This position is located in the Radiation Oncology Service, at the John D Dingell VA Medical Center and is directly supervised by the Supervisor Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist. The Radiation Oncology Service Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist is a graduate of an approved program in therapeutic radiologic technology.

Duties

Major duties include but are not limited to: Schedules treatments in a manner as to optimize accelerator 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 simulation and treatment. Performs quality control of the treatment machines by taking recorded readings every morning prior to patient treatments using the dosimetry verification and record system for each energy level, obtaining machine check for rotational therapy and electronic dynamic wedge verification. Performs daily imaging procedures to ensure correct operations. Alerts appropriate staff as necessary if parameters fall outside the recommendations. Identifies individual patient by the required identification methods set forth by hospital policy and departmental procedures before simulation and prior to each daily radiation treatment delivered. Has the knowledge of consultations, simulation, treatment planning, and treatment procedures. Ability to determine the appropriate timely sequence for patient studies and any special orders required. Verifies patient consent prior to initiating CT simulation. Coordinates with CT and notifies them that intravenous (IV) contrast is to be used for treatment simulations. Ensures proper use and administration of the oral contrast materials to avoid the risk of patient morbidity and mortality. It is essential that the therapist has a thorough understanding of contrast material usage. Must be alert to patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Must be able to communicate orally exam preparations/special orders to patients and hospital staff. Ability to recognize abnormalities in relevant lab procedures and notifies appropriate staff. Properly operates CT simulator, provides a reproducible patient treatment position set-up that can be accurately used for daily treatments on the Linear Accelerator. Provides custom patient immobilization devices as instructed or departmental protocol. After CT scan is acquired and CT isocenter is obtained, the therapist will transfer the data set to the dosimetry treatment planning system. Indicates on patient's skin with tattoos and or markings as required to locate treatment area. Understands the computer operations to ensure proper control of computer patient data and ensures accuracy of data output and of complex computer applications relating to data transfer to treatment planning. Verifies patient's treatment area daily in the treatment machine vault. Performs simulation verification before prescribed treatment. Accurately reproduces initial simulation set-up, with proper patient positioning & immobilizing devices, to ensure proper alignment and quality treatment. Obtains isocenter verification & treatment field verification of conformal blocking, with multi-leaf collimator, or copper electron blocks. Obtains isocenter verification as needed using cone beam CT and or the use of the on-board imaging system as directed. Utilizes electronic radiation treatment chart for set-up instructions, field size, field shaping, SSD, field compensators and beam restrictions. Employs any necessary accessory beam restriction devices, i.e., wedges, bolus, or copper electron blocks for fields to be treated. Verifies correct multi-leaf collimation and electronic dynamic wedges as described in plan Delivers prescribed mode of treatment in accordance with prescribed radiation prescription. This includes conventional, three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), electron radiotherapy, intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) treatment delivery, image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) treatment delivery, and Rapid Arc treatment delivery. Maintains patient records and files. Follows HIPPA guidelines regarding patient information. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91713-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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: 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). Certification: All applicants must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (ARRT (T)). English Language Proficiency: TRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. 7403(f). 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: 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. Ability to independently perform patient chart reviews using an electronic medical record and the Record and Verify System or other similar treatment delivery systems. 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. Ability to utilize a Linac's On Board Imaging system to interpret complex images. References: VA Handbook 5005/137, PART II APPENDIX G26 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-09. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address John D Dingell Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 4646 John R Street Detroit, MI 48201 US
• Name: Karissa Steffey
• Phone: 269-425-0208
• Email: [email protected]