The Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist) produces treatment planning dosimetry calculations for conventional or IMRT external beam radiation using a computerized treatment planning system. Consults with the radiation oncologist regarding the appropriateness of each treatment plan. Participates in Brachytherapy procedures. Participates in Total Body Irradiation procedures.

Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to: Enters irregular fields, patient contours and other vital beam data into a treatment planning computer in a timely and accurate manner. Enters 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 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 one or several isocentric plans, as required with emphasis on quality of dose distribution, using dosimetric knowledge and often creativity. Submits plan choices to appropriate physician to aid in determining best treatment method for specific patient tumors on an individual basis. Maintains record of upcoming oblique boost, so that they may be readied within prescribed practice and professional competency. Notations on simulation films for proper block mounting are submitted to mold room within appropriate time frame. Accurately prepares treatment charts prior to first treatment, and with method of treatment to be used. Indicates vital factors necessary for correct patient treatment; such as boosts, cord block, wedges, and other various treatment aids. Accurately diagrams patient set-up when necessary to assure treatment method may be easily understood by the therapists administering the treatments. Performs weekly chart checks of patient dose and chart radiation therapy review in the absence of the Physicist. Assists CT scan technologists in a competent and courteous manner and instructs them as to the scan slices that will be needed. Ensures CT scans are promptly delivered to dosimetry for image formatting to assure smooth patient flow. Works with Radiation Oncologists, Therapists, Department Nurse, and Clerical staff, as a member of the radiation therapy team to effectively and efficiently accomplish the goals of the radiation therapy department. Continually keeping current with new developments in the field of radiation therapy and being able to utilize the new technologies available. Follows established safety practices and reports to supervisor as promptly as possible, unsafe conditions, unsafe practices or any occupational illness or injury sustained. Adheres to all safety and health standards, regulations, work practices and uses proper protective equipment as required. Assists oncologist in brachytherapy procedures and maintains sterile techniques. Design a treatment plan by means of computer and/or manual computation to determine a treatment field technique that will deliver the radiation dose prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist. Takes into consideration dose-limiting structures when designing treatment plans. Executes planning for intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy procedures. Supervise, perform, or assist in the process of producing molds, casts, and other immobilization devices for accurate treatment delivery. Work with the radiation therapists in the implementation of the patient treatment plans. Using imaging modalities such as CT scans, alone or in combination with MRI or PET scans, create conventional or IMRT treatment plans that enable us to give higher doses of radiation to a tumor while lowering the doses to the sensitive structures around it. Perform calculations for the accurate delivery of the Radiation Oncologist's prescribed dose, documents pertinent information in the patient record, and verifies the mathematical accuracy of all calculations using a system established by the Medical Physicist. Perform, or assist in, the application of specific methods of radiation measurement as directed by the Medical Physicist. Provide technical and physics support to the Medical Physicist; this support could be in radiation protection, qualitative machine calibrations, and quality assurance of the radiation oncology equipment. Assist in the clinical education of radiation oncology residents, radiation therapy students or medical dosimetry students. Understand the technical aspects of radiation oncology and medical physics to meticulously derive computerized treatment plans and then communicate these aspects to the Radiation Oncologist for plan approval and to the Radiation Therapist for plan implementation. Interpret and execute treatment plans as defined in relevant treatment protocols. Work Schedule: 8AM - 4:30PM, Monday - Friday Telework: Available on limited basis (1 day per week) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized EDRP Authorized: Contact [email protected], the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 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: Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, of this part. English Language Proficiency. Medical Dosimetrists must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPT WITH CONFERRED DATE REQUIRED) Certification. (1) 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. (COPY OF CERTIFICATION REQUIRED) NOTE: CMDs who perform therapeutic radiologic technologist duties must also possess American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (T) certification and be assigned to a functional statement that combines both types of work. (COPY OF CERTIFICATION REQUIRED) 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. 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 (Dosimetrist), GS-12 Experience. At this level, candidates must possess at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: i. 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. ii. Skill in providing guidance and expertise related to all aspects of the treatment planning process. iii. Ability to resolve complex physical and geometric errors of the radiation equipment, simulation procedure and treatment delivery implementation. iv. Knowledge of the care and use of radioactive resources for implementation and treatment delivery. v. 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. vi. 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. vii. 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: VA Handbook 5005/138, Part II, Appendix G66, January 15, 2021 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying (15-44 lbs.), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish shades of colors, and hearing (aid may be permitted). Environmental factors include radiant energy, working around machinery with moving parts, working closely with others, and working alone.

Education

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

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 Puget Sound Health Care System 1660 South Columbian Way Seattle, WA 98108 US
• Name: Gabriel Johnson
• Phone: (503) 220-8262 X53014
• Email: [email protected]