Duties

• The Medical Dosimetrist/Certified Medical Dosimetrist is a member of the radiation oncology team who has knowledge of the overall characteristics and clinical relevance of radiation oncology treatment and planning equipment, is cognizant of procedures commonly used in brachytherapy and has extensive education and expertise necessary to generate advanced radiation dose distributions (2D/3D and IMRT) and dose calculations.
• Schedules, plans, and organizes work for the radiation treatment of patients using applicable VA directives, service policies and protocols, training, and accepted professional standards. Coordinates emergency patient treatments with Radiation Oncologists.
• Calculates the number of treatment deliveries and/or monitor units for all new patients requiring radiation therapy. Understands expected values for dose/monitor units results and consults with the medical physicist should any monitor unit values that appear to be out of range.
• Under the guidance of the Radiation Oncologist and Medical physicist, develops complex treatment plans using various dose calculating software packages utilized by the service.
• Has extensive knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, malignant tumors, routes of spread, critical structures and tolerance levels of all sites of the body to plan complex, multi-field treatment plans.
• Conscientiously maintains awareness of dose-tissue tolerance.
• Drafts one or several isocentric plans, as required, with emphasis on quality of dose distribution, using dosimetric knowledge and often creativity.
• Submits plan choices to appropriate physician to aid in determining best treatment method for specific patient tumors on an individual basis.
• Correctly transfers treatment parameters from simulation worksheet and calculated treatment plan into the computerized daily treatment record of patients.
• Appropriately indicates the dosimetry and treatment planning charges for services provided to patients.
• Initiates complex treatment planning utilizing the most up to date technology available including 3D conformal and IMRT techniques.
• Maintains with accuracy all therapy records, charts, files, calibration records, and treatment planning records necessary for compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), VA National Health Physics Program (NHPP), and other federal regulations. Documents all parameters involved with each patient including daily and accumulated doses, field size, beam modifiers, beam direction, and machine used in the delivery of radiation treatment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned and listed on the Functional Statement

Work Schedule: M-F 7:45am-4:30pm with potential for after hours or emergency calls on rare occasions. Alternate work schedules and compressed tours may be available
Telework: May be offered at the discretion of Management
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Title/Functional Statement #: Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist)/PD000000
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
References: VA Handbook 5005/138, Part II, Appendix G66 - Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist)

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.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

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. Completion of a medical dosimetry program of at least 12 months long accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and a baccalaureate degree is required. 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 Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board ( MDCB). Certified Medical Dosimetry (CMD) is the recognized credential for Medical Dosimetrists. NOTE: CMDs who perform therapeutic radiologic technologist duties must also possess American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) (T) certification and be assigned to a functional statement that combines both types of work. NOTE: Public Law 97-35 requires persons who administer Therapeutic Radiological 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 U.S. Department of Education or be a radiation therapist certified in medical dosimetry.
  • Exception. Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for Medical Dosimetrist certification may be given a temporary appointment under 38 U.S.C. 7405(a)(1)(B) for up to two years at the entry level only as a graduate Medical Dosimetrist under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405(c)(2)(B). Failure to obtain certification during the two-year time is justification for termination of the Dosimetrist temporary appointment. This may result in termination of employment. The Human Resources Office will provide the uncertified Medical Dosimetrist, in writing, the requirement to obtain certification, the date by which the certification must be acquired and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline. The written notice must be provided prior to the entrance on duty date.
  • Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases, uncertified Medical Dosimetrist must actively pursue meeting the requirements for certification starting from the date of their appointment. Failure to become certified within two years from the date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0648 Medical Dosimetrist occupation and may result in termination of employment.
  • Loss of Credential. Once certified, Medical Dosimetrists must maintain an active, current, full and unrestricted certification to independently practice medical dosimetry. Loss of licensure will result in removal from the GS-0648 Medical Dosimetrist occupation and may result in termination of employment.

Grade Requirements GS-12:Creditable Experience.

• Knowledge of Current Dosimetry Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities associated with current medical dosimetry practice. Experience satisfying this requirement must be active professional practice at the post-certification level, which may be paid/non-paid employment, as a Medical Dosimetrist.
• Quality of Experience. Experience is only creditable if it is post certification experience as a certified Medical Dosimetrist directly related to the position to be filled. Experience as a graduate Medical Dosimetrist is creditable provided the candidate functioned as an entry level Medical Dosimetrist with continual oversight and subsequently passed the certification examination. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to Medical Dosimetrist 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 (difficulty) 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.
• Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as a Medical Dosimetrist is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, a Medical Dosimetrist employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2-time basis, receives one full-time workweek of credit for each two weeks of service. (4) Practicum in a VA Setting. VHA practicum experience may not be substituted for experience, as the practicum (field placement) is completed prior to graduation with a bachelor's degree in medical dosimetry or a related field.

Grade Determinations: 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 and knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) described at that level. Additionally, experience as stated in your resume' must demonstrate you meet all of the following KSAs.

• Ability to perform lead duties such as orientation and training for staff, provide input for yearly appraisals, directs progress and coordination of Dosimetric work.
• Ability to develop the Quality Improvement Program by evaluating, establishing and implementing departmental policies, standard operating procedures and department compliance with the national program office, radiation accrediting agencies, hospital and outside governing body standards.
• Ability to solve complex technical problems by instructing and providing oversight to lower level Medical Dosimetrists and trainees with regards to treatment planning, using the Record and Verify System (or other similar systems), using newly acquired equipment and other devices and products within the service.
• Ability to successfully communicate with the radiation oncology team and other internal and external customers to manage the needs of patients.
• Ability to provide broad oversight and assist in the application of specific methods of patient and/or treatment planning as directed by Medical Physicists

Physical Requirements: The work requires being able to tolerate prolonged sitting at a work station for up to 2 hours at a time and being able to walk a distance of up to 100 meters at a time without rest to interact with staff among the department as needed. Being able to fully use of a keyboard, mouse and computer monitor is required. Being able to instruct other team members in person on how to use treatment planning software and related software is a must using visual, tactile, auditory and verbal communication. Must be physically able to fashion a patent lead mask or learn how to fashion a mask if required

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html .

Additional information

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.

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.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

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.