The incumbent's primary responsibilities are to provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by Radiation Oncologist and under the general supervision of the Chief Radiation Therapist. Other tasks include start-up, QA, and shut-down of equipment, electronic field imaging, charge capturing, simulation and on-call.
Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). 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)). (1) 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. English Language Proficiency. TRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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, GS-9 (1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled. (2) Assignment. 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. TRTs at this level may be independently assigned to most areas of radiation therapy and to some advanced therapies. 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. Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment, the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform at this level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all the KSAs below: (a) 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. (b) 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. (c) 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. 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-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-09.
Functions: a. Schedule patients in a manner so as to optimize linear accelerator/simulator times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. b. Prepare room and equipment for patients according to prescription regarding immobilization devices, field size, treatment distance, lead protection devices, etc. c. Perform and document daily accelerator/simulator warm-up and QA procedures. Report erratic or malfunctioning equipment to Chief Therapist, Physicist and/or Engineer. d. Perform simulations. e. Administers contrast materials and should have a thorough understanding of protocol before, during and after contrast is given. Observe patient for reactions to contrast. Is certified to insert IV needles for administration of contrast material when necessary. f. Prepare and construct equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices. Perform mold room duties. g. Review prescription, diagnosis, treatment plan, identification, and chart for accuracy prior to treatment. h. Properly identifies patient by confirming verbally name, social security number and/or date of birth. Technologists must wear proper and visible identification. i. Educate, prepare and reassure patients and their family members by answering questions. j. Transfer patient safely to treatment couch giving special attention to catheters, intravenous drips, etc. k. Position patient for treatment with accuracy according to prescription. l. Explain procedure to patients, means of communication during treatment and procedure to follow if emergencies arise during treatment. m. Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body site using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards with minimal supervision. n. Maintain visual and audible communication with patients during treatment. o. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, visitors, staff and self. Technologists must wear film badges in compliance with regulations. p. Records all parameters involved with each patient, including daily and accumulated doses, treatment time, field size and type of radiation used. Preferred Experience Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all the KSAs below: (a) Skill and 3 years proven experience independently performing Stereotactic Radiosurgery. (b) Skill and 3 years' proven experience in independently performing Active Breathing Coordination procedures. (c) Skill and 3 years proven experience in independently performing Stereotactic Body procedures on sites including spine, liver, and lung cancer. (d) 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. (e) Ability to independently perform patient chart reviews using VA electronic medical record and the Record and Verify System or other similar treatment delivery systems. (f) Ability to independently perform all basic and complex CT simulations (including triphase liver and pancreas simulation), 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. (g) Ability and proven experience utilizing Truebeam On Board Imaging, ExacTrac Imaging, and Vision RT to interpret complex images. Work Schedule: 8-430 M-F