Summary

Therapeutic Radiologic Technologists (TRT) deliver prescribed high doses of therapeutic radiation for the purpose of treatment of cancer and abnormal cell growths. TRT's assist in the localization of tumors - participate in treatment planning - and deliver high doses of ionizing radiation as prescribed by the radiation oncologists. These treatments are performed by utilizing a linear accelerator.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

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))
• Loss of Certification: Once certified - a TRT who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation - which may result in termination of employment
• English Language Proficiency: TRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English
• See 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f)
• Grade Determinations: 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
• Assignments: For all assignments above the full performance level - the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope - complexity - range of variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time
• Employees at this level serve as advanced staff TRTs independently carrying out procedures which have varying assignments
• This includes basic and advanced treatment modalities and procedures - which exceed the full performance level
• Employee will be assigned the responsibility of emergency on-call treatments - if applicable - and perform simple Monitor Unit calculations
• Other assignments include but - are not limited to performing CT simulations - troubleshooting for basic problems and machine issues - maintaining treatment rooms and equipment in a clean - neat and safe condition and assisting patients to and from the treatment room
• Regardless of the nature of the specific assignment - the work must be of sufficient scope and complexity to meet the knowledge - skills and abilities to perform at this level
• Preferred Experience: Performs procedures for consultation - simulation - treatment planning - and treatment delivery - to include contrast administration
• BLS Certification for Healthcare Providers 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-10
• Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 pounds)
• Use of finger
• Both hands required
• Walking
• Standing
• Repeated bending
• Ability to distinguish basic colors
• Hearing (aid may be permitted)
• Mental and Emotional Stability
• Visual Acuity 20/30 corrected Environmental Factors: Excessive Noise - Intermittent
• Working closely with others
• Working alone

Duties

• Therapeutic Radiologic Technologists (TRT) deliver prescribed high doses of therapeutic radiation for the purpose of treatment of cancer and abnormal cell growths
• TRT's assist in the localization of tumors - participate in treatment planning - and deliver high doses of ionizing radiation as prescribed by the radiation oncologists
• These treatments are performed by utilizing a linear accelerator
• Functions: Performs procedures for consultation - simulation - treatment planning - and treatment delivery Keeps current of any changes
• Maintains detailed and accurate daily records of technical - legal and statistical components of treatment Schedules treatments such that linear accelerator times are optimized while still leaving some flexibility for emergency treatment times
• Delivers prescribed therapeutic radiation for the treatment of cancer and other abnormal growths Takes patient's identification photo for display in the patient's treatment chart For the initial treatment/filming - sets up tattoos provided by CT simulation team following all setup instructions and using all prescribed devices Takes SSD readings and obtains isocenter verification films Performs port film imaging as required Documents all changes in patients' chart and observe patient's condition daily Able to recognize the need for emotional and psychosocial support for patients Refer patients to departmental staff and other health care professionals as necessary Reinforces radiation oncologist's recommendations regarding general activities - diet - prevention and treatment of reactions to radiation therapy Performs quality control measurements of all treatment machines by taking readings every morning prior to patient treatments using the physics quality assurance program for each energy level Identifies each patient by required identification protocols per hospital policy before each simulation and treatment is delivered/time out
• Communicate with medical staff on other floors/units for quality patient care Follows HIPAA guidelines regarding patient privacy Enters all pertinent daily information into patient's CPRS/VISTA - record regarding number of treatments and doses given for other hospital personnel to utilize in patient care Maintain detailed and accurate daily records of technical - legal and statistical components of treatment Practices radiation safety protocols to limit exposure to patients - staff and self in compliance with department and VA radiation safety procedures to maintain the principles of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)
• Performs daylight film processor procedures and ensures the processor is operating optimally when being used - and contacts processor engineer if problems occur Maintains treatment rooms and equipment in a clean - neat - safe condition and keeps treatment room supplies at an adequate level Notifies supervisor/physics staff about treatment equipment issues Reports all environmental and other equipment problems to the proper authorities Notifies physicians if this will impact patient care and/or treatment
• Performs irregular hour's emergency treatments during the clinics off hours including after hours - weekends - and holidays
• The therapist on call must be available to arrive within two hours of notification to ensure the best emergency care is given to the patient Works with Radiation Oncologists - Dosimetrists - nursing and clerical staff plus fellow radiation therapists to develop teamwork to effectively and efficiently accomplish the goals of the radiation therapy department Continually keeps current with new developments in the field of radiation therapy and keeps licensing and continuing education requirements up to date Keeps current on treatment machine characteristics including various energy and output levels
• Operates equipment to determine correct dose and field uniformity Provides patient with accurate and compassionate treatment and acts as a supportive caregiver Follows established safety practices and reports to facility director or administrative service manager as promptly as possible if issues arise as to unsafe conditions - unsafe practices - or any occupational illness or injury Adheres to all safety and health standards regulations - work practices - and uses proper protective equipment as needed Participates in reviewing - revising or authoring policies and procedures that need attention
• Perform accurate charge capture - documentation and CPT codes Ability to operate and perform Quality Assurance on linear accelerators CBCT and Exact Couch equipment to monitor patients' positioning and make appropriate shifts if necessary
• Inform physicians of any problems BLS certification for Healthcare Providers Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Recruitment Incentives: May Be Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized