This Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist) position is in the Radiation Oncology Service at the VA Boston Healthcare System. This position is a full time at 40 hours per week.

Duties

The Incumbent is a member of the Radiation Oncology team working collaboratively with the Medical Physicist and Radiation Oncologist, meeting cancer patients needs through radiation therapy. Medical Dosimetrists have an in-depth knowledge of high dose ionizing radiation and clinical relevance of radiation oncology treatment machines and equipment. Medical Dosimetrists possess an in-depth knowledge of all medical imaging modalities and are cognizant of procedures commonly used in brachytherapy. Medical Dosimetrists have the background necessary to generate radiation dose distributions and dose calculations to support the medical physicist and radiation oncologist. A CMD, serves as an advanced Medical Dosimetrist, independently carrying out procedures which have varying assignments. This includes basic and advanced Treatment Planning Techniques, including but not limited to 3D Conformal, IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, SBRT Cyberknife. At the advanced level, Medical Dosimetrists are fully functional dosimetrist with the knowledge and experience applying an advanced level of treatment planning and dosimetry procedures. They are responsible for developing accurate and deliverable complex treatment plans and image importing for fusion during the planning process. Functions at this level include, but are not limited to: Independently carry out complex treatment planning, QA verifications. Perform weekly chart checks and ability to train on all aspects of the Record and Verify system. Train staff, evaluate workload and ensure compliance with all necessary governing bodies and standard operation procedures. 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. Provides guidance and expertise related to all aspects of the treatment planning process. Resolve complex physical and geometric errors of the radiation equipment, simulation procedure and treatment delivery implementation. Conscientiously maintains awareness of dose - tissue tolerance. Perform complex treatment planning 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. Independently perform 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. 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. 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. Maintains record of upcoming boost, so that they may be readied within prescribed practice and professional competency. Independently perform treatment planning, 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. 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. 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. 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. Other duties assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/14/2023. 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. 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.

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 Boston Healthcare System 940 Belmont Street Brockton, MA 02301 US
• Name: Milan Neville
• Phone: (774) 257-4954
• Email: [email protected]