Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Radiation Oncology Service)

Veterans Health Administration • Seattle, WA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Therapeutic Radiologic Technologists deliver prescribed therapeutic radiation to treat cancer and abnormal cell growths. They help localize tumors, participate in treatment planning, and administer treatment using a linear accelerator. The position includes consultation, simulation, treatment planning, and treatment delivery, as well as patient identification, imaging, charting, and coordination of care with radiation oncologists and other clinical staff.

The technologist monitors patients, offers supportive care, reinforces the radiation oncologist’s recommendations, and refers patients for additional emotional or psychosocial support when appropriate. They perform quality-control checks on treatment machines, observe radiation safety practices, maintain treatment rooms and equipment, and report equipment or environmental issues. The role also requires emergency on-call treatments during clinic off-hours, including weekends and holidays, with the on-call therapist expected to arrive within two hours of notification.

The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework and virtual work are not available. A relocation incentive may be authorized for highly qualified candidates moving more than 50 miles; permanent change of station is not authorized. The position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to program eligibility and approval. The full performance level is GS-10.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception under VA policy for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Successful completion of a therapeutic radiologic technology program evidenced by a certificate, associate degree, or higher degree from an appropriately accredited institution, followed by an approved 12-month therapeutic radiologic technology program.
• Certification in Radiation Therapy by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT (T)); certification must be maintained.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, directly related to the position.
• Skill in independently performing machine warm-up procedures, interpreting output levels against established thresholds, and adhering to radiation safety and quality-assurance requirements.
• Ability to independently review patient charts using an electronic medical record and a Record and Verify System or similar treatment-delivery system.
• Ability to independently perform basic and complex CT simulations, operate CT equipment, follow directives, design custom immobilization, obtain optimal imaging, transfer data accurately for treatment planning, and document patient information precisely.
• Ability to use a linear accelerator’s On Board Imaging system to interpret complex images.
• Meet applicable pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation, urinalysis when selected for a testing-designated position, physical evaluation, onboarding, and required identification documentation.
• Participation in the Department of Veterans Affairs seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, subject to the conditions described in the announcement.
• Meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the announcement’s closing date.

Nice To Haves

• Experience performing consultation, simulation, treatment planning, and treatment delivery procedures, including contrast administration.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers.

Responsibilities

• Perform procedures for consultation, simulation, treatment planning, and treatment delivery, and keep current with changes in the field.
• Maintain accurate daily technical, legal, and statistical treatment records, including documentation in CPRS/VISTA and treatment and dose information.
• Schedule treatments to optimize linear accelerator use while allowing flexibility for emergency treatments.
• Deliver prescribed therapeutic radiation to treat cancer and other abnormal growths using a linear accelerator.
• Take patient identification photographs for treatment charts; follow setup instructions and use prescribed devices for initial treatment and filming.
• Take SSD readings, obtain isocenter verification films, and perform port-film imaging as required.
• Document changes in patient charts and observe patients’ conditions daily.
• Recognize patients’ emotional and psychosocial support needs and refer them to appropriate departmental staff or other healthcare professionals.
• Reinforce radiation oncologists’ recommendations regarding activities, diet, and prevention and treatment of radiation reactions.
• Perform daily treatment-machine quality-control measurements before patient treatments using the physics quality-assurance program for each energy level.
• Verify patient identity according to hospital protocols before each simulation and treatment.
• Communicate with medical staff on other floors and units to support quality patient care.
• Follow HIPAA privacy guidelines and radiation-safety procedures, including ALARA principles.
• Perform daylight film-processor procedures, monitor processor operation, and contact the processor engineer when problems occur.
• Keep treatment rooms and equipment clean, neat, and safe; maintain adequate supplies; and report equipment or environmental problems to appropriate personnel.
• Notify physicians when equipment issues may affect patient care or treatment.
• Perform emergency treatments during clinic off-hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays; on-call therapists must be able to arrive within two hours of notification.
• Collaborate with radiation oncologists, dosimetrists, nursing and clerical staff, and fellow therapists to support effective department operations.
• Keep current with developments in radiation therapy, maintain licensing and continuing-education requirements, and stay current on treatment-machine characteristics and energy and output levels.
• Operate equipment to determine correct dose and field uniformity.
• Provide accurate, compassionate treatment and supportive care to patients.
• Follow safety and health standards, use protective equipment as needed, and promptly report unsafe conditions, practices, occupational illness, or injury.
• Participate in reviewing, revising, or authoring policies and procedures.
• Perform accurate charge capture, documentation, and CPT coding.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Eligibility for the Education Debt Reduction Program, with possible reimbursement of up to $200,000 subject to eligibility and program approval.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position and eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree