Career Center

Summary

Therapeutic Radiologic Technologists (TRTs) deliver prescribed high doses of therapeutic radiation for the purpose of treatment of cancer and abnormal cell growths. TRTs 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
• (COPY OF TRANSCRIPT WITH CONFERRED DATE REQUIRED) NOTE: 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))
• (COPY OF CERTIFICATION REQUIRED) 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: Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist - 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 (KSAs)
• Candidates must demonstrate all the KSAs below: (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
• 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 and carrying (under 15 lbs.) - use of fingers - both hands required - walking - standing - repeated bending - ability to distinguish basic colors - and hearing (aid may be permitted) - mental and emotional stability - and visual acuity 20/30 corrected
• Environmental factors include excessive noise (intermittent) - working closely with others - and working alone.

Duties

• Duties include - but are not limited to: 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 to tattoos provided by CT simulation team following all set-up instructions and using all prescribed devices
• Takes SSD readings and obtains isocenter verification films
• Photographs each treatment field for documentation purposes
• Performs CBCT imaging and port film imaging as required
• Documents all changes in patients' chart and observes patient's condition daily
• Recognizes the need for emotional and psychosocial support for patients
• Refers 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
• Communicates 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
• Maintains 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 in order to maintain the principles of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)
• Wears film badges in compliance with radiation safety procedures in compliance with radiation regulations and guidelines of the state of Washington
• Assists patient to and from treatment room as well as transferring on and off the treatment table when needed
• 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 always and keeps treatment room supplies at an adequate level
• Notifies supervisor/physics staff of treatment equipment issues
• Reports all environmental and other equipment problems to the proper authorities
• Notifies physician 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
• 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
• Keeps current with new developments in the field of radiation therapy and keeps licensing and continuing education requirements up to date
• Keeps current on all VA required courses
• Keeps training current for all equipment
• 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 (including hazardous materials and radioactive materials) 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
• Performs accurate charge capture - documentation and CPT codes
• Ability to operate and perform Quality Assurance on TrueBeam linear accelerators - IGRT Onboard Imaging
• Perfect Pitch 6 Degrees of freedom Couch to monitor patients' positioning and make appropriate shifts if necessary - and VisionRT
• Informs physicians of any problems
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday - 0730-1600 Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized