Clarification from the agency

This job is open to current permanent Department of Veteran Affairs employees, current permanent Federal employees of other agencies and all US Citizens. First area of consideration is Orlando VA HCS Employees, other current and permanent VA employees, other current permanent federal employees, and U.S. citizens. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Utilizes imaging and IGRT technology (KV/MV, Brainlab, OBI, CBCT) for exact treatment field placement.
• Delivers a precise, prescribed therapeutic dose of radiation therapy utilizing a Linear Accelerator (Varian TrueBeam STX, Varian TrueBeam).
• Utilizes EMR (ARIA, CPRS) for workload capture, charting verification, and documentation.
• Demonstrates highly skilled technical knowledge of oncologic disease processes, CT simulation, treatment planning, imaging, image guidance, treatment techniques, and radiation therapy procedures.
• Performs CT simulations on CT Simulator. Prepares any necessary contrast media to be utilized during simulation. Recognizes abnormal lab values and notify appropriate staff prior to injection of contrast. Demonstrate knowledge of contrast media and take prompt action should an adverse reaction occur. Follows CT-Sim procedures step by step and seek assistance when needed. Assists in 4DCT studies by setting up the equipment and mutually collaborating to acquire an optimal study. Recognizes Hard Stops when needed.
• Fabricates custom immobilization devices that yield reproducible patient set ups for daily radiation therapy. Documents meticulous details of patient and immobilization set up instructions in EMR. Indicates treatment area on patient's skin with marks and tattoos and uploads digital photo of area in EMR. Collaborates with Radiation Oncologist, Physicist and/or Dosimetrist in selecting isocenter. Promptly transfer data set to treatment planning computer.
• Maintains a sterile cockpit with patient centric focus. Follow set-up instructions step by step and seek assistance when needed. Accurately reproduces initial simulation set-up (sim verify), with proper patient positioning, immobilization
  devices, SSD measurements, and machine parameters, to ensure proper alignment and precise treatment. Utilization of IGRT platform, cone beam CT, or OBI system to accurately verify patient's position. Accurately delivers prescribed
  therapeutic dose of treatment including, conventional, 3D conformal, 4D, electron, IMRT, VMAT, SBRT, SRS. Verifies multi-leaf collimation, electron cutouts, electronic dynamic wedges, bolus, and compensators are correct before treatment. Collaborates with attending or allied staff for special procedures such as SBRT, SRS, cardiac devices interrogations and in vivo dosimetry among others. Recognizes Hard Stops when needed.
• Maintains record of treatment delivery by routinely obtaining portal imaging on patients under treatment. Verifies and documents are any changes to treatment position per physician request.
• Promptly alerts physics, via electronic treatment chart or in person when immediate attention is needed, regarding changes in treatment delivery such as SSD discrepancies, patient positioning changes, or patient treatment status, to
  ensure updates to the treatment calendar, calculations or prescription are completed.
• Demonstrates broad knowledge of treatment side effects and notifies Clinical Providers as necessary.
• Notifies Chief Radiation Therapist and Physics staff of equipment issues and follows their instruction. Reports all environmental and/or equipment issues to appropriate entities. Records machine faults and errors in the Machine Fault
  Logbook per department policy.
• Demonstrates radiation safety knowledge to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self in compliance with department and VA radiation safety procedures and to maintain occupational exposures. Demonstrates knowledge of Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations.
• Prioritizes scheduled patients to optimize machine times with the flexibility to accommodate emergency cases.
• Maintains a safe, clean environment in accordance with universal infection control precautions and other established policies and procedures. Maintaining treatment rooms and equipment are in a clean and safe condition at all times. Ensure all areas have adequate supplies and plan ahead to avoid depletion of stock.
• Works professionally with all members of the radiation therapy team to effectively and efficiently accomplish the goals of the department.
• Stays current with new developments and technologies in the field of radiation therapy and performs these new technologies to provide patients with the best possible treatment.
• Participates in reviewing, revising or authoring policies and procedures as needed or assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 82065F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): 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.
• 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

Applicant must meet qualifications at time of application.

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.
• English Language Proficiency: TRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Education-(Certificate or transcripts Submitted). 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 (Documentation Submitted). All applicants must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (ARRT (T)).
  • 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.

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).

• Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA in this occupational series or in another occupational series that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
  1. Employees in an occupation not requiring a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted or demoted within the occupation.
  2. Employees in an occupation requiring a licensure/certification/registration, may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance level, 5 or demoted within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the full performance level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
  3. Employees in an occupation requiring a licensure/certification/registration only at higher grade levels must meet the licensure/certification/registration requirement before they can be promoted to those higher-grade levels.
  4. Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
  5. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
     • NOTE: Each uncertified TRT permanently employed on June 21, 1986, and whose competence in the safe administration of ionizing radiation was affirmed, in writing, by a VA licensed physician not later than January 1, 1987, is considered fully qualified. These employees may be promoted, up to and including the journey level, demoted or reassigned within the GS-0648 occupational series. Any employee initially retained in this manner who leaves this job series loses protected status and must meet the full requirements in effect at the time of reentry.

Grade Determination at the GS-10 grade level. In addition to the basic qualifications, listed above, incumbent must meet the following grade specific qualifications:

• Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, GS-09, directly related to the position being filled.
  • Example of GS-09 Experience: Employees at this level serve as staff TRTs at the full performance level independently carrying out most procedures which have varying assignments, including advanced treatment modalities and procedures. Assignments at this level include but not limited to providing emergency treatment delivery, simple Monitor Unit dose calculation as assigned; scheduling simulation and treatment procedures; handling and storing radioactive materials; educating patient, family and staff on the administration of ionizing radiation; inspecting equipment for safety, operability and troubleshooting basic problems and machine issues.
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all the KSAs below:
  1. Skill in independently performing machine warm up procedures and interpreting output levels compared with established thresholds adhering to the principles of radiation safety and all aspects of quality assurance.
  2. Ability to independently perform patient chart reviews using an electronic medical record and the Record and Verify System or other similar treatment delivery systems.
  3. Ability to independently perform all basic and complex CT simulations, 9 including independently operating the CT equipment, following directives, designing custom immobilization for reproducible set-ups, obtaining optimal imaging, completing accurate data transfer for treatment planning and providing accurate and precise patient documentation.
  4. Ability to utilize a Linac's On Board Imaging system to interpret complex images.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required for this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. The work requires standing and walking for prolonged periods of time. The therapist must frequently bend, reach, stoop, and stretch to set up and take apart respiratory equipment, position patients, push/pull moderately heavy objects such as mechanical ventilators. The work requires above average dexterity and agility to perform intricate Radiation Therapy procedures.

How you will be evaluated

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

Area of Consideration - Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
2. All other current permanent VA employees.
3. All other current permanent federal employees.
4. Veterans preference applies.
5. U.S. Citizens

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.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume. (federal positions must clearly state series and grade assigned, failure to provide this may result in an ineligible rating)
• Education documentation. Documentation of successful completion in a program in therapeutic radiologic technology, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's or higher degree.
• Certification.ARRT in Radiation Therapy (ARRT (T))

Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.

Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Resume over two pages
• Certification of completion or associates degree, or higher, in Therapeutic Radiologic Technology
• ARRT Certification
• PCS Orders
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

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