Picture Archiving and Communication Systems; PACS Technologist

Summary

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.

• 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 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 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)®. 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® 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 links, AE titles, 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 the technologist can properly reconcile image information during post‑processing and evaluation.
• Preferred Experience:
  
  2 to 4 years minimum experience managing and maintaining Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) in a healthcare setting. Includes ensuring PACS servers are online, troubleshooting image routing issues, and managing user accounts.
• Health IT
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Demonstrated ability to collaborate with IT teams to ensure data security and compliance with healthcare regulations.
• Additional Credentials:
  Pursuit of Certified Imaging Informatics Professional (CIIP) or possessing this credential is preferable.
• 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.

• 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…