Summary This position is in Radiation Oncology Service within the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. Incumbent will provide services at the LTC. Charles S. Kettles Medical Center. The duties and responsibilities are carried throughout the healthcare system including all clinical and other patient care areas involved with the service. Responsibilities FUNCTIONS/ SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES Knowledge of advance computer operations in both input and output devices. Familiarity with computerized treatment planning software. Enters irregular fields, patient contours and other vital beam data into a treatment planning computer in a timely and accurate manner. Enters approved treatment fields into the record and verify system, assuring that all patient data is correctly input and transferred to treatment machine for treatment of patient. Accurately computes radiation dose to individual ports, tumors, organs of interest and other necessary body structures to ensure quality treatment to patients, and safety of normal tissue. Proficient at importing diagnostic images from the hospital system to perform image fusion with the treatment planning scan. Accurately draws normal structures contours and prepares CT scans for physician to draw tumor volumes. 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 the parameters set by the treating physician. Submits plan choices to appropriate physician to aid in determining best treatment method for specific patient tumors on an individual basis. Maintains record of upcoming boost, so that they may be prepared within prescribed practice and professional competency. Initiates complex treatment planning utilizing the most up to date technology available including 3D conformal, IMRT techniques and stereotactic techniques. Creates set-up fields for treatment in, KV and CBCT for verification of treatment. Prepares fields for treatment in RT chart, set up notes, photos and scheduling of filming. Fully utilizes the electronic chart per the departmental standards and procedures. Indicates vital factors necessary for correct patient treatment; such as boosts, cord block, wedges, and other various treatment aids. Accurately diagrams/describes patient set-up when necessary to assure treatment method may be easily understood by the therapists administering the treatments. Utilizes patient alerts for unique circumstances: such as BID on Friday only, repeat CT Skip Arc and any other special instructions necessary. Records final dose of all treatment areas with accuracy. Attends weekly chart rounds of patients on treatment. Assists with radiation treatment delivery when necessary. Works with Radiation Oncologists, Therapists, Nursing, and Clerical staff, as a member of the radiation therapy team to effectively and efficiently accomplish the goals of the radiation therapy department. Continually keeping current with new developments in the field of radiation therapy and being able to utilize the new technologies available. Providing the patients with the best possible treatment. Follows established safety practices and reports to supervisor as promptly as possible, unsafe conditions, unsafe practices or any occupational illness or injury sustained. Adheres to all safety and health standards, regulations, work practices and uses proper protective equipment as required. Assists with brachytherapy procedures as indicated. Assists radiation therapists for resolution of patient setup problems. Participates in established quality control and quality improvement programs. Participates in policy and procedure development and revisions. Works with radiation therapy students or residents to teach the basic concepts of medical dosimetry. Provides in-service trainings as deemed necessary by management. Provides continuous quality control on a daily basis through review and check of computer treatment plans and calculations performed by other team members. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92376-0 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 examination. 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. English Language Proficiency: Medical Dosimetrists must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education: (1) 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. (2) 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: (1) 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. (2) Exception for non-certified Medical Dosimetrists.(a) Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for Medical Dosimetrist certification may be given a temporary appointment as a graduate under 38 U.S.C. § 7405(a)(1)(B).(b) Non-certified individuals may only provide care under the supervision of a certified Medical Dosimetrist at or above the full performance level.(c) Non-certified individuals may only be appointed at the entry level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained.(d) Temporary appointments of non-certified Medical Dosimetrists may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment. (3) Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases, uncertified Medical Dosimetrists must actively pursue meeting the requirements for certification starting from the date of their appointment. At the time of appointment, the Medical Dosimetrist's supervisor will provide the Medical Dosimetrist with the written requirements for certification, including the time by which the certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming certified by the deadline. Failure to obtain certification during this period may result in termination of employment. (4) 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: Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist) - GS12 (1) 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. (2) Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. At the 8 advanced level, 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. Medical Dosimetrists train staff, evaluate workload, and ensure compliance with all necessary governing bodies and standard operation procedures. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the care and use of radioactive resources for implementation and treatment delivery. (b) 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. (c) Skill in providing guidance and expertise related to all aspects of the treatment planning process. (d) 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. (e) Ability to resolve complex physical and geometric errors in radiation equipment, simulation procedures and treatment delivery implementation. (f) 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. (g) 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: Radiation Oncology is seeking a skilled dosimetrist with demonstrated experience in treatment planning. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently while also contributing effectively to quality assurance projects. Strong collaboration skills and a commitment to high quality patient care are essential. 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: The work requires long periods of standing and walking. There is some bending and carrying of moderately heavy articles such as film cassettes, treatment devices, and molds with heavier lifting of wedges and specially designed shielding blocks. Patients often are assisted to achieve proper positioning, which may require reaching, lifting, or working 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. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019 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. 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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.