Summary Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist administers ionizing radiation to determined sites, following the prescription of a Radiation Oncologist. Thorough knowledge of radiation protection standards, including concepts of cumulative dosage, genetic changes, and effects of radiation in living organisms is required including radiographic technique, the ability to formulate technical factors to properly control density, contrast, distortion, theory and use of complex therapeutic equipment. Responsibilities Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist administers ionizing radiation to specifically determined sites, following the prescription of a Radiation Oncologist to deliver high doses (of radiation) to predetermined areas of malignant tumor as well as certain benign disorders. Thorough knowledge of radiation protection standards, including concepts of cumulative dosage, genetic changes, and effects of radiation in living organisms is required. Knowledge of radiographic technique, including the ability to formulate technical factors to properly control density, contrast, distortion, theory and use of complex therapeutic equipment. Knowledge of CT operations to gather needed parameters and other information for the planning of the patient's treatment. Major duties include, but are not limited to the following: Identifies individual patient by the required identification method established through hospital policy, based upon the HIPAA Guidelines prior to any patient appointment such as simulation, treatment or follow-up. Prepares contrast materials used during the simulation process ensuring proper use and administration to avoid the risk of patient mortality. TRT must have a thorough knowledge of all contrast material. Operates CT Simulator, providing a reproducible patient treatment position to be accurately used for daily treatment on the Linear Accelerator. Provides custom patient immobilization devices as requested and/or is competent in using manufactured patient immobilization equipment. Establishes "absolute marking" on patients whenever possible with the corresponding isocenters identified on the DRR's through accurate use of 4-D Computed Tomography. Provides "relative marking" with radio-opaque stickers on the patient for Dosimetry when absolute marking is not possible. Creates setup DRR's for emergency/on-call patients to be sent directly to the Record/Verify system (ARIA). Completes all associated documentation and present the information to Dosimetry. Competent in proper/safe operation of a Linear Accelerator and understanding the associated interlocks. Competent in the operation and function of the Multi-leaf Collimators. Competent in the operation of the External Portal Imaging Device, Cone Beam Computed Tomography and Mega Voltage Computed Tomography. Competent in the operation/function of the Record and Verify (ARIA) system. Maintains an efficient patient schedule requiring the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate simulation and treatment. Ability to independently perform warm-up checks of each radiation therapy machine/equipment to assist the Radiation Physicist in identification and correction of machine malfunctions. Monitors patient's needs and/or condition, both during treatment and while under the care of the Radiation Oncology Department. Performs verification simulation prior to patient's first treatment, immobilization devices and obtaining digital reference images. Properly verify/employ any necessary beam modifier devices such as wedges - both physical as well as dynamic, blocks and/or MLC's, bolus, etc. Obtains port/verification films CBCT's and MVCT's on patients under treatment as outlined in the department's Policy & Procedures. Documents any change in treatment such as weekly SSD's, field measurements and/or position, etc. in order to obtain proper corrections in prescription or treatment calendar. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff and self in compliance with both department and VA radiation safety guidelines to aid in reducing occupational exposures to "As Low As Reasonably Achievable" (ALARA). Fabricates and verifies cast molds made from cerro-safe for use of electron radiation treatment. Notifies Medical Physics of equipment issues that have the potential for patient harm and reports all environmental and equipment issues. Provide On-Call service during non-scheduled department hours with availability within 30 minutes from receipt of call for proper and effective emergent care can be provided to the patient. Ability to perform basic hand calculations and/or proper and effective usage of the MU Check program for emergent patient treatment. Continually re-evaluates/develops new and existing Policies and Procedures to improve on the safety, efficiency and function of the Radiation Oncology Department. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 0000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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 trial period. 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Qualifications 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. All applicants must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (ARRT (T)). Grade Determinations: GS-10 Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all the KSAs below: 1. 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. 2. Ability to independently perform patient chart reviews using an electronic medical record and the Record and Verify System or other similar treatment delivery systems. 3. 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. 4. Ability to utilize a Linac's On Board Imaging system to interpret complex images. Preferred Experience: 5 years of experience as a Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist. 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-10. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-10. Physical Requirements: The work requires long periods of standing and walking. There is some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles. Patients sometimes are assisted to achieve proper positioning, which may require reaching or work 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. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. 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. 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.