Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) Technologist - Rec/Relo Incentive Authorized

The PACS Technologist provides guidance, instruction, maintenance and troubleshooting services in the day-to-day operations of the Radiology Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS), Voice Recognition System (VRS), Vista Imaging interface, and the Radiology Package in DHCP. The incumbent serves as a specialist providing support in the operation and management of digital image and voice acquisition, processing, storage and display systems at the Amarillo VA Health Care System.

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional

The Amarillo VA Health Care System is a member of the VA Heart of Texas Healthcare Network (VISN 17). The Service (department) provides diagnostic-imaging services primarily to Veterans and operates within the guidelines established by VISN 17.
The PACS Technologist works under the Chief of Radiology Service or his/her designee and coordinates closely with OI&T, and Biomedical/Engineering Service. The incumbent is accountable to a second level, the VISN PACS Coordinator. The PACS Technologist has program responsibility for the facility wide distribution of images utilizing the (PACS) operations, Integrated Voice Recognition Dictation System, and approved ancillary systems as necessary. In concert with the Facility Information Security Officer, the PACS Technologist is responsible for maintaining security of the local PACS Network, users, passwords, and the protection and properly authorized distribution of patient information.
The PACS Technologist:

• leads a team of multidisciplinary members in accomplishing strategic planning and integration of PACS and network elements.
• researches and analyzes problems, issues, or program requirements supporting the functions of a digital imaging system.
• determines pertinent issues and collects relevant information from a variety of sources.
• reviews information and apply standard analytical techniques.
• develops recommendations and proposals.
• performs 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.
• maintains knowledge of VA and other national guidelines pertaining to PACS network, VistA imaging, and database security., 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.
• performs Vista Radiology and support activities and general ADPAC duties within Radiology Service and coordinates support throughout the AVAHCS.
• develops methods and programs to evaluate, monitor, and maintain digital imaging and voice recognition systems.
• ensures that all responsibilities are fulfilled in an efficient, timely, and satisfactory manner.
• is a key member of the local PACS team, dedicated to the planning, developing, installation and operation of the PACS and Voice Recognition Imaging Network.

Duties are continued in the Education Section.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized

Recruitment Incentives. Recruitment incentives may be authorized to full-time, part time[,] or intermittent individuals in their first appointment as a Federal employee or to a newly appointed former Federal employee with at least a 90-day break in service

Relocation Incentives. Relocation incentives may be authorized to full-time Federal employees who must change worksite[s] and physically relocate to a different geographic area when the approving official determines that without the incentive, it would be difficult to fill the position with a high-quality candidate.

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)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
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: This is an onsite position. Telework may be offered when deemed necessary by the department AD-HOC (Employees who telework on an occasional, episodic, or short-term basis, and have completed required telework training and telework agreement.) (Portion of day acceptable)
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 53942-F
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

Education. Must have completed 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).

Certification
Must have a current certification in general radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, Radiography (ARRT) (R)

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:

Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist), GS-11

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 described at that level. Examples of GS-10 experience can be found below.
Note: To be equivalent to the GS-10 level, experience must have also been earned while holding an active ARRT (R) Certification.

The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's).

• 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.]

GS-10 level experience includes, but is not limited to the following:

Reference: Picture Archive Communication System (PACS) Technologist Assignment. The PACS technologist provides support and troubleshoots system application issues and instructs users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage, and display systems. The technologist performs radiology, imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control. The technologist coordinates contingency plans during equipment downtimes and initiates repair requests with appropriate services or vendors. The technologist provides oversight of hardware relating to PACS display workstations, applications, speech recognition hardware, and other medical imaging hardware. The technologist provides training to radiologists, technologists, and other clients in the proper and efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS and VistA imaging systems. The technologist provides instruction and guidance in daily operations of the ancillary systems such as: speech recognition dictation, dose reporting systems, contrast reporting systems, etc. The incumbent may function as a DRT which may include complex modalities such as CT, MR, mammography, ultrasound, and/or IR.
The candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs:

1. Ability to provide support and troubleshoot system application and hardware issues and instruct users in the proper operation of digital image processing, storage and display systems.
2. Ability to perform VistA radiology, VistA imaging, and PACS support activities and general ADPAC duties including user access control.
3. Ability to initiate repair requests with appropriate services or vendors.
4. Knowledge of PACS system infrastructure and functionality.
5. Ability to provide training to all user levels in the efficient use of imaging hardware and software of the integrated PACS system.
6. 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:

• Must be currently in the PACS Administrator/Technologist/Technologist assistant job.
• Private sector or VHA GS 10, GS 11, or other government healthcare agency PACS Technologist. Examples (i.e., Indian Health, Defense Health Agency).
• Current experience as a GS 10 or GS 11 PACS Technologist or higher.
• Demonstrated initiative to troubleshoot radiologist, ordering provider and technologist support during malfunctions, downtime, and a clear understanding of equipment functionality and how to problem solve using independent thinking.
• Possess Certified Imaging Informatics Professional (CIIP) .
• 2 to 4 years minimum experience managing and maintaining Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) in a healthcare setting. This includes ensuring PACS servers are online, troubleshooting image routing issues, and managing user accounts.
• Ability to provide technical assistance to radiologists and other healthcare professionals regarding PACS functionalities.
• Demonstrated ability and initiative for continued learning through internships or working in IT support roles. Also demonstrated ability with collaboration with IT teams to ensure data security and compliance with healthcare regulations.
• Experience where demonstrated knowledge combines IT expertise with deep understanding of healthcare workflows.
• Ability to work collaboratively with biomedical maintenance on software and hardware issues involving PACS equipment.
• Prior experience working networking with other resources within healthcare systems, such as other PACS technologists, PACS Administrator and IT personnel.

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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements:

Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.

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: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

NOTE: If your school was accredited by JRCERT Find a Program - JRCERT or a body that is recognized by the US Department of Education https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the websites, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.

Duties Continued

• serves as a liaison for OI&T, Imaging Biomedical employees, and clinical users to ensure the PACS system is configured to optimize Imaging modalities and clinical operations as well as distribution capabilities.
• provides first line support for image transmission or display errors related to modalities, Vista interface, display workstations, and printers.
• effects repairs, when possible, instructs users in proper operation or work around, and initiates and coordinates repair requests with appropriate services or vendors when necessary.
• (when systems fail to respond to established procedures) reviews technical manuals to arrive at a resolution.
• investigates system malfunctions to determine the cause.
• defines and isolates the specific problem, using available diagnostic and error recovery techniques and initiates corrective actions.
• contacts vendor's representatives to determine the cause of problems that do not respond to available problem-solving techniques.
• monitors equipment controlling environment and executes emergency procedures in case of natural or man-made disasters and security risk situations.
• performs daily support in PACS operations.
• plans, installations and tests implement PACS operations.
• implements PACS and related systems including applications systems, networking interface software and system administrative software.
• ensures acceptable levels of system performance by utilizing various tools for monitoring system performance, capacity planning, and imaging management maintenance to adjust system and operations parameters as necessary.
• oversees all aspects of implementation of software and upgrades to the PACS system.
• identifies and determines training priorities, conducts and administers training programs, develops and improves training guidance.
• provides training to radiologists and technologists in proper and effect use of imaging hardware and software and in the use of PACS, Voice Recognition System, Vista and CPRS software.
• coordinates with clinical service Clinical Application Coordinators (CACS) in training and development of instructional materials for display of radiographic images at clinical workstations.
• Trains PACS staff members or employees in the Imaging and Cardiology sections as needed to accomplish the tasks or projects in the required timeframes.
• maintains current knowledge and answers questions team members on procedures, policies, and directives by providing expert advice and leadership.
• designs and maintains a quality control program for digital radiographic images to include but not necessarily restricted to evaluation of image quality from the modality to the viewing monitor. This will meet the intent of the American College of Radiology and JCAHO recommendations.
• develops methods for the collection and retrieval of computer information from established systems to enhance analysis of program related data.
• complies with all safety/fire prevention rules and regulations using protective equipment when required or provided.
• assists Radiology Service Chief in assessment and the procurement of new equipment related to PACS and VRS systems.
• identifies problems, gathers data, performs analysis, and proposes solutions to problems and barriers to establishment of an efficient, cost-effective filmless Radiology environment.
• provides analysis of user needs and recommends appropriate hardware and software solutions.
• assists users with design of local software applications.
• is the primary Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and Point of Contact (POC) for PACS within the facility.
• provides first line technical support for image transmission or resolution of display errors related to modalities, Vista interface, display workstations, and printers.
• maintains a log of users, addresses of networked equipment and DICOMAE (Application Entry) titles of all equipment to be used by project officers, systems programmers, operations personnel and/or managers at all levels, e.g. establish user accounts and passwords.
• works with the Information Security Officer (ISO) on the more complex aspects of the PACS security program. Incumbent maintains user privileges, network access and security schemes following applicable VISN and National IT Security guidelines.
• works and directs staff performing work at the GS-5 to GS-9 level.
• provides guidance and technical direction necessary for accomplishing work as a team.
• Ensures
• that local PACS team members know assignments and responsibilities and monitors to see work completed accurately and on time.
• performs guidance which includes but not limited to, assignment of work, leave approval correspondence through the supervisor, develop performance standards, recommend rating of team members, plan, schedule, help resolve complaints, program direction, coordination of work, and recommend actions for positive outcomes.

Duties Continued in the Additional Information section

• 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 dentification 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.