This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. Basic Requirements: English Language Proficiency. TRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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)). 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: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist, GS-10: 1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled. 2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. 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. References: VA Handbook 5005/137, Part II, Appendix G26, January 15, 2021. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: The work requires light lifting (under 15 pounds), use of fingers, both hands required, walking (up to 4 hours), standing (up to 2 hours), repeated bending (up to 6 hours), the ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid permitted), mental and emotional stability, and visual acuity correctable to 20/30. There may be exposure to excessive, intermittent noise and you must be able to work alone and closely with others. ["A RECRUITMENT OR RELOCATION INCENTIVE IS AUTHORIZED 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. The Radiation Oncology Service is a large VA Medical complex with consults and referrals from VISN 20 which includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska, and also receives referrals for brachytherapy procedures from all over the United States and Veterans residing in other parts of the world. Specialized areas of therapeutic radiologic technology include therapeutic radiologic treatments, simulation, mold room, treatment planning, medical dosimetry, total body irradiation as well as brachytherapy procedures. Some of the functions, roles, and responsibilities include: Perform procedures for consultation, simulation, treatment planning, and treatment delivery. Maintain detailed and accurate daily records of technical, legal, and statistical components of treatment. Perform 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. Practice 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). Stay current with new developments in the field of radiation therapy and keep licensing and continuing education requirements up to date. Assist radiation oncologists in patient positioning, radiation treatment field localization, and simulation procedures for optimum treatment planning. Consult with physician and dosimetrist to develop standard and non-standard treatment/exam protocols. Verify positioning and region of interest for CT simulation and any special needs. Describe the simulation procedures to the patient including specific positions, scanning protocols, and any immobilization devices to be used. Answer all questions that may arise and instruct patients and other hospital staff about exam preparations and special orders. Fabricate custom devices to include immobilization, bolus to aid in treatment reproducibility, and keep current on new positioning devices and the appropriate type for each patient situation. Use knowledge of disease processes, co-morbid conditions, and other factors relating to individual patients in selecting appropriate positioning devices for the procedure to be performed. Apply temporary and permanent marks to patient's skin to facilitate reproducing original setup when patient returns after planning is complete. Take photographs to document setups and positioning used. Advanced treatment delivery modalities consist of the most advanced, state of the art techniques that include: Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). Imaged Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT). Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT). Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT). Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS). Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT). High Dose Rate Brachytherapy (HDR). Low Dose Rate Brachytherapy (LDR). 4D Simulation. Gated Radiation Therapy. Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH). Optical Surface Imaging System (OSIS). Brachytherapy roles and functions include: Function as a part of the physics team during Brachytherapy procedures. Trained and privileged as an authorized radioactive seed handler at VASHPCS and all that entails. Working knowledge of the procedure: art of lunchbox wrapping for pre-sterilization radioactive seeds. Working knowledge of VASHPCS Radiation Oncology Department Radioisotopes possession limits. Use proper personal monitoring devices and is knowledgeable of the types and characteristics of each. Working knowledge of different types of radioactive sources. Assist patients into procedure room and describe procedure. Prepare the patient for the procedure, including positioning the patient on the brachytherapy chair/table. Work Schedule: Mon - Fri, 8am to 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: AUTHORIZED EDRP Authorized: Contact the VISN 20 EDRP Coordinators, Stacy Hermann or Taia Henderson @ V20CompensationTeam@va.gov Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
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