Picture Archive and Communication Systems (PACS) Administrator

Overview

Join the HJF Team!

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing, and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

HJF is seeking a Picture Archive and Communication Systems (PACS) Administrator to support the Murtha Cancer Center Research Program imaging efforts in the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) Radiology Department. As PACS Specialist, the incumbent is responsible for administration, planning, implementing and performance of analytical and evaluative work for all digital imaging modalities. The incumbent defines need, documents functional requirements and takes action to acquire and maintain Teleradiology and DIN-PACS systems for the Department.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Serves as the MCCRP POC and PACS Administrator for the NOVILASE™ research study, responsible for de-identify images, preparing DICOM CDs, shipping CDs to the Central Imaging Lab, and responding to queries sent by the Central Imaging Lab.
• Performs image deidentification when necessary to support research, education and training related to the NCC Diagnostic Radiology Residency and the Walter Reed NMMC Department of Radiology.
• Performs 3-D image reconstructions and other image post-processing in support of the Diagnostic Radiology Residency’s research, education and training.
• Coordinates with the WRNMMC IT Department in support of clinical imaging transmission after appropriate de-identification in support of patient care as well as research, education and training.
• Administers the day-to-day PACS operation and maintenance in a complex environment that requires extensive organization and coordination at a variety of geographically dispersed locations. The incumbent manages and monitors overall system performance. Performs regular checks to ensure study flow from multiple modalities as well as to Teleradiology sites and mobile operationally deployed units worldwide. This will include, but not be limited to responsibility for network and PACS monitoring software.
• Ensures the images in the database are accurately stored with respect to the correct image, dictation and patient information. Incumbent will recognize different radiology imaging modalities by sight as well as patient anatomy in order to determine if the image matches the requested study.
• Ensures that the archive database efficiently collects stores and processes large volumes of data on at least two separate Oracle servers. Provides consultation to functional users on database and file access.
• Serves as archive manager to queue activity. Perform database backups daily. Trains and manages Radiology personnel to perform these operations independently for seamless operations during incumbent's absence. Independently develops requirements, specifications and implementation schedules for growing PACS, scheduling system (iPlan), and Teleradiology to the MTF enterprise. Interacts with various levels of DOD Agencies as required.
• Ensures the PACS system meets or exceeds Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
• Ensures that inquiries and problems concerning image quality as related to computer hardware and software service are expeditiously resolved. The incumbent is the primary point of contact and subject matter specialist for the MTF and enterprise-wide issues relating to DIN-PACS. Serves as the initial point of contact for image quality issues related to the PACS. The incumbent will troubleshoot quality issues and determine if it is a hardware/software issue or personnel issue. Additionally, the incumbent will help physicians locate images and repair studies as required. This will require the incumbent to review radiographic images with physicians and evaluate the source of the problem.
• Provides formal and informal training and technical assistance on PACS and Teleradiology systems, computed radiography and digital imaging to current and new users at the MTF and remote clinics.
• Works closely with the PACS contractor, and with sub-contractors. Tests and analyzes computer hardware and software malfunctions to resolve physical and logical problems. Evaluates and resolves problems by adjusting configurations; distinguishes between personnel training, hardware, and software and LAN problems; and recommends appropriate acquisitions.
• Ensures the VITAL IMAGES workstation is operating to maximum capability by deleting old radiographic images from the hard drive. The incumbent works closely with interventional radiologist to ensure radiographic images that are still required are not deleted. Other systems may be added in the future and will require the incumbent to manage similarly.
• Provides direct management of all private sector contractor personnel assigned to or working for the Department PACS project.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of a variety of computer platforms, operating systems and network solutions. Systems currently in use include Sun/Unix, PC/Windows NT, AGFA/Impax, and GE/Advantage. Experience with networking protocols including TCP/IP, Ethernet, fiber optic and ATM components. CHCS and Cerner HIS/RIS application experience or demonstrated knowledge is desirable. Experience with AGFA PACS system, iPlan, and the MedWeb Shipboard Teleradiology.
• Knowledge of advanced post-processing platforms used and acquired for use in the Department of Radiology.
• Working knowledge of computer telecommunications requirements, specifications and procedures for the identification, validation and selection of teleradiology/PACS equipment. Experience with DICOM medical imaging standards and HIS/RIS systems.
• Knowledge of micro, mini and mainframe computer technology including software, file exchange and telecommunications with in-depth networking operations. In depth knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of advanced computer equipment, skill in applications systems design, communications integration, local area and wide-area network design and configuration and electronic mail and file transfer technologies.
• Ability to oversee and direct the work of others accompanied by knowledge of civilian personnel management and EEO program policies and objectives.
• Knowledge of instructional techniques needed to provide training to inexperienced computer users as well as to more advanced students.
• Knowledge of government contracting regulations, including requirements of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation (DFAR), and BUMED Instructions. Ability to apply contracting knowledge in the writing and maintenance of personal/non-personal contracts.
• Ability to apply standard statistical analysis in the planning, programming and analysis process to improve the efficiency of the Department's various digital systems.
• Knowledge and understanding of radiographic anatomy to repair PACS studies that are unverified in the PACS system.
• Knowledge of film quality control techniques in order to evaluate and troubleshoot image quality issues related to positioning, exposure, and digital processing.
• Knowledge of the various facility services, and the medical terminology and procedures common to each service. This is required in order for the candidate to communicate effectively with providers and understand their radiology imaging needs.
• Knowledge of civil and federal laws and regulations of all compliance programs for radiology within the healthcare setting. HIPAA and JCAHO requirements as they pertain to radiology digital imaging are particularly important.
• Knowledge of medical terminology used with a variety of diagnostic and treatment procedures.
• Knowledge of radiology patient flow is required to establish digital imaging network flow.

Physical Capabilities 

• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods

Qualifications

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in an office setting.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Minimum of 9 - 10 years’ experience required

Some positions or sites may require that the incumbent be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination may be required.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.