Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (PACS Technologist)

Veterans Health Administration • Des Moines, IA

31d • Onsite

About The Position

The PACT Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist is responsible for evaluating, monitoring and continuously improving various imaging informatics workflows within the Diagnostic Imaging Service Line. Selected candidate will be assigned to and must reside within 50 miles of a Legacy VISN 23 facility.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement.
• 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].
• 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)].
• Must meet credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Selected candidate will be assigned to and must reside within 50 miles of a Legacy VISN 23 facility.

Responsibilities

• 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 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 technologist's 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.
• 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.
• 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 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.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree