Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist

About the role

The Diagnostic Imaging Service within the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center is seeking Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists for the Charleston VA in Charleston South Carolina.

What you will do

• Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The DRT at this level performs routine to complex radiographic examinations and procedures to both inpatients and outpatients using diagnostic imaging equipment such as digital radiographic units, fluoroscopic units, portable equipment, and DEXA (Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry) machines.
• Incumbent can carry out assigned tasks independently.
• Typical duties may include, but are not limited to: Assists Radiologists during fluoroscopic examinations including but not limited to esophagram, UGI, SBFT, BE, VCUG, MBS, HSG, joint injections.
• Performs fluoroscopic imaging during procedures conducted by other providers in various procedural locations including but not limited to Operating Room, Pain Clinic, Cystoscopy, Bronchoscopy and GI suite.
• Performs routine, urgent or STAT outpatient, inpatient or emergency department Radiographic exams either in the department with stationary imaging equipment or bedside using portable x-ray equipment.
• Evaluates the nature of critical and emergent procedures and rearranges priorities to accommodate them.
• Performs bone densitometry examinations utilizing DEXA scanner.
• Adjusts the patient, equipment and technical parameters to obtain desired images.
• Verifies region(s) of interest (ROI), evaluates quality of measurements for problems due to artifacts, pathology, etc., flags values that require physician's attention (low T-score, unreliable results, etc.), and archives results.
• Applies expertise in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology to ensure accurate, high-quality examinations.
• Optimizes equipment settings and patient positioning to clearly visualize the area(s) of interest.
• Produces high-quality radiographs while minimizing radiation exposure and reducing costs.
• Completes assigned workload promptly and efficiently.
• Prepares contrast materials - including iodinated contrast, gastrografin, barium - under Radiologist/Provider direction.
• Prepares supplies (i.e. trays, kits, needles, syringes, tubing, bags, etc.) for radiographic procedures using aseptic and/or sterile technique.
• Adheres to facility Infection Control policies including PPE and handwashing.
• Practices radiation safety using principles of ALARA, reducing exposure to patients, visitors, staff and self.
• Utilizes lead aprons, lead gloves, lead shields, time and distance and collimation.
• Complies with Radiation Safety guidelines and directives including wearing film badges.
• Participates in quality assurance activities as directed.
• Screens female Veterans within childbearing age per policy and documents appropriately.
• Receives and identifies patients using at least two (2) patient identifiers, prepares patients for exams and explains procedures, assists movement of patients to and from exam table, positions the patient, sets up and adjusts all imaging equipment including appropriate selection of technical factors.
• Ensures all pertinent anatomy is demonstrated, correct anatomical markers are visible, proper annotations are made, and correct orientation of the image is set prior to transmitting to PACS.
• Ensures all images are present in PACS with relevant and thorough technologist notes prior to releasing for radiologist interpretation.
• Contacts PACS office immediately for any discrepancies, issues or corrections.
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm, rotating holidays and on-call Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized, up to 15% recruitment incentive with minimal of three years of service commitment, based on individual application qualifications.
• Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).
• Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
• Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Functional Statement #: FS 63616 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

• 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, 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.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• 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

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: ***

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: ***

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.

Documents you must provide

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) 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. Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Professional Certification SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Additional information

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer.

For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.