Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CT)- Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist

Summary

The incumbent is assigned to the PACS Services within the Imaging Department. The incumbent will serve as the primary Imaging Informaticist for the Federal Electronic Health Record. The incumbent must be certified in Computed Tomography and will function as a Lead CT technologist at times.

Duties

VA Careers - Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist: https://youtube.com/embed/I-4ku5UMvWM Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The incumbent provides guidance, instruction, maintenance, and troubleshooting services in the day-to-day operations including but not limited to the Radiology Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS), Voice Recognition (VR), Vista Imaging interface, Federal Electronic Health Record, and any/all other systems in relation to the Radiology package and department function and workflow. The incumbent is the department informaticist and ADPAC for any projects or updates to information systems, software and health records. The incumbent serves as a specialist providing support in the operation and management of digital image and voice acquisition, processing, storage, distribution, importation and display systems at the Marion, IL VAMC. 1. Advanced PACS System Administration & Enterprise Integration: Performs complex PACS system configuration including AE Titles, DICOM nodes, routing rules, exam dictionaries, and hanging protocols. Leads integration of PACS with RIS, VistA Radiology, VistA Imaging, EMR/CPRS, and voice-recognition systems. Conducts DICOM validation and troubleshooting across imaging modalities ensuring compliance with VA standards. Coordinates with OI&T and Biomedical Engineering to optimize PACS network performance. 2. Digital Imaging Systems Development, Monitoring & Optimization Develops methods and programs to evaluate, monitor, and maintain digital imaging and voice-recognition systems. Conducts performance trending, workflow analysis, error-rate monitoring, and image-flow assessments. Oversees structured testing for upgrades and modality replacements. 3. Expert Technical Consultation & Multidisciplinary Leadership Serves as the primary subject matter expert for imaging informatics. Leads multidisciplinary teams in PACS planning, expansion, and integration. Provides advanced training on PACS, imaging workflows, exam management, and image quality standards. 4. Enterprise-Level Troubleshooting & Analytical Problem Resolution Resolves complex PACS, RIS, VistA Imaging, DICOM gateway, modality worklist, and workstation failures. Investigates multi-layer issues involving hardware, software, networks, and security. Coordinates with national VA teams during escalated outages. 5. Information Security, Compliance & Data Governance Ensures compliance with VA cybersecurity, VistA Imaging retention, and privacy requirements. Manages enterprise user access, security keys, permissions, and AE-level authorizations. Conducts system access audits and enforces PACS data governance. 6. Teleradiology Operations & Remote Workflow Oversight Serves as technical lead for teleradiology operations ensuring reliable transmission and reconciliation. Resolves complex teleradiology transmission and integration issues. 7. Quality Assurance, Imaging Integrity & Continuous Improvement Leads Radiology QA related to acquisition, processing, display, compression, and storage. Analyzes workflow bottlenecks and implements improvements. Conducts risk assessments and implements corrective action plans. 8. Contingency, Downtime & Business Continuity Management Oversees ADP contingency plan for downtimes. Ensures accurate post-downtime data reconciliation. Leads restoration coordination after outages. 9. Collaboration & Inter-Service Technology Initiatives Participates in technology initiatives with Clinical Informatics, OI&T, HTM, and other ADPACs. Supports evaluation and implementation of new applications, hardware, and integrated IT systems. 10. Performs work in the Computed Tomography modality and may function as a lead CT technologist at times. 11. Demonstrates ability to perform as well as supervise and advise on a broad range of complex CT exams and serve as a subject matter expert for CT scanners and their components. 12. Leads and trains large groups of clinical staff ensuring adherence to facility policy and procedure and patient safety measures. Work Schedule: 7:00am - 3:30pm Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. 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) 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 #: 00000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Certification: All applicants 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]. Advanced certification indicates that the incumbent [can operate independently] and has demonstrated specific clinical competency in the appropriate specialty and taken and passed the designated examination. [In modalities that require advanced certification, to support their continued development, technologists who do not possess an advanced certification may be provided on the job training with oversight from a certified radiologic technologist.] Education: Completion of a full-time training course of at least 24 months in duration (or the 2 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).] [NOTE: Assignment to the clinical program director requires meeting JRCERT minimum educational standards as noted in the assignment description.] Loss of Credential: An employee in this occupation who fails to obtain certification within two years, or who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may also result in termination of employment. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the clinical competencies needed to provide services as a quality control technologist, DRT/CT, PACS technologist. PACS Technologist: 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 14 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. The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: 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.] Preferred Experience: PACS Administration Experience Healthcare IT/Informatics Knowledge Radiology Workflow Expertise Advanced Troubleshooting Skills Project Implementation Experience Independent Decision-Making Training and Education Experience Data Quality and Quality Improvement Experience Cross-Functional Collaboration Leadership Without Formal Authority The ideal applicant is an experienced ARRT-certified technologist with advanced credential in Computed Tomography with PACS and imaging informatics expertise who can independently manage complex radiology information systems, serve as the department's technical expert, lead workflow and quality improvement initiatives, train staff, coordinate with IT and VISN stakeholders, and ensure uninterrupted operation of mission-critical imaging systems while maintaining exceptional customer service and regulatory compliance. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS - 11. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019

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/.

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 (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. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation/examination. Maintain License/Certification in Radiology and Computed Tomography 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.