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. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/22/2023. 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: Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist), GS-9 Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA'S). Employees at this grade level serve as entry level Medical Dosimetrists in a developmental level position. It is expected they have received the additional and specialized training necessary to generally perform technical tasks independently with general oversight, exercising independent judgement. However, they will generally receive guidance from more experienced staff members for more complex patient treatment planning and may require some direct supervision as needed in any assignment in medical dosimetry. Medical Dosimetrists at this level have extensive training and knowledge in computer treatment planning, cross sectional anatomy, image fusion and dose tolerances will be utilized for development of treatment plans. Candidates must be able to use effective communication skills to follow the radiation oncologist directives and/or prescriptions. (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA). None beyond the basic requirements. Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist), GS-10 Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled. (b) Assignment. This is a developmental position. Employees at this level are substantially independently functioning as Staff TRTs and are able to carry out most procedures as Dosimetrists under general supervision. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's). The candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: i. Skill in computer treatment planning to design patient treatment plans with awareness to dose limitations to critical structures following the prescription outlined by the radiation oncologist. ii. Ability to perform control procedures for radiation therapy including weekly chart checks for data accuracy and completion and quality assurance procedures on the treatment planning computer(s). iii. Ability to assist in preparation and design of custom molds, boluses, templates and compensating devices. iv. Ability to assist in computer tomography (CT) scans for tumor localization in radiation treatment planning to perform accurate patient contours for transfer to treatment planning devices. Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist), GS-11 Experience. At this level, candidates must have at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, that is directly related to the position to be filled and that demonstrates possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to provide services as a staff dosimetrist. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities(KSA's). The candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSA: i. Ability to effectively communicate all aspects of the directive and treatment planning process with the radiation oncology team to solve complex clinical treatment challenges. ii. Skill at 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. iii. Skill in 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. iv. Ability to 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. v. Knowledge of radiation safety practices to include reporting discrepancies and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, quality standards, accrediting agencies, policies and standard operating procedures. vi. Ability to 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. vii. Ability to apply new developments, planning techniques and technology in the field of radiation therapy such as but not limited to treatment planning system QA References: VA Handbook 5005/138, Part II, Appendix G66. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. 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. ["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. 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. Other duties assigned Work Schedule: Full Time, 8:00am-4:30pm. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PDF06369, PDF06370, PDF06371, and PDF063710 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required This is a bargaining unit position."]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
