Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist            Anchorage, Alaska (Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson)

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) is located in central, Alaska amid picturesque, majestic, snow-capped mountains, lakes, rivers and glaciers. The area abounds with wildlife. Many northern tier states such as Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan have shorter but much colder winters than south central Alaska.

JBER is 2,264 miles north of Seattle, Washington, and 358 miles south of Fairbanks, Alaska. The Anchorage community has a military presence of over 32,000 people and accounts for approximately 10 percent of the local population.  Alaska is a very military friendly state! Come prepared to be awed by this beautiful base, and state. There's nowhere else like Alaska!

Anchorage provides most of the conveniences of a large city.  There are greenbelts and parks throughout the city, and has access to dozens of activities for families, such as world-class fishing, skiing, snow-machining, ice skating, sledding, hiking, biking & rafting are just a stone's throw away.

Midnight sun gives Alaskans long days to enjoy summer.  You can expect highs in the 60s & 70s (and possibly a week or 2 in the low 80s).  During the weeks leading up to late June's summer solstice, the sun is above the horizon 18-21 hours/per day, creating opportunities for midnight hikes & fishing at 10pm as a typical Alaskan lifestyle. 

Anchorage actually has a warmer climate than other cold-weather cities like Chicago or Minneapolis because it's on the ocean.  The temperature is a "micro-climate" in Alaska-no matter where you are in the state, you are a 1-2 hour drive away in any direction resulting in a 30 degree temperature change.

Working for the Department of Defense comes with an abundance of benefits and perks to include competitive compensation packages, paid-time off, medical benefits, student loan repayments, and retirement package with Thrift Savings Plan to include matching employer contributions. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/

PURPOSE OF POSITION 

The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a Diagnostic Radiographic Technologist in the Mammography department of the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson military treatment facility with responsibilities for executing all assigned annual inspections (i.e. Medical Physicist, Food and Drug Administration, and American College of Radiology). Responsible for solving complex problems, managing equipment and supplies and daily operations of mammography services. Performs both quality screening and diagnostic mammography examinations, including directing the flow of activities leading to the production of radiographic images for the performance of difficult, specialized, and complex breast biopsy procedures. This position provides essential stability and continuity for the Mammography department due to frequent turnover of military personnel.

Duties:

Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the mammography department. Performs the daily operations of the department in accordance with the American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directives, and all established flight protocols. Operates mammography equipment to produce high quality routine and complex mammography images. Screens and questions patients concerning personal/family history of breast disease and prior mammography examinations. Prepares patients by using excellent customer service to gain cooperation and minimizing anxiety. Assess patient's condition, ensures patient's safety through proper use of restrain / support devices. Determines radiographic technique exposure factors using the lowest possible dose. Executes quality films and reviews films prior to submission to the radiologist. Positions patients and equipment to best demonstrate anatomic area of interest. Rejects work not meeting established standards such as quality of exposure, correct view, and required anatomy demonstration. Ensures optimal use of the exposure rooms and departmental equipment. Ensures the timely performance of mammography requests, including, but not limited to, those with a clinically abnormal history and/or finding, follow up mammography views, or interventional procedures. Evaluates pending mammography orders and requests for diagnostic breast procedures and/or specialized needle localization, biopsy, or operative surgical intervention. Coordinates care for patients identified as critical or as surgically significant by general surgeons. Schedules operative breast procedures with the operating room as required.

Assists radiologist in performing specialized and invasive procedures. Performs such specialized procedures as such as needle localization, aspirations, and gal actograms, as well as specialized stereotactic breast biopsy procedures in accordance with established examination criteria on patients in various stages of health to include extremely ill or severely compromised due to disease or injury. Verifies stereotactic procedure performance by the diagnostic imaging of tissue specimen for radiologic interpretation. Evaluates pathological breast tissue samples from operative procedures and maintains a record of radiological results. Operates mammographic equipment during needle localization biopsy procedures. Operates specialized equipment in performing and/or assisting the radiologist in mammography guided biopsies. Determines proper instrument technical factors and control settings to ensure correct calculated exposure of targeted body parts. Consults with referring physicians and technicians if needed, from a variety of specialties such as family practice, internal medicine, and flight surgeon regarding patient's examination. Establishes and maintains records of patient information using computer database, and maintains quality control documentation for accrediting and certifying entities. Utilizes aseptic/sterile techniques in contrast preparation and when assisting the radiologist with procedures. Assists the radiologist with emergency drug preparation, mechanical ventilation/suction, or other life support assistance, including CPR, in event of adverse reactions.

Performs miscellaneous administrative functions. Receives patients, schedules, and explaining methods of examinations to patients. Operates the CHCS computer database system and the MQSA program. Determines and provides any necessary patient preparation required to accomplish examination. Maintains automated and manual records of patients examined examinations performed, views taken, and technical factors employed. Consults with referring physicians and technicians as necessary to obtain information regarding patient's examination. Ensures proper administrative procedures are performed for accurate study identification and report distribution. Completes administrative functions associated with recording and matching radiographs for radiologist interpretation. Uses computer systems for statistical data collection and reporting. Performs file room duties such as filing, purging, loaning films, and other duties within established guidelines. Performs logistic duties to support assigned exposure room, to include requesting and stocking supplies necessary for completion of assigned examinations. Maintains infection control awareness for blood borne pathogens, bacterial and viral infections. Performs other job related duties as assigned from time to time by supervisory personnel in support of the Diagnostic Imaging Flight, the Medical Group, and overall mission.

Performs difficult and complex diagnostic procedures. Independently performs the more difficult and infrequently requested tests requiring specialized knowledge, to include a complex network of steps and variables. Confirms and verifies tests results by having an in-depth knowledge of techniques, principles, and instruments. Provide critical technical breast evaluation(s) to the radiologist and other personnel during interventional, stereotactic biopsy, needle localization, and other specialized procedures. Coordinates assigned surgical breast specialization procedures with the resident surgical section for operative intervention. Reviews requests, consultations, and prescreening forms to ensure patients meet established criteria for requested procedures. Interviews patients to obtain a complete medical history as appropriate for requested examination. Assesses patient's condition and adjusts equipment to vary technique to accommodate critically ill, immobile, and physically handicap patients. Prepares, monitors, and performs the specialization sterile procedure room using sterile supplies, contrast media materials, or other required materials are available and are properly placed for each particular procedure. Prepares and assembles specialize procedures room under the direct guidelines of Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) standards. As required by the procedure or the patient's condition, monitors vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate and notifies radiologist of significant changes. Ensures critical Food and Drug Administration (FDA) film processing chemical deviation standards are practiced and maintained daily with recorded historical data. Performs independent views of mammography films and determines if any additional views are required, such as spot compression, magnification, rolled, and etc., before releasing the patient and/or final evaluation given to radiologist. Ensures only optimal radiographs are presented to the radiologist for interpretation. Maintain records of patients examined, examinations performed, views taken, and technical factors used. Immobilizes patients as required for appropriate position, adjusts machine, places cassette containing film in proper position, and exposes for proper images.

Responsible for assigned quality control control/assurance program and maintenance of equipment to ensure optimum performance and health protective measures. Responsible for ensuring the Mammography department meets accreditation requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA), and the American College of Radiology (ACR). Executes quality control/assurance program and equipment to meet ACR, and FDA regulations. Performs and coordinates assigned mandatory inspections annually and/or as needed. Maintains credentialing certifications for radiologists, medical physicists, and mammography technologists. Maintains breast tracking log for Positive Predictive Values required by ACR and FDA regulations. Maintains records, files, and logbooks of mammographic processors quality assurance tests and film image quality practices in accordance with federal directives. Reviews new developments in files by reading journals and attending seminars when possible and recommends to radiologists improved techniques and methods to be adapted to the department as applicable. Develops procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable governmental mandates. Maintains record accountable logs required for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits mandatory for individual certification and for accreditation of the department. Assures quality of films prior to interpretation. Assists other technologists in correcting errors by recognizing contributing factors and offering solutions in technique, adjustment, position refinement, and patient cooperation. Differentiates artifacts from normal or pathologic process and recognizes electronic equipment limitations. Programs computerized examination equipment. Conducts periodic quality assurance tests on various equipment, creates applicable reports and documents findings in accordance with federal policy and/or service contracts to assure continued accreditation of the organization. Operates and maintains radiographic processors, monitors development temperatures, differentiates transport problems and maintains replenishment levels of materials and supplies. Cleans cassettes, performs preventative maintenance, and documents serviceability. Uses sensitometer and densitometer to diagnose and ensures acceptable standard of film density is maintained. Practices and ensures radiation safety standards are complied with. Performs quality assurance test on the Computer Aided Detection Device, which provides an additional service in determining breast abnormalities. Makes use of lead aprons and wears radiation detection device. Follows infection control operation instructions and utilizes isolation protection techniques. Performs quality control tests (film sensitivity strips, phantom tests, darkroom fog, fixer analysis, film analysis, film screen contact, compression) on mammography units and processor to meet federal guidelines, to include trouble shooting/documenting areas out of compliance and notification of maintenance personnel to correct problems. Performs quality control checks on view box illumination devices. Adheres to Air Force radiation safety standards for both the patient and staff.

Supports mammography training to include both didactic and hands-on training. This program will ensure that new technologists will receive the appropriate training and guidance necessary to fulfill registry requirements and continuing education. This program will adhere to any mandated policies, as they are implemented by the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the American College of Radiography (ACR), which all are governing agencies. Observes and assists assigned military radiographer technologist rotating through the mammography department with the accomplishment of mammographic studies. Conducts mammography training. Maintain a current and viable reference library to support the mammography program and department needs. Trains other technologists and administrative personnel in the performance of mammography administrative requirements. Performs training to Diagnostic Imaging Phase II students on a rotation basis the Mammography Department attributes to the Radiography field of study.

Basic Requirements:

US Citizenship required

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT & NOTES:

1. The work requires the employees to possess current CPR certification.

2. The work requires the employee to be registered through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) for Radiography (R) and Mammography (M), be compliant with the Mammography Quality Standards Act and maintain current certification in Mammography.

3. The employee may be required to understand accreditation requirements as well as regulatory standards such as, but not limited to, the Mammography Quality Standards Act, the Food and Drug Administration, and the American College of Radiography.

4. This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP).