Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist) Job in Pittsburgh, PA

Vacancy No. CBSZ-12727401-25-DG Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $118,858.00 to $154,523.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 4/28/2025 Close Date 5/19/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Pittsburgh, PA


Summary

The Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist) will serve as a member of the radiation oncology team at the Pittsburgh VA. The incumbent works in the most complex category of healthcare facility in the VA system. The Pittsburgh VA is a complex, highly affiliated tertiary referral medical center with a very active research program, serving Veterans residing throughout the Greater Pittsburgh Region. Providing advance, comprehensive cancer care, to include radiation therapy, to Veterans.

Duties

Functions and duties include but are not limited to the following:

  • Obtain and synthesize pertinent clinical data to facilitate the radiation oncology process .
  • Participate in the development of optimal treatment strategies. This includes, but is not limited to, the generation of external beam radiation dose distributions and the performance of dose calculations in accordance with the radiation oncologist's prescription to a defined tumor volume.
  • Participate in treatment simulations and tumor localization on dedicated devices, including CT, MRI and PET when indicated, for radiation oncology.
  • Perform, or assist in the planning of, the fabrication of compensation filters, custom shields, wedges, and other beam modifying devices. Perform, or assist in the planning of, the production of molds, casts, and other immobilization devices.
  • Participate in continuing education in the area of current treatment planning techniques and advances in medical dosimetry.
  • Adhere to the established Standards of Medical Dosimetrist Practice and Code Ethics.
  • The dosimetrist must demonstrate an understanding of human cross-sectional anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology and medical terminology.
  • Works with radiation therapists, the radiation oncologist, and medical physicist as a member of the radiation therapy team. Must assist and anticipate the needs of the radiation oncologists during the planning process.
  • May instruct therapists or residents and staff on new dosimetry techniques or equipment.
  • Assists with analysis of dosimetry specific data collected for ongoing departmental quality and improvement process.
  • Practices 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 reasonable achievable" (ALARA). This is achieved by the use oflead-lined treatment room walls, cornered doorways, distance management, and conscientious accident-free beam-on times.
  • Confers with radiation oncologist to determine requirements/parameters for planning of patients enrolled on protocols or studies.
  • Performs reconstructions of CT studies when requested, when part of a standard procedure, or when required for protocol review.
  • Utilizes electronic and/or radiation treatment chart for set-up instructions, field size, field shaping, SSD, field compensators, and beam restrictions.
  • Utilizes skill when requesting the appropriate procedural codes, accessing correct patient data, matching soft copy images correctly prior to sending through to treatment planning system.
  • Properly identifies patient images. This is essential so that mistaken identity of patient images does not occur.
  • Maintains patient records and files; follows HIPP A guidelines regarding patient information.
  • Maintains work space and equipment in a clean, neat, and safe condition at all times.
  • Continually keeping current with new developments in the field of radiation therapy and being able to utilize the new technologies available.
  • Participates in reviewing, revising or authoring policies and procedures as needed.
  • Evaluates new products and equipment to make recommendations to supervisor concerning upgrades or new purchases that would improve operation.
  • Evaluate, critique, and recommend changes to the radiation therapy process as necessary.
  • Performs Quality assurance activities based on established protocols and documents findings. Quality improvement programs allow the radiation therapist to be a responsible member of the health care team by continually assessing professional performance.
  • Updates policies and procedures for the dosimetry area in conjunction with a medical physicist.
  • Helps in interviewing, selecting and hiring new employees.
  • Oversees initial set-ups of complex treatment plans, assisting as necessary and modifying as needed prior to treatment delivery with the approval of the radiation oncologist.
  • May perform higher level duties of significant scope and difficulty at least 25% of the time.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Telework: Not Authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized

Requirements

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. 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).

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:

Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance to 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).

English Language Proficiency: Medical Dosimetrists must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

Education: Effective January 1, 2017, candidates are required to hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and graduate from a medical dosimetry program of at least 12 months in duration. The medical dosimetry program must be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), or other accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. JRCERT is the accrediting agency for the medical dosimetry programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 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).
  • Exception. Candidates who graduated prior to January 1, 2017, are considered to have met the basic education requirement provided they meet all Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) requirements and are in good standing.
Certification: All applicants must be certified in medical dosimetry by the MDCB. Certified Medical Dosimetry (CMD) is the recognized credential for Medical Dosimetrists.
  • NOTE: CMDs who perform therapeutic radiologic technologist duties must also possess ARRT(T) certification and be assigned to a functional statement that combines both types of work.
  • NOTE: The Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, P.L. 97- 35 requires persons who administer Therapeutic Radiological procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R. § 75. They must have completed an educational program meeting or exceeding the standards described in that regulation and be accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or be a Radiation Therapist certified in medical dosimetry.
Exception for non-certified Medical Dosimetrists. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for Medical Dosimetrist certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate under 38 U.S.C. § 7405(a)(1)(B). Non-certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified Medical Dosimetrist at or above the full performance level. Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. Temporary appointments of non-certified Medical Dosimetrists may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.

Grandfathering Provision. Employees in VHA in this occupation, under a permanent, appropriate, and legal placement on the effective date of the qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation.

Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Foreign equivalency evaluation from The Foundation for International Services, Inc. or the International Education Research Foundation is required. Foreign equivalency documentation from any other organization will not be considered.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:

Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist) GS-12
Experience. At this level, candidates must possess at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level and must fully meet the KSAs. Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrists) at this level (GS-11), are at the full performance level and are fully functional and carry out their assigned task independently in all areas of medical dosimetry. They are responsible for developing accurate and deliverable complex treatment plans and image importing for fusion during the planning process. They provide input of radiation safety practices, quality standards and abide by all governing bodies and standard operating procedures.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs.
  • Knowledge of the care and use of radioactive resources for implementation and treatment delivery.
  • Skill at effective communication and leadership as demonstrated by providing orientation and training for staff, providing input for yearly appraisals, directing progress and coordination of workload, and ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures and directives to provide continuity of care. (c) Skill in providing guidance and expertise related to all aspects of the treatment planning process.
  • Skill to independently perform complex treatment procedures as evidenced by completing tasks such as developing and troubleshooting highly complex isodose treatment plans delineating critical structures and tumor volumes, performing weekly chart checks, performing QA verifications and providing training on all aspects of the Record and Verify System such as Mosaiq or Aria.
  • Ability to resolve complex physical and geometric errors in radiation equipment, simulation procedures and treatment delivery implementation.
  • Ability to follow protocols including, but not limited to developing and implementing policies and standard operating procedures, participating in research programs, ensuring compliance with the radiation safety office, national program office, and accrediting agencies, and following established quality standard measures.
  • Ability to apply a broad range of specific methods of radiation measurements including, but not limited to, diode, ion chamber, thermoluminescent dosimeter, or film measurement as directed by a qualified Medical Physicist and perform or assist with the QA procedures as directed by a qualified Medical Physicist.

Preferred Experience:
  • Experience with Eclipse Treatment Planning & ARIA Record & Verify Systems.
  • Experience with SRS (Stereotactic Radiosurgery) and SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy)
  • Familiar with BrainLab (iPlan) Treatment Planning System.

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-12.

Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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.

Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order:

  1. Current permanent VA employees of the facility.
  2. All other VA employees.
  3. Current permanent Federal employees of other agencies.
  4. All other applicants.

Required Documents

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

  • Resume
  • Transcript


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 (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Professional Certification
  • 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.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 05/19/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12727401.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Agency contact information

Doris Gaines
Address
Pittsburgh VA Medical Center
1010 Delafield Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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