Clarification from the agency

Open to U.S. Citizens. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

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1. Responsible for the administrative supervision of all therapists in the department. Directs the technical
operations, makes decisions concerning appointments, promotions, technical and status changes, and recognition of various
performance levels. Interviews and selects or assists with the selection for vacant positions within the department.
Coordinates or assists with the training and orientation of all new staff to the department. Maintains and coordinates all
staffing contracts within the department.
2. Responsible for performance appraisals and competency of TRTs as well as initiating disciplinary action as appropriate.
Primary responsibility for staff schedules, call schedules, student rotations, and patient scheduling. Serves as liaison for
local community college radiation therapy program and coordinates student activities in the service. Works collaboratively
with labor partners and supports EEO standards and principles.
3. Maintains CMR for service area and orders needed supplies and equipment. Responsible for assuring needed supplies
and materials are available when needed. Oversees service contracts to assure they are current.
4. Performs a wide variety of complex duties of a strategically critical nature.
5. Responsible for the coordination and development of the Quality Improvement Program. This includes supervision and training of therapists in this activity. Responsible for continuous review and update of policies and procedures and participates in survey readiness activities.
6. Responsible for developing and preparing budget estimates based on past experience and anticipated workload and costs;
determining the materials, equipment and supplies necessary to function effectively; assisting with the development and
implementation of service goals, research, and preparation of all related reports.
7. Responsible for safe operating procedures of all therapy equipment throughout the service and must ensure that all
personnel are provided with film badges and/or other radiation monitoring devices as needed by means of thorough
coordination with the Radiation Safety Officer.
8. Manages and coordinates all activities involving the training of radiation therapist until they are deemed totally
proficient.
9. Maintains the daily operation of the department including providing coverage for clerical functions in the absence of the
Medical Support Assistant.
10. The incumbent works in a highly technical environment with patients and members of many other professions to
provide a high standard of clinical care. The incumbent must also be a graduate of an accredited school for Radiation
Therapy. The incumbent must be board certified and registered by the ARRT (American Registry of Radiation
Technology). The Radiation Therapist must complete 24 hours of appropriate continuing education every two years to
remain ARRT certified. This requirement maintains expertise, awareness of changes, and advances in the field.
11. In-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor
systems susceptible to ionizing radiation, and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by a wide variety of
medical and surgical diseases.
12. To assure adequate safeguards are maintained for safety of the patient and the operator, a thorough knowledge of
radiation protection standards, including concepts of cumulative dosage, genetic changes, and effects of radiation in living
organisms is required.
13. Knowledge and skill to operate various types of radiation therapy equipment. This equipment is highly sophisticated
and technical in application. It is important to be able to recognize any irregularities in the performance of the therapy units
and bring it to the attention of the engineers and physicist.
14. Knowledge of radiographic technique, including the ability to formulate technical factors to properly control density,
contrast, distortion, theory, and use of complex therapeutic equipment.
15. Knowledge of CT operations to gather needed parameters and other information for the planning of the patient's
treatment.
16. Knowledge of PACS systems. Working knowledge of the electronic radiation therapy treatment record and portal
imaging system. Trains staff in the use of these computer systems.
17. Assumes primary responsibility for policies and procedures within Radiation Oncology Service ensuring they are
current and applicable.
18. Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 0800-1630
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:91469-0
EDRP Authorized: Contact eve.harper@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Conditions of employment

• 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.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

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.

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).

Experience or Education. Completion of a program in therapeutic radiologic technology, evidenced by a certificate or an associate degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT); certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiology, and the subsequent completion of a 12-month JRCERT approved program in therapeutic radiologic technology. JRCERT is the accrediting agency for the radiation therapy programs recognized by the US Department of Education.

1. Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation, and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education, and be certified (registered) as radiation therapists in their field.

2. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for ARRT (T) certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate TRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405 (a) (1) (D). Failure to obtain certification during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment. This may result in termination of employment.

References: VA Handbook 5005/137, Part II, Appendix G26, F.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11.

Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing and walking. There is some bending and carrying of
moderately heavy articles such as treatment devices and molds with heavier lifting of wedges and specially designed
shielding blocks. Patients often are assisted to achieve proper positioning, which may require reaching, lifting, or working
in strained positions. The deterioration of the patient due to disease progression often requires lifting of the patient from
stretchers or wheelchairs to treatment and examination tables utilizing special techniques designed to minimize the
discomfort of the patient.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, 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.

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.