Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist)

Summary Medical Dosimetrists are fully functional dosimetrists with knowledge and experience applying an advanced level of treatment planning and dosimetry procedures. Medical Dosimetrists serve as integral team members for complex treatment planning, QA verifications, weekly chart checks and ability to train on all aspects of the Record and Verify System. Learn more about this agency Duties Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Familiarity with different treatment management and planning software: Eclipse, ARIA and CPRS are highly preferred. Following department Naming convention for all dosimetry chart preparation. Recent experience with various treatment techniques such as electrons, 3D conformal (3DCRT), Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), Volumetric Arc Therapy (VMAT), Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) and both, Stereotactic Radiation Surgery and Therapy (SRS/SRT), are required for this position, including familiarity with Hyperarc planning for SRT/SRS cases. Recent experience with various treatment sites including but not limited to CNS, head and neck, lung, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, GYN and extremities. Performs ISO placement and assists radiation therapists as needed during CT simulation. Ability to carry out assigned task independently, such as ability to calculate the needed monitor units according to radiation oncologist prescription with distributions of the dose to be delivered in various ratios applying extensive knowledge of critical structures and their tolerances to accurately deliver the prescribed dose. Ability to apply in depth knowledge of anatomy, especially cross sectional, physiology, and numerous types of tumors and their routes of spread to design multiple plans for oncologist approval and selection. Proficiency in importing/exporting diagnostic images from the hospital/internal systems (Brainlab, Varian, PACS servers) to treatment planning systems to perform image fusion with the treatment planning scan. Ensures CT/4DCT scans are promptly delivered to dosimetry for image formatting to assure smooth patient flow. Prepares CT scans for physicians to draw tumor volumes. Contours normal structures, enters treatment fields and vital beam data into a treatment planning computer in a timely and accurate manner. Initiates complex treatment planning utilizing the most up to date technology available including 3D conformal, IMRT, VMAT, SBRT, SRS and SRT techniques. Accurately computes radiation dose to individual ports, tumors, spine and other necessary body structures to ensure quality treatment to patients, and safety to tissue tolerance. Conscientiously maintains awareness of dose - tissue tolerance. Drafts several isocentric plans, as required, with emphasis on quality of dose distribution, using dosimetric knowledge and creativity. Submits best plan choices to the radiation oncologists and aids in determining best treatment method for specific patients on an individual basis. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 08:00am - 04:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position Functional Statement #: 82718F, 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. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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. English Language Proficiency: Medical Dosimetrists must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 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. NOTE: CMDs who perform therapeutic radiologic technologist duties must also possess ARRT(T) certification and be assigned to a functional statement that combines both types of work. NOTE: The Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, P.L. 97- 35 requires persons who administer Therapeutic Radiological procedures meet the credentialing standards in 42 C.F.R. § 75. They must have completed an educational program meeting or exceeding the standards described in that regulation and be accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or be a Radiation Therapist certified in medical dosimetry. 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 meeting the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates. Medical Dosimetrist, GS-12 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. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) 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. 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. 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, pulling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional information Receiving Service Credit for 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. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. 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. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.