
  • 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.
  • Knowledge of VA and other national guidelines pertaining to PACS network VistA imaging and database security.
  • 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 Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.