Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (General X-Ray)

Summary

The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (General) position is located within the Imaging Services Department at the Birmingham VA Healthcare System. This position is responsible for the production of diagnostic images in the general radiology section of the department.

He/She will work with other technologists, radiologists, clinicians, the lead technologist, supervisor, chief technologist, and other staff to assure optimum quality imaging and veteran satisfaction.

Duties

• The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) will perform procedures and examinations under the general direction of the Lead Clinical Instructor Technologist, the Supervisory General Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist, the Chief Technologist of Radiology, or the Radiologist.
• The DRT (General X-Ray) utilizes digital equipment to perform diagnostic radiography procedures.
• The incumbent will receive and properly identify the patient, explain the method of procedure, position patient, select and set appropriate technical factors, set up and adjust accessory equipment required, and make necessary exposures for the requested examinations.
• The incumbent will ensure the images are of diagnostic quality, then transmit the digital images to the Picture Archive Computer System (PACS).
• This requires the technologist to have knowledge of human anatomy.
• The selectee will perform radiographic exams independently or as a team member with other technologists such as chest, extremities, spines, skull, sinus, abdominal studies and any other exam that does not require the direct presence of a radiologist.
• The incumbent will ensure that all exam rooms are stocked and prepared for different examinations and procedures on a daily basis.
• He/She will also ensure that the rooms and equipment are clean and functioning appropriately and notifies supervisor of any inventory changes or concerns.
• Additionally, all General Technologists are required to back up surgery, be on call when applicable, rotate holidays, and will cover weekends and off-shifts as needed.
• Other duties will include but are not limited to: The incumbent will assist the radiologist in the performance of fluoroscopic procedures such as but not limited to GI studies, barium and air contrast enemas, different types of cystography, MSK procedures, LP’s, and myelograms.
• The incumbent will perform a variety of radiographic and fluoroscopic procedures in a mobile capacity, whether it be in the patient’s room, unit, or the operating room.
• He/She will be working with heavy, mobile, highly sophisticated equipment which must be moved during the examination and/or procedure.
• Sterile field must be maintained at all times.
• The incumbent is responsible for maintaining required records for each patient.
• This includes registering each patient and procedure and status tracking upon completion of each examination.
• He/She is also responsible for documentation in the patient’s chart of any pertinent information, dose and time of fluoroscopic procedures, and any medications injected during a procedure.
• The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Radiography) position requires physical demands.
• He/She are frequently required to walk, stand, bend, and reach.
• Must be able to lift and/or move over 50 pounds.
• There will be long periods of standing while wearing lead apron, glove, masks, gown, and eye shields during different procedures.
• Must have manual dexterity and keyboard skills.
• The incumbent must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word.
• Must be able to view and read information on a computer screen.
• Must maintain his/her BLS certification.
• The Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (Radiography) must have a thorough knowledge in the effects of x-ray techniques on patients and other operator controls in order to assure proper safety measures are followed.
• He/She will recognize changes if equipment and procedures that may increase exposure to patient and/or technologist and will adopt methods to prevent such overexposure.
• Knowledge of ionizing radiation protection standards including concepts of accumulated dosage, genetic changes, and effect of radiation on living organisms.
• The incumbent will maintain their required continuing education units with the ARRT and will ensure their professional license does not lapse or expire.
• Work Schedule: Tuesday -Friday 11:00am-9:30pm, with rotating holidays.
• This subject to change based on the operational needs of the agency.
• Telework: Not AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: FS-59120 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver’s licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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 interest.
• In 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.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

How You Will Be Evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate’s abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document.
• This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted ‘Resume’ document upload field.
• Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the ‘Other’ document upload field.
• The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), etc. DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Professional Certification Proof of Enrollment
• Resume Transcript Veterans’ Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
• You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.).
• If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation.
• Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 “Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference” with required proof as stated on the form.
• Documentation is required to award preference.
• For more information on Veterans’ Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets – Veterans – Job Seekers – Veterans’ Preference.
• Veterans’ preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.