Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

Veterans Health Administration • West Haven, CT

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist works in the Radiology department at the West Haven, Connecticut location. This is a full-time, 40-hour position at the GS-8 level. The technologist provides general and specialized radiologic technology services, receives and interprets procedure requests, prepares and positions patients, operates radiology equipment, and performs related equipment and image-archiving duties. The position requires on-call and holiday coverage and follows a schedule of Sunday–Monday, 12:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m.; Tuesday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Friday–Saturday off.

The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to individual eligibility and program approval. The program may provide up to $200,000 in student-loan reimbursement over an eligibility period of one to five years. Applications must be submitted within four months of appointment. Sign-on and relocation incentives are not authorized. Telework is unavailable, and the position is not virtual.

The role requires certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), Radiography (R), and completion of an accredited post-high-school diagnostic radiologic technology program of at least 24 months or equivalent. GS-8 candidates must have at least one year of experience equivalent to GS-7 and demonstrate the specified clinical competencies and knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The position involves physically assisting patients and handling or moving heavy equipment. Employees must meet federal employment conditions, including U.S. citizenship (with limited exceptions under VA policy), written and spoken English proficiency, security and onboarding requirements, a pre-employment physical, and participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program. A one- or two-year trial period applies.

Requirements

• Current certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R).
• Completion of a full-time post-high-school diagnostic radiologic technology training course of at least 24 months (or equivalent), evidenced by a certificate or associate degree, from a JRCERT-accredited program or another Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-7 level demonstrating the clinical competencies described for that level.
• Ability to check system operation and assess acceptable performance using established guidelines.
• Knowledge of calibration parameters and ability to make adjustments as needed.
• Knowledge of the patient's clinical record, diagnosis, and laboratory results.
• Ability to monitor patient physiological changes during procedures and keep the radiologist informed.
• Skill in tact, diplomacy, and courtesy when dealing with patients, staff, family, visitors, volunteers, and other customers.
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and cross-sectional anatomy; ability to recognize unusual images and determine positioning that best demonstrates areas of interest.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Ability to lift, move, or push heavy equipment, including cassettes, mobile X-ray equipment, stretchers, and wheelchairs with patients.
• Ability to assist with lifting incapacitated patients between stretchers or wheelchairs and X-ray tables and provide timely physical assistance and care.
• Ability to reach overhead to manipulate an X-ray tube.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, subject to limited exceptions under VA policy.
• Must pass required pre-employment screening, including a physical evaluation; comply with applicable security, onboarding, identification, and influenza vaccination requirements; and serve a one- or two-year trial period.

Responsibilities

• Receive requests or instructions for radiologic procedures and interpret instructions from radiologists or medical officers.
• Serve as technologist in charge on less demanding shifts or in a detached clinic.
• Gain patients' confidence and cooperation; explain procedures and position, cushion, and shield patients as appropriate.
• Adjust procedures or patient positioning to accommodate medical conditions.
• Operate computerized and conventional radiology equipment.
• Determine and set technical exposure factors, including time, distance, kilovoltage, and milliamperage, and ensure the specified body area receives the calculated exposure.
• Set up and adjust accessory equipment and make exposures required for requested procedures.
• Clean and sterilize equipment and the area after each use.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and recognize and report malfunctions for repair.
• Perform picture archival duties.
• Monitor patients' physiological changes during procedures and keep the radiologist informed.
• Check system operation and assess performance against established guidelines; make calibration adjustments as needed.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program student-loan reimbursement, subject to eligibility and approval (up to $200,000).
• Competitive salary and regular salary increases; a higher step rate may be considered for higher or unique qualifications or VA special needs.
• 37–50 days of annual paid time off per year, comprising 13–26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment for the birth, adoption, or foster-care placement of a child.
• Potential childcare subsidy after 60 days for eligible full-time employees with total family income below $144,000, covering up to 25% of eligible childcare costs, subject to eligible-child and monthly limits.
• Traditional federal pension with five-year vesting and federal 401(k) with VA contributions up to 5%.
• Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance; many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

What This Job Offers

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