The Dosimetrist is a member of the radiation oncology team and reports directly to the Service Chief in Radiation Oncology. Has the overall characteristics and clinical relevance of radiation oncology simulation and treatment equipment, including CT simulator and linear accelerator is practiced in procedures used in external beam therapy and has expertise to generate radiation dose distributions and dose calculations in collaboration with the medical 1 physicist and radiation oncologist.

Duties

The work involves performance of complex tasks as part of a medical team. The dosimetrist uses highly sophisticated equipment complex formulae to plan the radiation dose distribution and calculate dosage to patients receiving radiation therapy as designated by the radiation oncologist and medical physicist. Maintains a commitment to a high degree of accuracy, thoroughness and professional judgment in determining whether the treatment plan meets the radiation oncologist's intent. Applies advanced level of treatment planning and dosimetry procedures. Experienced with computer programs and operations, and methodologies of data transfer and reconstruction. Performs complex 2D,3D, and IMRT treatment plans and presents to radiation oncologists for review and acceptance. Serves as an integral team member for brachytherapy procedures, utilizing imaging technology to determine volumetric data, positioning of templates for insertion of radioactive sources, and transfer of data from imaging equipment to treatment planning computers for generation of dose volume histograms (DVH) and brachytherapy dosimetry. He/she is familiar with High Dose Rate (HDR) and low dose rate (LDR) procedures Functions: Obtain and synthesize pertinent clinical data to facilitate the radiation oncology process. 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. Document treatment parameters associated with the radiation therapy process. Perform quality assurance activities based on established protocols and documents findings. Provide patient and public education and promote principles of good health Maintain patient records and files. Utilizes electronic and /or radiation treatment chart for set up instructions, field size, field shaping, SSd, field compensators and beam restrictions Practices radiation safety Confers with radiation oncologist to determine requirements/parameters for planning of patients enrolled on protocols or studies Participates in reviewing, reviving or authoring policies and procedures as needed Assists with analysis of dosimetry specific data collected for ongoing departmental quality and improvement process Helps in interviewing, selecting and hiring new employees Oversee 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 Performs reconstructions of CT studies with requested Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm or as patient care is needed Compressed/Flexible:Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Therapeutic Rad Tech GS-648-12 # 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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. Education: Completion of a medical dosimetry program of at least 12 months long accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and a baccalaureate degree is required. JRCERT is the accrediting agency for the medical dosimetry programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Certification: All applicants must be certified in medical dosimetry by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB). Certified Medical Dosimetry (CMD) is the recognized credential for Medical Dosimetrists. NOTE: CMDs who perform therapeutic radiologic technologist duties must also possess American Registry of Radiologic Technology (AART) (T) certification and be assigned to a function statement that combines both types of work. NOTE: Public Law 97-35 requires persons who administer Therapeutic Radiological 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 U.S. Department of Education or be a radiation therapist certified in medical dosimetry. English Language Proficiency: TRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. 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 GS-12:: Knowledge of Current Dosimetry Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities associated with current medical dosimetry practice. Experience satisfying this requirement must be active professional practice at the post-certification level, which may be paid/non-paid employment, as a Medical Dosimetrist. Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it is post certification experience as a certified Medical Dosimetrist directly related to the position to be filled. Experience as a graduate Medical Dosimetrist is creditable provided the candidate functioned as an entry level Medical Dosimetrist with continual oversight and subsequently passed the certification examination. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to Medical Dosimetrist experience at the next lower grade level. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Grade Determinations GS-12: 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 at that level. Medical Dosimetrists at this level 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. Medical Dosimetrists will contour critical structures and tumor volumes. They provide input of radiation safety practices, quality standards and abides by all governing bodies and standard operating procedures. GS-11 KSAs: Ability to effectively communicate all aspects of the directive and treatment planning process with the radiation oncology team to solve complex clinical treatment challenges. Skill at importing diagnostic imaging studies from multiple media types and image fusion utilizing computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET CT) for complex treatment planning. Skill in utilizing computer treatment software to develop an accurate deliverable complex plan such as, 3D conformal, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), Volumetric Arc Therapy (VMAT) and stereotactic techniques, dose limitation to critical structures, Record and Verify software and quality assurance (QA) methods following the directive outlined by the radiation oncologist. Ability to delineate and accurately contour critical structures and tumor volumes utilized for development of a deliverable treatment plan through an in-depth knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and all diagnostic imaging modalities. Knowledge of radiation safety practices to include reporting discrepancies and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, quality standards, accrediting agencies, policies and standard operating procedures. Ability to provide input or assist with the use or necessity of ancillary treatment devices, patient immobilization techniques and other patient positioning techniques as needed for simulation or treatment. Ability to apply new developments, planning techniques and technology in the field of radiation therapy such as but not limited to treatment planning system QA. GS-12: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: 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, 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. Ability to resolve complex physical and geometric errors of the radiation equipment, simulation procedure and treatment delivery implementation. Knowledge of the care and use of radioactive resources for implementation and treatment delivery. 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 follow protocols including, but not limited to developing and implementing policies and standard operating procedures, participating in research programs and ensuring compliance with radiation safety office, national program office, accrediting agencies and follow established quality standard measures. Ability to perform the application of a broad range of specific methods of radiation measurements including, but not limited to, diode, ion chamber, thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD), 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. References: Appendix G66, Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist Dosimetrist GS-0648. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS-12. Physical Requirements: Lifting 15lbs, sitting and/or standing for 4 hours at a time.

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 Pittsburgh VA Medical Center 1010 Delafield Road Pittsburgh, PA 15215 US
• Name: Jonathan Davis
• Phone: 405-439-1259
• Email: [email protected]