The incumbent maintains full responsibility for the performance of the clinical side of the department. Evaluates new products and equipment to make recommendations concerning upgrades or new purchases that would improve operations. Informs management of anticipated staffing variances and recommends personnel changes to include release of probationary employees, periodic step increases, and recommending recognition of superior performance in the therapeutic radiation oncology area.

Duties

Directs the technical operations, makes decisions concerning appointments, promotions, technical and status changes, and recognition of various performance levels. Interviews and selects or assists with the selection for vacant positions within the department. Coordinates or assists with the training and orientation of all new employees. Responsible for performance appraisals and competency of TRTs, as well as initiating disciplinary actions. Responsible for staff schedules, call schedules, and patient scheduling. Works collaboratively with labor partners and supports EEO standards and principles. Responsible for assuring supplies and materials are available when needed. Performs a wide variety of complex duties of a strategically critical nature. Receives patients and briefly explains methods of procedure to the patient. Obtains radiographs needed to localize the tumor volume in patients. Constructs accurate contour of the patient's body and performs necessary measurements to be utilized by physics/dosimetry during computer calculations of the treatment plan. Observes patient's progress throughout the treatment and informs the Radiation Oncologist, should any clinically significant change occur. Independently performs warm-up checks of each radiation therapy machine to assist the Radiation Physicist in identification and correction of machine malfunctions. Sets up patient in the proper position, delivers radiation therapy utilizing the linear accelerators. Records all parameters involved with each patient, including daily and accumulated doses, treatment time, field size and type of radiation used. Assists with the development and implementation of service goals, research, and preparation of all related reports. Investigates new equipment options and plans for long-term replacement. Performs routine daily warm up and morning checks of linear accelerators and simulators . Manages and coordinates all activities involving the training of radiation therapists. Maintains the daily operation of the department including providing coverage for clerical functions in the absence of the Medical Support Assistant with coordination from the Nurse Manager. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology including location, appearance, and functioning of the major and minor systems susceptible to ionizing radiation, and knowledge of changes to systems and organs caused by a wide variety of medical and surgical diseases. Knowledge of complex radiographic exposure techniques such as determination of technical factors and machine geometry of linear topographic X-ray machines or equipment of similar complexity, calculation of critical technical factors needed to show the difference between organs, glands, etc. of similar density when contrast material cannot be used. Knowledge to perform initial simulation and to direct the radiation oncologist's attention to issues related to either the patient's condition or the radiographic technique required to produce the study. Explains the validity of the radiographic results given the conditions and extenuating circumstances in which the study was produced. Knowledge of radiographic positioning required in complex procedures. Knowledge of first aid practices. Assures adequate safeguards are maintained for safety of the patient and the operator, a thorough knowledge of radiation protection standards, including concepts of cumulative dosage, genetic changes, and effects of radiation in living organisms is required. Important to be able to recognize any irregularities in the performance of the therapy units and bring it to the attention of the engineers and physicist(s). Evaluates, develops, and implements departmental policies and standard operating procedures to ensure compliance with the national program office and radiation accrediting agencies. Knowledge of budget allocations and using resources within the budget - Investigates new equipment options and plans for long-term replacement needs. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday - 07:30am - 04:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) Authorized: This position is eligible for 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 your start date. 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. Former EDRP Participants are ineligible to apply for the program. Contact [email protected] for questions/assistance. ? Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: Citizenship. All applicants are required to be a citizen of the United States. Certification. All applicants must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (ARRT (T)) (2) Exception. (a) Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for TRT certification may be given a temporary appointment under 38 U.S.C. ? 7405 (a)(1)(B) for up to one year at the entry level only as a graduate TRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. ? 7405 (c)(2)(B). (b) Graduate TRTs may only be appointed at the entry grade level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. (c) Temporary graduate TRT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment. (d) Failure to Obtain Certification. Must pursue meeting requirements for certification starting from the date of appointment. Failure to become certified within one year from the date of appointment will result in removal from the series and may result in termination of employment. (3) Loss of Certification. Once certified, a TRT who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation 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). Physical Requirements. The incumbent will be required to do the following: Heavy Lifting (45 lbs. and over); Heavy Carrying (45 lbs. and over); Straight Pulling (up to 1 hour); Pushing (1 - 2 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (up to 3 hours); Standing (up to 3 hours); Repeated bending (up to 1 hour); Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16"; Hearing (aid permitted) English Language Proficiency. All applicants must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade Determinations: GS-11 (1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled. (2) Assignment. Functions as a supervisor for a group of TRTs and provides general and complex therapeutic radiologic radiation oncology services. Assignments include plans and implements work schedules to assure an even flow and distribution of work, adjusts work assignments for daily operation; recommends methods to improve productivity and continuously reviews treatment procedure and delivery. Oversee attendance and leave of employees, including approval leave requests. Address employee performance and conduct concerns. Inform higher-level management of anticipated staffing variances and recommend promotions, reassignments, or other personnel changes, (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all the KSAs below: (a) Ability to manage daily operations of the department to include supervising radiation therapy staff; coordinating staffing, workload and schedules; setting priorities; and delegating tasks and responsibilities. (b) Ability to ensure department compliance with the national program office, radiation accrediting agencies, hospital and outside governing body standards through the management of quality improvement programs and adherence to departmental policies and standard operating procedures. (c) Ability to supervise employees as evidenced by assessing qualifications and abilities of current and prospective employees; interviewing and selecting candidates; providing training and/or departmental orientation; overseeing technical operations; assessing employees for promotions; and reviewing competency and conducting performance appraisals. (d) Ability to provide technical oversight to lower level TRTs for the completion of tasks such as CT simulation, treatment delivery, Record and Verify System (or other similar treatment delivery systems), newly acquired equipment, devices and products within the service. (e) Ability to successfully communicate with the radiation oncology team and internal and external customers to manage the needs of patients and accomplish the mission. GS-12 (1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled. (2) Assignments. Function as supervisors with full responsibility for planning and directing work of TRTs at the advanced level. Provide oversight to support staff. Adjust, coordinate and balances staffing levels to ensure patient care needs are met. Address employee performance and conduct concerns. Develop and update departmental operational policies and procedures. Work closely with the physicists to maintain timely records of equipment use, issues, schedules preventive maintenance inspections and other activities. Oversee the technical competency of the staff and keep current with technical protocols, radiation safety and quality management activities. Ensure all staff and affiliate staff follows compliance with accrediting and regulating bodies. Evaluate work and procedures of subordinate staff. Provide input on staffing levels. Provide estimates for budgeting to assist with the fiscal management. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all the KSAs below: (a) Ability in managing daily operations of the department to include supervising radiation therapy staff; coordinating staffing, workload and schedules; setting priorities; and delegating tasks and responsibilities. (b) Ability to coordinate and develop the quality improvement program to include evaluating and implementing departmental policies and standard operating procedures to ensure compliance with the national program office, radiation accrediting agencies, hospital and other outside governing body standards. (c) Ability to perform administrative duties to include, but not limited to: reviewing qualifications and abilities of current and prospective employees; interviewing and selecting candidates; providing training and departmental orientation; overseeing technical operations; granting promotions; and reviewing competencies and conducting performance appraisals. (d) Ability to provide oversight to lower level TRTs with tasks such as CT simulation, treatment delivery, Record and Verify System (or other similar 12 treatment delivery systems), newly acquired equipment, devices and other products within the service. (e) Ability to successfully communicate with the radiation oncology team, internal customers and external customers to manage the needs of patients and to accomplish the mission. (f) Ability to adhere to radiation safety practices which include identifying and investigating treatment variations; reporting incidents; participating in quality assurance; addressing required reports, tasks and action items; and completing other requests using research and systematic data collection. (g) Knowledge of budget allocations and using resources within the budget, procuring of day-to-day supplies, investigating new equipment options and planning for long-term replacement needs. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.

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 Washington VA Medical Center 50 Irving Street, Northwest Washington, DC 20422 US
• Name: Trudy Wachala
• Phone: 321-320-0370
• Email: [email protected]