Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) Technologist - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive

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.

Duties

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). Requests are at the discretion of the supervisor and must be approved by the Director. 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

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 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.

Qualifications

Preferred Experience: Experience performing complex PACS system configuration including AE titles, DICOM nodes, routing rules, managing exam orders, and developing hanging protocols for radiologists. Experience resolving complex PACS, HIS/RIS, EHR, voice-recognition systems, PACS workstation, and modality worklist failures. Experience leading a team of multidisciplinary member in accomplishing strategic planning and integration of PACS and network elements. Experience conducting DICOM validation and troubleshooting across diagnostic imaging modalities. Experience conducting risk assessments and implements corrective action plans. Experience with cybersecurity and HIPAA privacy requirements Experience leading restoration coordination after PACS outages. Experience as the technical lead for teleradiology operations ensuring reliable transmission and reconciliation. Experience resolving complex teleradiology transmission and integration issues. Certified Imaging Informatics Professional (CIIP), or willing to become certified within 1 year of hire date. 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. Must have 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 team leader, supervisory radiologic technologist, [PACS technologist, clinical program director], or an assistant chief radiologic technologist? Note: To be equivalent to the GS-10 level, experience must have also been earned while holding an active ARRT (R) Certification. Reference: GS-10 Supervisory Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Assignment. [The technologist] functions as a supervisor for a group of DRTs at the GS-9 level and below which may include support staff. [The technologist] evaluates new products and equipment, making recommendations to supervisor concerning upgrades/new purchases that would improve operations. [The technologist] informs higher level management of anticipated staffing variances and informally recommends promotions, reassignments, or other personnel changes such as retention or release of probationary employees, and recognition of superior performance in the diagnostic radiologic area. [The technologist] directs the development and implementation of services and treatment to patients through the supervision, mentoring, and oversight of assigned clinical staff. Experience must demonstrate practice skills in a specialty area or in administration demonstrating progressively more professional competency and judgment. Reference: GS-10 [Lead] Diagnostic Radiologic [ ] [Technologist] Assignment. [The incumbent] functions as a lead DRT for a group of DRTs [at the GS-9 level and below]. [The incumbent] provides a full range of general radiologic imaging exams, has a broad knowledge of the different modalities within the diagnostic radiologic area, and is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. Reference: GS-10 Advanced Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist Assignment. Employees are trained to work in one or more difficult and complex modalities performing procedures related to these modalities as well as performing general diagnostic procedures. At this grade level, any assignment in a single modality must demonstrate significant complexity. Such assignments are unique, perhaps with expert specialization in complex areas of radiologic technology, Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) regulations, and intermediate QM type duties within the program. Reference: GS-10 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 VistA radiology, VistA 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. Reference: GS-10 [Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO) Assignment. Employees who are qualified to work in the MRI modality (advanced certification) have expert specialization at this grade level. The MRSO operates with full responsibility for training, developing, and directing the MR safety program. Duties may include coordination of MR safety committee meetings, evaluation of hospital equipment to ensure MR safe operation, and oversight of employee and patient MR screening programs. Coordinates training of hospital staff and ensures maintenance of educational documentation. The following KSAs should be reflected within your resume or on a separate document with your application package: 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.] Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. 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.

Evaluations

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.

How to apply All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/06/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13102763. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Other information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. 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. Duties Continued: performs oversight of team duties that constitute 20% percent of the workload of this position. performs duties of a Radiology ADPAC including user access control. Incumbent complies with all system and personnel security requirements. coordinates activities with Vista Imaging manager, Biomedical personnel assigned to Radiology, Vista Imaging users, and support personnel on computer-related matters to ensure all issues are adequately addressed and interface activities are conducted as effectively and efficiently as possible. maintains communications with vendors, service personnel to troubleshoot problems with hardware and software, logs problems into vendor's Service system, and reports those problems to the VISN PACS Coordinator. schedules downtime and implement workflow changes or work around solutions until the problems are resolved. complies with all safety/fire prevention regulations while promptly reporting all accidents and notify supervisors of unsafe, unhealthy conditions in the workplace. attends scheduled training sessions and participates in facility or service-level staff meetings and safety promotions as directed by the supervisor. maintains knowledge of fire drills and emergency plans for work area, including locations of all emergency fire equipment. sets up PACS workstations and supports remote radiologists. coordinates with other PACS Technologist and VISN PACS Administrator when necessary to solve on-site and off-site PACS issues. Chairs Quality Improvement (QI) committee and conducts quarterly meetings.