The Therapeutic Radiological Technologist operates independently, and as a team member, to coordinate and perform responsibly all therapeutic radiation treatments. These treatments are performed with and without 3D treatment planning, IMRT, CT simulation and other techniques to achieve either a biological cure of the disease or improvement in the quality of the remainder of the patient's life.

Duties

Major Duties include but are not limited to the following: Possesses knowledge of disease process, comorbid conditions, and other factors relating to individual patients in selecting appropriate positioning devices for procedure to be performed. Schedules patients in a manner so as to optimize linear accelerator/simulator 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 treatment. Prepares room and equipment for patient according to prescription regarding immobilization devices, field size, treatment distance, lead protection devices, etc. Positions patient for treatment with accuracy according to prescription and cushions/shields patient as appropriate. Performs and documents daily accelerator/simulator warm-up and QA procedures and other QA procedures as required. Reports erratic or malfunctioning equipment to Chief Therapist, Physicist and/or Engineer. Properly operates CT simulator and performs simulation; provides reproducible patient treatment position set-ups that can be accurately used for daily treatments on the Linear Accelerator. Accurately transfers radiographic images to treatment planning and dosimetry for use in development of computer-generated treatment plans. Prepares and constructs equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices. Perform mould room duties. Reviews prescription, diagnosis, treatment plan, identification, and chart for accuracy prior to treatment. Properly identifies individual patient by required identification methods set forth by hospital policy before simulation or radiation treatment is delivered. Educates, prepares and reassures patients and their family members by answering questions. Transfers patients safely giving special attention to catheters, intravenous drips, etc. Explains to the patient the procedure, means of communication during treatment, and procedure to follow if emergency arises during treatment. Delivers prescribed mode of treatment in accordance with prescribed radiation prescription with minimal supervision. This may include conventional, 3-D conformal, electron delivery, IMRT treatment delivery, IGRT delivery, or brachytherapy procedures. Maintains visual and audible communication with patient during treatment. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: 1. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 2. English Language Proficiency: Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (TRT) must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. ? 7403(f). 3. 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). 4. Certification: All applicants must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (ARRT (T)) .Loss of Certification: A TRT who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment. Grandfathering Provision: 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-10 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Candidates must demonstrate all the KSAs below: (a) 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. (b) Ability to independently perform patient chart reviews using an electronic medical record and the Record and Verify System or other similar treatment delivery systems. (c) Ability to independently perform all basic and complex CT simulations, 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. (d) Ability to utilize a Linac's On Board Imaging system to interpret complex images. Preferred Experience: TrueBeam experience is preferred. References: VA Handbook 5005/137, Part II, Appendix G26, Dated January 15, 2021 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. 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.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address VA Northern California Health Care System 10535 Hospital Way Mather, CA 95655 US
• Name: Rolane Jack
• Phone: 808-835-9634
• Email: [email protected]