Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist

<p>The Radiation Oncology Service is a part of the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Jr., VA Medical Center, Memphis, TN. The incumbent will perform CT treatment planning scans for treatment planning/tumor localization, compensators and customized patient immobilization devices. This is achieved by the use of a CAT scanner. Deliver the prescribed therapeutic radiation for the purpose of cancer therapy. These treatments are performed by operating a Linear Accelerator.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>This vacancy will remain open until filled. The incumbent will be expected to give oversight, training and encouragement to lower grade therapists. Duties include, but are not limited to: Schedules treatments in a manner as to optimize accelerator times while maintaining flexibility for emergency cases. This requires the ability to prioritize scheduled patients as well as the ability to accommodate the emergency patient who may need immediate simulation and treatment. Performs quality control of the treatment machines by taking recorded readings every morning prior to patient treatments using the dosimetry verification and record system for each energy level. Obtaining machine check for rotational therapy and electronic dynamic wedge verification. Performs daily imaging procedures to ensure correct operations. Alerts appropriate staff as necessary if parameters fall outside the recommendations. Identifies individual patient by the required identification methods set forth by hospital policy and departmental procedures before simulation and each daily radiation treatment is delivered. Ability to determine the appropriate timely sequence for patient studies and any special orders required. Verifies patient consent prior to initiating CT simulation. Prepares required contrast materials that are to be used for treatment simulations. Ensures proper use and administration of the contrast materials to avoid the risk of patient morbidity and mortality, therefore it is essential that the therapist has a thorough understanding of contrast material usage. Must be alert to patient's condition and other disorders. Reactions on the part of the patient require immediate attention so that harm does not come to the patient. Properly operates CT simulator, provides reproducible patient treatment position sets-ups. That can be accurately used for daily treatments on the Linear Accelerator. After CT scan is acquired and isocenter or reference point is obtained, the therapist will provide set-up DDR's for use in treatment planning and transfer the data set to the dosimetry treatment planning system. Verifies patient's treatment area daily in the treatment machine vault. Performs simulation verification before prescribed treatment. Accurately reproduces initial (simulation set-up, with proper patient positioning, immobilizing devices, to ensure proper alignment and quality treatment. Obtains isocenter verification, treatment field verification of conformal blocking, with multi-leaf collimator, or cerro-bend blocking. Obtains isocenter verification as needed by the use to cone bean CT and or the use of the on-board imaging system. Verifies correct multi-leaf collimation and electronic dynamic wedges. Delivers prescribed mode of treatment in accordance with prescribed radiation prescription. This included conventional, 3-D conformal, electron delivery, IMRT treatment delivery, IGRT treatment delivery, and Rapid Arc treatment delivery. Practices radiation safety in order to reduce exposure to patients, staff, and self, in compliance with department and VA radiation safety procedures to maintain occupational exposures "as low as reasonable achievable" (ALARA). This is achieved by the use of lead-lined treatment room walls, cornered doorways, distance management, and conscientious accident-free beam-on times. Assists patients to and from the treatment room, as well as in transferring on and off the treatment table as necessary. Utilizing all patient transfer aids. The ability to work as a contributing and cooperative part of the radiation oncology team, communicating and interacting with all team members in a tactful, respectful and professional manner. Thus contributing to the effective operations of the workplace and continued development of a collaborative working relationship with all colleagues. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 50862-F. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.</p><h3>Requirements</h3>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.<h3>Education</h3>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/.