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Form of workThe dosimetrist at VA Miami uses highly sophisticated equipment complex formulate to plan the radiation dose distribution and calculate dosage to patients receiving radiation therapy as designated by the radiation oncologist and medical physicist. The medical dosimetrist must maintain a commitment to a high degree of accuracy, thoroughness, and professional judgment in determining whether the treatment plan meets the radiation.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.
- Certification. 1). 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.
2.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.
2.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.
- 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.
- English Language Proficiency. TRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
Therapeutic Radiologic Tech, GS-12. At least one year of experience equivalent to the (GS-11) grade at the advanced level, Medical Dosimetrists are fully functional dosimetrist with the knowledge and experience applying an advanced level of treatment planning and dosimetry procedures. Medical Dosimetrists serve as an integral team member for complex treatment planning, QA verifications, weekly chart checks and ability to train on all aspects of the Record and Verify system.
Specialized Experience: Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the KSAs.
A. 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, ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures and directives to provide continuity of care.
B. Skill in providing guidance and expertise related to all aspects of the treatment planning process.
C. Ability to resolve complex physical and geometric errors of the radiation equipment, simulation procedure and treatment delivery
implementation.
D. Knowledge of the care and use of radioactive resources for implementation and treatment delivery.
E. 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.
F. Ability to follow protocols including, but not limited to developing and implementing policies and standard operating procedures, participating in research programs and ensuring compliance with radiation safety office, national program office, accrediting agencies and follow established quality standard measures.
G. Ability to perform the application of a broad range of specific methods of radiation measurements including, but not limited to, diode, ion chamber, thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD), 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.
References: VA Handbook 5005/15 Part II, Appendix G26. January 15, 2021
This position is above the full performance 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.
This announcement is an OCA=Open and Continuous Announcement will remain open for six months from its release day.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.Employment Type: FULL_TIME
