The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist). The Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist) will function in Radiation Oncology Service.

Duties

The Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist) is a registered Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist with major duties including: - Utilize the extensive knowledge and training to produce acceptable treatment plans following the prescription of the radiation oncologist. The recognition of critical structures beams at different energy levels, the behavior of numerous tumors, the tolerance level of radiation in the different regions of the human body, and the ability to independently generate multiple treatment plans utilizing various combinations of wedges, boluses, and blocking techniques are critical to this position. - Extensive knowledge of treatment planning systems is imperative. Active participation in brachytherapy and the ability to create brachytherapy plans is also required. - Work independently, with minimal oversight, in planning radiation treatment plans. This position requires high-level skills in math and the operation of highly complex treatment planning computer systems: record and verifies systems and multiple hospital computer-based programs. - Knowledge of advance computer operations in both input and output devices. Familiarity with computerized treatment planning software. - Enter irregular fields, patient contours and other vital beam data into a treatment planning computer in a timely and accurate manner. Enters approved treatment - Plan computer in a timely and accurate manner. Enter approved treatment fields into the record and verify system, assuring that all patient data is correctly input and transferred to treatment machine for treatment of patient. - Accurately compute radiation dose to individual ports, tumors, organs of interest and other necessary body structures to ensure quality treatment to patients, and safety of normal tissue. - Proficiently import diagnostic images from the hospital system to perform image fusion with the treatment planning scan. - Accurately draw normal structure contours and prepare CT scans for physician to draw tumor volumes. - Conscientiously maintain awareness of dose - tissue tolerance. - Draft one or several isocentric plans, as required, with emphasis on quality of dose distribution, using dosimetric knowledge and the parameters set by the treating physician. - Submit plan choices to appropriate physician to aid in determining best treatment method for specific patient tumors on an individual basis. - Maintain record of upcoming boost, so that they may be prepared within prescribed practice and professional competency. - Initiate complex treatment planning utilizing the most up to date technology available including 3D conformal, IMRT techniques and stereotactic techniques. - Create set-up fields for treatment in, KV and CBCT for verification of treatment. Prepares fields for treatment in RT chart, set up notes, photos and scheduling of filming. - Fully utilize the electronic chart per the departmental standards and procedures. Indicates vital factors necessary for correct patient treatment; such as boosts, cord block, wedges, and other various treatment aids. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: United States 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: 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. Preferred Education: Successfully completed a medical dosimetry program of at least 12 months long accredited by the JRCERT and a minimum of a bachelor's degree are required. JRCERT is the accrediting agency for the medical dosimetry programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. OR Hold an Associate Degree, Bachelor of Science Degree or ARRT registry with credentials in Radiation Therapy and have 2 or more years of on-the-job training and work experience in medical dosimetry under the supervision of a certified medical dosimetrist or medical physicist. 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 (ARRT) (T) certification if they will be delivering high doses of ionizing radiation as prescribed by the radiation oncologist. 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. 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).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. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must also demonstrate experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11). Experience at the GS-11 level may include: - Independently functioning and carrying out assigned tasks in all areas of medical dosimetry. - Develop accurate and deliverable complex treatment plans and image importing for fusion during the planning process. - Contour critical structures and tumor volumes. - Provide input of radiation safety practices, quality standards and abiding by all governing bodies and standard operating procedures. - Effectively communicate all aspects of the directive and treatment planning process with the radiation oncology team to solve complex clinical treatment challenges. - Import 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. - Utilize 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. - 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. - 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. - Apply new developments, planning techniques and technology in the field of radiation therapy such as but not limited to treatment planning system QA. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must also demonstrate all of the following KSAs: -Perform lead duties such as orientation and training for staff, provide input for yearly appraisals, directs progress and coordination of dosimetric work. -Develop the Quality Improvement Program by evaluating, establishing and implementing departmental policies, standard operating procedures and department compliance with the national program office, radiation accrediting agencies, hospital and outside governing body standards. -Solve complex technical problems by instructing and providing oversight to lower level Medical Dosimetrists and trainees with regards to treatment planning, using the Record and Verify System (or other similar systems), using newly acquired equipment and other devices and products within the service. -Successfully communicate with the radiation oncology team and other internal and external customers to manage the needs of patients. -Provide broad oversight and assist in the application of specific methods of patient and/or treatment planning as directed by Medical Physicists. The full performance level of this position is GS-12 References: VA Handbook 5005/137 Part II Appendix G26 dated January 15, 2021 Physical Requirements: Work requires long periods of standing and walking and some bending. Must be able to push, pull and lift over 40 pounds.

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 Northeast Ohio Healthcare System 10701 East Boulevard Cleveland, OH 44106 US
• Name: Robert Braholli
• Phone: 216-791-2300
• Email: [email protected]