Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist

Description:

This position is located in TDI - Radiation Oncology Service, at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center and is directly supervised by the Supervisor Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist. The Radiation Oncology Service Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist is a graduate of an approved program in therapeutic radiologic technology. Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist at a GS-10 must possess a minimum of two (2), but preferably five (5), years clinical Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist experience.

Requirements:

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)). Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. Preferred Experience: 5 years experience as a radiologic technologist Grade determination for GS-10: must have at least one (1) year of experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level , (which would be a minimum of four (4) years of directly relatable experience as a certified therapeutic radiologic technologist, with progressively more responsibilities) directly related to Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist that demonstrates the following technical competencies as described at the GS-9 level: Skill in independently setting up the patient in preparation for basic and complex radiation treatments on a linear accelerator, as prescribed by the radiation oncologist; Skill in independently performing machine warm-up procedures to interpret output levels compared with established thresholds adhering to the principles of radiation safety and all aspects of quality assurance; Skill to independently perform patient chart reviews and effectively document records utilizing an electronic medical records system and the Record and Verify System or other similar treatment delivery systems.
Note: Please ensure how you meet these technical competencies is clearly described in your resume; we may not make assumptions regarding your experience.

In addition to the experience above the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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.
Note: Please ensure how you meet these KSAs is clearly described in your resume; we may not make assumptions regarding your experience.

References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G26 Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist Qualification Standard GS-0648 VHA.

The full performance level of this vacancy is 10.

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.

Creditable Experience: To be creditable, the experience must have required the use of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (KSAs), also referred to as core competencies associated with current therapeutic radiologic technology practices.

Part-Time Experience: Part-time experience as a TRT is creditable according to its relationship to full-time workweek. For example, a TRT would receive one week of full-time credit for each two weeks of half-time work.

Quality of Experience: Experience is only creditable if it is post-certification experience as a TRT directly related to the position being filled. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to TRT experience at the next lower grade level. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Experience as a graduate TRT is creditable provided the candidate functioned as a TRT and subsequently passed the certification examination.

TRT Professional Definitions: Specialized areas of therapeutic radiologic technology include basic and complex therapeutic treatment delivery, simulation, advanced treatment delivery modalities.