Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Lead Mammo)

Veterans Health Administration • Fayetteville, NC

34d • Onsite

About The Position

The Mammography Lead Technologist has overall responsibility for the coordination and performance of the Mammography Imaging area. This specialty modality requires specific knowledge of breast imaging examinations including Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), mammography, interventional procedures of the breast, and extensive knowledge of Mammography Quality Standards Act (MSQA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA) certification in mammography, ACR accreditation in mammography, tomography, breast ultrasound, breast ultrasound interventional procedures, stereotactic biopsy, and breast MRI. The incumbent will have significant administrative duties, including the performance and documentation of QC required to maintain compliance with all QC and QA requirements as per VHA policy, Federal Drug Administration FDA/MQSA regulations, and American College of Radiology (ACR) standards in mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis, breast ultrasound, breast ultrasound interventional procedures, stereotactic biopsy, and breast MRI. The incumbent is responsible for organizing and managing a comprehensive QA/QC program within the breast imaging section and representing the department at annual FDA/MQSA inspections. The incumbent works closely with the technologists, radiologists, clinicians, and clerical staff to assure optimum QC, efficient coordination of activities, high quality diagnostic/therapeutic exam results, and patient satisfaction. The incumbent keeps abreast of current technical literature, ACR and FDA guidelines and learns of new developments in mammography. The incumbent ensures all personal certifications and qualifications are continuously monitored and kept up to date as required by the accrediting bodies. The incumbent at this grade level is qualified to provide services in mammography, including performing very difficult and highly specialized radiographic examinations of the breast mammography utilizing a variety of specialized procedures that require precise positioning producing quality results. The incumbent sets up the exam room, assuring sufficient quantities of sterile supplies, and assures all needed equipment is present and in working order. The incumbent provides quality patient care when receiving, explaining the procedure, and positioning the patients. The incumbent sets the correct technical factors, sets up and adjusts accessory equipment, sets the required exposure for the requested procedure, secures the confidence and cooperation of the patient during the examination procedures, and recognizes exceptional diagnostic challenges. The incumbent tailors the exam to meet challenges and notifies the radiologist of significant findings that require immediate attention. The incumbent requires specific knowledge and training of the location, appearance, and function of the breast to interpret the examination request accurately; understands the functioning and inter-relationship of the breast imaging techniques and modalities using methods and techniques which will identify breast abnormalities on the digital display monitor or image.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• 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.
• 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 Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) or from other accrediting agencies as recognized by the Department of Education (DOE).
• Must meet credentialing standards as per 42 CFR Part 75.
• Must have successfully completed an educational program accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and be certified as radiographers in their field.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9) directly related to the position being filled.
• Ability to provide feedback to supervisor on technical aspects of work.
• Ability to resolve informal employee complaints.
• Ability to monitor and report on the status and progress of work and make adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established procedures.
• Ability to perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations.
• Bending, pushing, pulling, reaching, and occasional kneeling, crawling, and squatting.
• Lifting, carrying, bending, and manipulation of equipment.
• Patient assistance and positioning.
• Walking and prolonged standing.
• Ability to read written orders, computer screens, patient records, and equipment controls.
• Ability to communicate with patients, physicians, and coworkers.
• Near visual acuity is required.
• Ability to speak and hear to communicate with patients and staff.
• Ability to make critical decisions.
• Ability to interact with patients of different ages and health conditions.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions, including procedural and emergency situations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in interventional radiography (IR), including vascular interventional (VI), cardiac interventional (CI) and/or cardiovascular-interventional (CV) technologists.
• Knowledge of vascular systems and major vessel anatomy.
• Knowledgeable in the specialized equipment employed for digital subtraction systems and interventional procedures.
• Knowledgeable in digital imaging and PACS.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and perform Mammography Imaging area duties.
• Perform and document Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) to maintain compliance with VHA policy, FDA/MQSA regulations, and ACR standards.
• Organize and manage a comprehensive QA/QC program within the breast imaging section.
• Represent the department at annual FDA/MQSA inspections.
• Work closely with technologists, radiologists, clinicians, and clerical staff to ensure optimum QC, efficient coordination, high-quality results, and patient satisfaction.
• Stay updated on current technical literature, ACR and FDA guidelines, and new developments in mammography.
• Ensure all personal certifications and qualifications are continuously monitored and kept up to date.
• Perform difficult and highly specialized radiographic examinations of the breast mammography.
• Set up the exam room, ensuring sufficient sterile supplies and functional equipment.
• Provide quality patient care, including explaining procedures and positioning patients.
• Set correct technical factors, adjust accessory equipment, and set required exposures.
• Secure patient confidence and cooperation during examinations.
• Recognize and address exceptional diagnostic challenges, tailoring exams as needed.
• Notify the radiologist of significant findings requiring immediate attention.
• Interpret examination requests accurately, understanding breast anatomy and imaging techniques.
• Identify breast abnormalities on the digital display monitor or image using appropriate methods and techniques.
• Provide feedback to supervisor on technical aspects of work.
• Resolve informal employee complaints.
• Monitor and report on the status and progress of work, making adjustments to accomplish workload.
• Perform general and specialized diagnostic radiologic procedures in advanced levels of complex treatment situations.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37-50 days of annual paid time off per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year).
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment.
• Childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66 (after 60 days of employment for full-time employees with total family income below $144,000).
• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting).
• Federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/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