Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist)

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. The first area of consideration is the Faciity. NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Familiarity with different treatment management and planning software: Eclipse, ARIA and CPRS are highly preferred.
• Following department Naming convention for all dosimetry chart preparation.
• Recent experience with various treatment techniques such as electrons, 3D conformal (3DCRT), Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), Volumetric Arc Therapy (VMAT), Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) and both, Stereotactic Radiation Surgery and Therapy (SRS/SRT), are required for this position, including familiarity with Hyperarc planning for SRT/SRS cases.
• Recent experience with various treatment sites including but not limited to CNS, head and neck, lung, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, GYN and extremities.
• Performs ISO placement and assists radiation therapists as needed during CT simulation.
• Ability to carry out assigned task independently, such as ability to calculate the needed monitor units according to radiation oncologist prescription with distributions of the dose to be delivered in various ratios applying extensive knowledge of critical structures and their tolerances to accurately deliver the prescribed dose.
• Ability to apply in depth knowledge of anatomy, especially cross sectional, physiology, and numerous types of tumors and their routes of spread to design multiple plans for oncologist approval and selection.
• Proficiency in importing/exporting diagnostic images from the hospital/internal systems (Brainlab, Varian, PACS servers) to treatment planning systems to perform image fusion with the treatment planning scan.
• Ensures CT/4DCT scans are promptly delivered to dosimetry for image formatting to assure smooth patient flow.
• Prepares CT scans for physicians to draw tumor volumes.
• Discusses physician's treatment planning instructions before initiating planning.
• Verifies Physician prescription is correct and signed.
• Verifies the iGTV/iCTV is in agreement between the 4DCT and the free breathing CT when needed.
• Contours normal structures, enters treatment fields and vital beam data into a treatment planning computer in a timely and accurate manner.
• Initiates complex treatment planning utilizing the most up to date technology available including 3D conformal, IMRT, VMAT, SBRT, SRS and SRT techniques.
• Accurately computes radiation dose to individual ports, tumors, spine and other necessary body structures to ensure quality treatment to patients, and safety to tissue tolerance. Conscientiously maintains awareness of dose - tissue tolerance.
• Drafts several isocentric plans, as required, with emphasis on quality of dose distribution, using dosimetric knowledge and creativity.
• Submits best plan choices to the radiation oncologists and aids in determining best treatment method for specific patients on an individual basis.
• Creates set-up fields, KVs and CBCT for verification of treatment.
• Prepares fields and other data for treatment in RT chart, set up notes, photos and scheduling of filming
• Perform emergency treatment plans after regular clinic hours as needed.
• Fully utilizes the electronic chart per the departmental standards and procedures.
• Indicates vital factors necessary for correct patient treatment, such as boosts, blocks, in vivo dosimetry, cardiac devices and other various special treatment techniques.
• Accurately document radiation treatment in patient's medical chart, EMR and TPS, and accurately capture activity codes in Aria and CPRS utilizing proper ICD10 and CPT codes, for each procedure as indicated.
• Actively participates in CT simulation and with CT technologists in a competent and courteous manner, and provides instruction and expertise as needed for complex cases.
• Efficiently communicates with radiation therapy technologists through notations on simulation digital films for proper electronic cutout mountings and submits to mold room within appropriate time frame.
• Maintains records of upcoming boost, so that they will be ready and the setup schedule coordinated with radiation therapy technologists following department procedures.
• Utilizes patient alerts for communicating unique treatment circumstances: such as BID on Friday only, repeat CT, skip arc and any other special instructions as necessary
• Perform miscellaneous physics duties for example: patient specific QAs, in-vivo dosimetry, participating in Practice Quality Improvement (PQI) projects, preparing and assisting for accreditation and audits processes

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 08:00am - 04:30pm
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 82718F, Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist)
Relocation Incentive: Authorized, in accordance with agency policy.
Recruitment Incentive: Authorized, in accordance with agency policy.
EDRP: 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 identification 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.
• English Language Proficiency: Medical Dosimetrists must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Education-Transcripts Submitted:
  • 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.
  • 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.

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).

• Certification-Documentation Submitted
  • 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.

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).

• 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:

Medical Dosimetrist, GS-12.

1. Experience: At this level, candidates must possess at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level and must fully meet the KSAs.
2. Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. At advanced level, Medical Dosimetrists are fully functional dosimetrists with knowledge and experience applying an advanced level of treatment planning and dosimetry procedures. Medical Dosimetrists serve as integral team members for complex treatment planning, QA verifications, weekly chart checks and ability to train on all aspects of the Record and Verify System. Medical Dosimetrists train staff, evaluate workload, and ensure compliance with all necessary governing bodies and standard operation procedures.
3. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) 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.
   • 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.

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: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

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 VA employees.
3. Veteran Preference
4. All other applicants.

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:

• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• 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.
• 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)
• Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV)
• 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.
• 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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