Clarification from the agency

This is a PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT and is open to Federal employees from agencies other than the Department of Veterans Affairs and All US Citizens. If you are a current, permanent, VA Nationwide employee, you should apply under the internal announcement number CBSY-12423710-24-KAH.

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Major duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Schedule treatments in a manner as to optimize accelerator times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate simulation and treatment.
• Perform quality control of the treatment machines by taking recorded readings every morning prior to patient treatments using the dosimetry verification and record system for each energy level. Obtain machine check for rotational therapy. Performs daily imaging QA to ensure correct operations. Alerts appropriate staff as necessary if parameters fall outside the recommendation.
• Identify individual patient by the required identification methods set forth by hospital policy and departmental procedures before simulation and before each daily radiation treatment is delivered.
• Determines the appropriate time sequence for patient studies and any special orders required.
• Follow procedures for the proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials used in the manufacture of special molds, blocks, and compensators.
• Participate in the education of radiation therapy and radiology students as preceptors and mentors. Responsible for completing student evaluations in a timely manner.
• Prepare required contrast materials that are to be used for treatment simulations and ensures proper use and administration of the contrast materials to avoid the risk of patient morbidity and mortality utilizing a thorough understanding of contrast material usage.
• Maintains alert to patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient.
• Communicate orally and explain preparations/special orders to patients and hospital staff.
• Operate CT simulator accurately to provide reproducible patient treatment position set-ups in the accurate daily treatments on the Linear Accelerator.
• Provide custom patient immobilization devices as instructed or per departmental protocol.
• Provide set-up DRR;s for use in treatment planning and transfer the data set to the dosimetry treatment planning system after CT scan is acquired and isocenter or reference point are obtained.
• Locate treatment area on patient's skin with tattoos and/or markings.
• Utilize understanding of computer operations to insure proper control of computer patient data input/output and of complex computer applications relating to treatment planning.
• Perform imaging verification, treatment field verification of conformal blocking, with multi-leaf collimator, and/or Cerrobend blocking.
• Obtain isocenter verification as needed by the use of cone beam CT(CBCT) and/or the use of the on-board imaging system (OBI).
• Utilize radiation treatment chart for set-up instructions, field size, field shaping, SSD, field compensators, and beam restrictions.
• Employ any necessary accessory beam restriction devices, e.g., wedges, bolus, collimator angles, or Cerrobend blocks for fields to be treated.
• Deliver prescribed mode of treatment in accordance with prescribed radiation prescription, e.g., conventional, 3-D conformal, electron treatment, IMRT treatment delivery, SBRT treatment delivery, and brachytherapy procedures.
• Maintain patient records and files. Follows HIPPA guidelines regarding patient information.
• Chart and code utilizing ARIA and CPRS. This includes full implementation of the departmental procedures for patient scheduling, patient treatments, staff task, patient agendas, and checklists.
• Take port/verification films on patients under radiation treatment; this maintains record of treatment accuracy. Checks and verifies any changes in accordance with the physician's request.
• Alert physicist promptly about any change in treatment.
• Practice radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self, in compliance with department and VA radiation safety procedures to maintain occupational exposures "as low as reasonably achievable" (ALARA).
• Film badges are worn in compliance with radiation regulations and guidelines of OSHA. Has knowledge of types, characteristics, and proper use of personal monitoring devices.
• Assist patients to and from the treatment room, as well as in transferring on and off the treatment table as necessary. Utilizes all patient transfer aids.
• Follow guidelines for storing and cleaning patient immobilization devices.
• Utilize knowledge of MU-Calc or similar program with emergency patients.
• Knowledge of radioactive packaging and different types of radioactive sources that can be used in brachytherapy treatments.

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.
• 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

All qualifying experience you possess must be clearly described in your application package. We will not make assumptions when reviewing applications. Failure to clearly demonstrate your experience in your application package may result in disqualification. All applicants are encouraged to submit responses to each Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSA) on a separate document.

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.
• Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a program in therapeutic radiologic technology, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's or higher degree accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology or other accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the subsequent completion of a 12-month ED accrediting body-approved program in therapeutic radiologic technology.
  • Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R. Part 75. They must have successfully completed an educational program meeting or exceeding the standards described in that regulation and is accredited by an organization recognized by the ED, and be radiation therapists certified by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (T).
• Certification. All applicants must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (ARRT (T)).
  • Exception. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for TRT certification may be given a temporary appointment under 38 U.S.C. § 7405 (a)(1)(B) for up to one year at the entry level only as a graduate TRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405 (c)(2)(B).
  • Graduate TRTs may only be appointed at the entry grade level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained.
  • Temporary graduate TRT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment.
  • Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases, TRTs must actively pursue meeting the requirements for certification starting from the date of their appointment. Failure to become certified within one year from the date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0648 TRT series and may result in termination of employment.
• Loss of Certification. Once certified, a TRT who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment.

• Experience. None above the basic requirements.

• Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all the KSAs below:
  • Knowledge to set-up the treatment room to deliver basic and some complex radiation treatments on a linear accelerator, as prescribed by the radiation oncologist.
  • Knowledge of machine warm up procedures for interpreting output levels compared with established thresholds and radiation safety principles.
  • Ability to perform patient chart reviews using an electronic medical record and using the Record and Verify System or other similar treatment delivery systems.
  • Knowledge of operating computed tomography (CT) Simulator to preform simulations that is demonstrated by following directives, designing custom immobilization for reproducible set-ups, obtaining optimal imaging, and completing accurate and precise patient documentation.
  • Skill in communicating all aspects of patient care with the radiation oncology team.
  • Knowledge of utilizing an on-board imaging system (i.e., Linac's or comparable system) to interpret the images.
  • Skill in performing radiation safety practices including when to report discrepancies and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, quality standards, accrediting agencies, policies and department standard operating procedures.

• Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities/core competencies described at that level.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all the KSAs below:
  • Skill in setting up the treatment room to deliver basic and some complex radiation treatments on a linear accelerator, as prescribed by the radiation oncologist.
  • Ability to perform machine warm up procedures and interpret output levels compared with established thresholds and radiation safety principles.
  • Ability to perform moderately complex patient chart reviews by using the electronic medical record and the Record and Verify System or other similar treatment delivery systems.
  • Ability to operate the CT Simulator to perform simulations, design custom immobilization for reproducible set-ups, obtain optimal imaging and provide accurate and precise patient documentation.

• Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all the KSAs below:
  • Skill in independently setting up the patient in preparation for basic and complex radiation treatments on a linear accelerator, as prescribed by the radiation oncologist.
  • Skill in independently performing machine warm-up procedures to interpret output levels compared with established thresholds adhering to the principles of radiation safety and all aspects of quality assurance.
  • Skill to independently perform patient chart reviews and effectively document records utilizing an electronic medical records system and the Record and Verify System or other similar treatment delivery systems

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, 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.