Summary The Therapeutic Radiation Technologist (Dosimetrist) utilizes the extensive knowledge and training to produce acceptable treatment plans following the prescription of the radiation oncologist. They assist as needed the medical physics to perform monthly, quarterly, semiannual, and annual testing of equipment, verify accuracy of machine settings, output, congruence, and other measurements, recording them accurately for review. Responsibilities The duties of the position may include but are not limited to the following: The recognition of critical structures, beams at different energy levels, the behavior of numerous tumors, the tolerance level of radiation in the different regions of the human body, and the ability to independently generate multiple treatment plans utilizing various combinations of wedges, boluses, and blocking techniques are critical to this position. Extensive knowledge of treatment planning systems is imperative. Independently produces optimized treatment planning dosimetry calculations for external beam radiation (photons and electrons) using a 3-D, IMRT, SBRT, SRS, or VMAT plans, where appropriate. Performs independently, with minimal oversight, in the accomplishment of this position. This requires high-level skills in math and operation of highly complex treatment planning computers as well as record and verify systems. Provides direction and leadership for the dosimetry section and serves as a liaison to the entire multidisciplinary team. The dosimetrist is responsible to the supervisor for ensuring that the work assignments of the other dosimetrist on the team are carried out. Assists in administrative functions pertaining to the QA and monitoring of non-VA physics and dosimetry contracts provided by non-VA entities. CMD is required. Functions: Knowledge of computer operations in both input and output devices. Familiarity with computerized treatment planning software. Enters irregular fields, patient contours and other vital beam data into a treatment planning computer in a timely and accurate manner. Enters approved treatment fields into the record and verify system, assuring that all patient data is correctly input and transferred to treatment machine for treatment of patient. Accurately computes radiation dose to individual ports, tumors, spine, and other necessary body structures to ensure quality treatment to patients, and safety to tissue tolerance. Maintains awareness of dose - tissue tolerance. Drafts one or several plans, as required with emphasis on quality of dose distribution, using dosimetric knowledge. Submits plan choices to appropriate physician to aid in determining best treatment method for specific patient tumors on an individual basis. Maintains record of upcoming boost, so that they may be readied within prescribed practice and professional competency. Accurately prepares treatment charts prior to first treatment, and with method of treatment to be used. Indicates vital factors necessary for correct patient treatment, such as boosts, cord block, bolus, wedges, and other various treatment aids. Accurately diagrams patient set-up when necessary to assure treatment method may be easily understood by the therapists administering the treatments. Records final dose of all treatment areas. Coordinates with department schedulers for CT simulation and treatment start. Assists CT simulation technologists, providing instruction as needed. Ensures CT scans are promptly delivered to dosimetry for image processing to assure smooth patient flow. Responsible for ordering custom electron blocks. Continually keeping current with new developments in the field of radiation therapy and being able to utilize the recent technologies available. 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. Assists radiation therapists and resolution of patient setup problems, troubleshooting for problem resolution. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00AM - 3:30PM Telework: Ad-Hoc. May be approved at the Supervisor Discretion. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Must complete drug test and evaluation. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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: Effective January 1, 2017, candidates are required to hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and graduate from a medical dosimetry program of at least 12 months in duration. The medical dosimetry program must be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), or other accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. JRCERT is the accrediting agency for the medical dosimetry programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Certification: All applicants must be certified in medical dosimetry by the MDCB. Certified Medical Dosimetry (CMD) is the recognized credential for Medical Dosimetrists. NOTE: CMDs who perform therapeutic radiologic technologist duties must also possess ARRT(T) certification and be assigned to a functional statement that combines both @types of work. NOTE: The Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, P.L. 97- 35 requires persons who administer Therapeutic Radiological procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R. § 75. They must have completed an educational program meeting or exceeding the standards described in that regulation and be 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). In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Grade Determinations: GS-12 Experience. At this level, candidates must possess at least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the core competencies described at that level and must fully meet the KSAs. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the care and use of radioactive resources for implementation and treatment delivery. (b) Skill at effective communication and leadership as demonstrated by providing orientation and training for staff, providing input for yearly appraisals, directing progress and coordination of workload, and ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures and directives to provide continuity of care. (c) Skill in providing guidance and expertise related to all aspects of the treatment planning process. (d) Skill to independently perform complex treatment procedures 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. (e) Ability to resolve complex physical and geometric errors in radiation equipment, simulation procedures and treatment delivery implementation. (f) Ability to follow protocols including, but not limited to developing and implementing policies and standard operating procedures, participating in research programs, ensuring compliance with the radiation safety office, national program office, and accrediting agencies, and following established quality standard measures. (g) Ability to apply a broad range of specific methods of radiation measurements including, but not limited to, diode, ion chamber, thermoluminescent dosimeter, 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 Preferred Experience: 5 years or more of dosimetry experience. Cerner Experience. Manage and participate in clinical trial protocols. Masters Degree or higher. Organize different dose schemes for clinical practice. Teaching background for clinical rotations of students. 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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is at the GS-12. Physical Requirements: The work is mostly sedentary. It typically requires sitting with sustained periods of concentration. There will be some walking, standing, bending, and carrying of relatively light objects. The position may also require stooping, reaching, lifting, pulling, and other moderate exertion or strain. Incumbent may occasionally have to walk some distance to a meeting. 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/. Additional Information VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the @context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
