Clarification from the agency

***THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS OPEN TO OTHER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES, AND THE PUBLIC*** NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

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Duties include but are not limited to:

• Schedules 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 the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate simulation and treatment.
• Performs 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.
• Identifies individual patient by the required identification methods set forth by hospital policy before simulation or radiation treatment is delivered.
• Prepares contrast materials under supervision that are to be used for treatment simulations. Ensures proper use or administration of the contrast materials to avoid the risk of patient mortality, therefore it is essential that the therapist has a thorough understanding of contrast material usage.
• Routinely takes port/verification images on patients under radiation treatment, to maintain record of treatment accuracy in accordance to departmental procedures, verifies any changes in accordance with the physicians request.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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

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.
• Certification. (1) All applicants must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (T). (2) Certification in Medical Dosimetry is not a basic requirement for this occupation; however, it is strongly desirable as evidence of possession of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• 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
• Physical Requirements. The work requires long periods of standing and walking. There is some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles such as film cassettes, 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. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
• English Language Proficiency. TRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.

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:
Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist, GS-6
Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties
Obtains x-ray films of diagnostic quality of the skull, torso, and extremities. Works with dedicated CT/Simulator scanner in developing treatment plan. Determines technical factors to be used, sets up accessory equipment as required and makes exposures necessary for the requested procedure. In general, each radiation therapist is required to possess the basic skills of a diagnostic technologist and still further possess additional knowledge concerning the areas of dosimetry, electronics, and radiation biology.
Ensures radiation protection standards are met, including concepts of cumulative dosage, genetic changes, and effect of radiation on living organisms, and the safety of each treatment on patient and operator to assure that adequate safeguards are maintained. Recognize when changes of equipment might result in increased exposure and recommend methods to prevent exposure. Film badge must be worn when on duty and left in the department when off duty or on leave. Change film badge once a month. Adhere to medical center protective equipment policy for ionizing radiation exposure.
Operates various types of equipment used in radiation treatment. Equipment is highly complex and technical in application. These include tissue compensator, linear accelerator, and computerized treatment planning simulator. Recognizes any irregularity in the performance parameters of the therapy units and informs supervisor and/or physicist immediately before proceeding with treatment. Recognizes emergencies during therapy and takes prompt measures to rectify them.
This position requires rotating on-call duties and overtime for emergency coverage. When on-call, if called or paged, should answer call within 5 minutes and respond to medical center within 45 minutes. Employee may be called upon for duties as required by the supervisor.

Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist, GS-7
Functions: With higher level TRT (8,9,10 or Chief Therapist) supervision and indirect guidance
Schedules 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 the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate simulation and treatment.
Performs 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.
Identifies individual patient by the required identification methods set forth by hospital policy before simulation or radiation treatment is delivered.

Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist, GS-8
Functions: Mostly Independent with supervision of Chief Therapist and higher level TRT
Schedules 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 the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate simulation and treatment.
Performs 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.
Identifies individual patient by the required identification methods set forth by hospital policy before simulation or radiation treatment is delivered.

Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist, GS-9
Functions: Independently with supervision of Chief Therapist and higher level TRT
Schedules 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 the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate simulation and treatment.
Performs 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.
Identifies individual patient by the required identification methods set forth by hospital policy before simulation or radiation treatment is delivered.
Follows established safety practices and reports to supervisor as promptly as possible, unsafe conditions, unsafe practices or any occupational illness or injury sustained. Adheres to all safety and health standards, regulations, work practices and uses proper protective equipment as required.
Participates in reviewing, revising or authoring policies and procedures as needed.
Participates in Non-Supervisory Leadership classes given at VA or outside program.
Qualifies to become Clinical Supervisory for Radiation Therapy Students.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6 to . GS-9

Preferred Experience: 3-5 years of experience as a Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Radiation Therapist).

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.