Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist)
What you'd do
A Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist) 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. Dosimetrists possess an in-depth knowledge of all medical imaging modalities.
Major duties
Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Performs revisions instructed by either the Radiation Oncologist and/or the Medical Physicist, to achieve the most optimal treatment plan for the patient. Identifies and contours normal and dose-limiting structures by utilizing images from one or more data sets. Demonstrates proficiency with tools used within the treatment planning system and the R&V System. Demonstrates proficiency in image registration and image deformation with various imaging data sets, to include CT, MRI, PET, etc. Creates and transfers reference images and localization markers for treatment setup verification and treatment delivery to include DRR's, CBCT's and other IGRT methods, as specified to the R&V system. Assists with patient simulations and tumor localization using specified imaging devices including, but not limited to CT, MRI, and PET. Assist with CT or clinical simulation tasks, including but not limited to immobilization, bolus placement, isocenter localization, while anticipating possible clinical limitations at the treatment unit and advising the simulation therapist as such. Assists with the fabrication of beam modifying devices. Communicates with the radiation therapist(s) in the implementation of the treatment plan. Follows and updates dosimetric flow sheets within the Record and Verify system (R&V), checklists, and other relevant documentation processes, per section SOPs. Performs calculations for the accurate delivery of the prescribed dose, documents all pertinent information in the patient record and verifies the accuracy of all calculations per section SOPs. Enters patient dosimetry data, (Site Setup, Treatment Calendar, DRR's, Dosimetry flow sheets ... etc.) into the Record and Verify System based on section SOPs. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Compressed/Flexible: Available based on the needs of the service. Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 02065F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not authorized.
What you need to qualify
Basic Requirements: Citizenship: Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens according to 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). 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. Exception: Candidates who graduated prior to January 1, 2017, are considered to have met the basic education requirement provided they meet all Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) requirements and are in good standing. Certification: All applicants must be certified in medical dosimetry by the MDCB. Certified Medical Dosimetry (CMD) is the recognized credential for Medical Dosimetrists. Loss of Credential: In collaboration with HR office staff, management officials must immediately relieve employees who fail to maintain the required certification of the duties and responsibilities associated with this occupation, which may also result in separation from employment. 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: 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: Knowledge of the care and use of radioactive resources for implementation and treatment delivery. 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. Skill in providing guidance and expertise related to all aspects of the treatment planning process. 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. Ability to resolve complex physical and geometric errors in radiation equipment, simulation procedures and treatment delivery implementation. 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. 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: Experienced with Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS), including Multiplan and MCO. One year of experience with and of the following; Cyberknife treatment planning (Multiplan or Precision), Velocity deformable registration, Aria record & verify (R&V) system, Radformation software suite (EZ Fluence, AutoContour, ClearCalc, ClearCheck), CPRS EMR, Cerner EMR and Varian Truebeam. 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 will be selected for this vacancy is at the GS-12 level. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.
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