This position is located in the Radiation Oncology Service at Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI

Duties

Employee will perform CT treatment planning scans for treatment planning/tumor localization, compensators and customized patient immobilization devices. This is achieved by the use of a CAT scanner. Deliver the prescribed therapeutic radiation for the purpose, cancer therapy. These treatments are performed by operating a Linear Accelerator. Employee will be expected to give oversight, training and encouragement to lower grade therapists. Major Duties: - Performs complex tasks as part of a medical team. - Is a member of the radiation oncology team. - Works with physicians, medical physicists, and therapy staff. - Schedules treatments in a manner as to optimize accelerator times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. - 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. - Has the knowledge of consultations, simulation, and treatment planning and treatment procedures. - Properly operates CT simulator, provides reproducible patient treatment position set-ups. - Keep current with new developments in the field of radiation therapy and being able to utilize the new technologies available. - Obtaining machine check for rotational therapy and electronic dynamic wedge verification. - Following Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NCR) regulations. - Performs daily imaging procedures to ensure correct operations. - Identifies individual patient by the required identification methods set forth by hospital policy and departmental procedures before simulation and each daily radiation treatment is delivered. - Determine the appropriate timely sequence for patient studies and any special orders required. - Verifies patient consent prior to initiating CT simulation. - Prepares required contrast materials that are to be used for treatment simulations. - Ability to recognize abnormalities in relevant lab procedures and notifies appropriate staff. - Provides custom patient immobilization devices as instructed or departmental protocol. - Obtains isocenter verification as needed by the use to cone beam CT and or the use of the on-board imaging system. - Utilizes electronic radiation treatment chart for set-up instructions, field size, field shaping, SSD, field compensators and beam restrictions. - Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full Time Functional Statement #:000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: 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. Basic Requirements: - Certification (1) All applicants must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (T). - Experience or Education. Completion of a program in therapeutic radiologic technology, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's degree, accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT); certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiology, and the subsequent completion of a 12-month JRCERT approved program in therapeutic radiologic technology. JRCERT is the accrediting agency for the radiation therapy programs recognized by the US Department of Education. (1) Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 CFR Part 75. Essentially, they must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation, and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education, and be certified (registered) as radiation therapists in their field. IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE, YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING GRADE REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION. Experience: At least 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-9) directly related to the position being filled that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level. Specialized experience includes providing emergency treatment delivery, simple Monitor Unit dose calculation as assigned; scheduling simulation and treatment procedures; handling and storing radioactive materials; educating patient, family and staff on the administration of ionizing radiation; inspecting equipment for safety, operability and troubleshooting basic problems and machine issues. Independently setting up the patient in preparation for basic and complex radiation treatments on a linear accelerator, as prescribed by the radiation oncologist. Independently performing machine warm-up procedures to interpret output levels compared with established thresholds adhering to the principles of radiation safety and all aspects of quality assurance. Independently perform patient chart reviews and effectively document records utilizing an electronic medical records system and the Record and Verify System or other similar treatment delivery systems. In addition, can you demonstrate the following KSA's: (a) 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. (b) Ability to independently perform patient chart reviews using an electronic medical record and the Record and Verify System or other similar treatment delivery systems. (c) 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. (d) Ability to utilize a Linac's On Board Imaging system to interpret complex images. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS10. 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 Clement J Zablocki Veterans Administration Medical Center 5000 West National Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53295 US
• Name: Rusti Stahl
• Phone: 217-554-4971
• Email: [email protected]