Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist) - Defense Health Agency Civilian Corps, Falls Church, VA

Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist (Dosimetrist), GS-0648-12, Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMC San Diego)

Downtown San Diego is located on San Diego Bay. Balboa Park encompasses several mesas and canyons to the northeast, surrounded by older, dense urban communities including Hillcrest and North Park. To the east and southeast lie City Heights, the College Area, and Southeast San Diego. To the north lies Mission Valley and Interstate 8. The communities north of the valley and freeway, and south of Marine Corps Air Station Mirmar, include Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, Tierrasanta, and Navajo. Stretching north from Miramar are the northern suburbs of Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos, and Ranch Bernado. The far northeast portion of the city encompasses Lake Hodges and the San Pasqual Valley, which holds an agricultural preserve. Carmel Valley and Del Mar Heights occupy the northwest corner of the city. To their south are Torrey Pines State Reserve and the business center of the Golden Triangle. Further south are the beach and coastal communities of La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Ocean Beach. Pont Loma occupies the peninsula across San Diego Bay from downtown. The communities of South San Diego (an Enclave), such as San Ysidro and Otay Mesa, are located next to the Mexico-United States border and are physically separated from the rest of the city by the cities of National City and Chula Vista. A narrow strip of land at the bottom of San Diego Bay connects these southern neighborhoods with the rest of the city.

San Diego has one of the top-ten best climates in the United States and has one of the two best summer climates in the country as scored by The Weather Channel. San Diego area has been variously categorized as having either a semi-arid climate or a Mediterranean climate. San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round, with an average of 201 days above 70 °F and low rainfall (9–13 inches annually).

Working for the Department of Defense comes with an abundance of benefits and perks to include competitive compensation packages, paid time off, medical benefits, student loan repayments, and retirement package with Thrift Savings Plan to include matching employer contributions. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/

This position serves as Dosimetrist for the Radiation Therapy Clinic in the Radiology Department at Navy Medical Center San Diego and provides dosimetry services to referring physicians and their patients.

The purpose of the work is to provide dosimetry services for patients in the Radiation Therapy Clinic in order to assist in the treatment of a wide variety of defects or diseases. Accuracy and reliability of the work directly affects the accuracy and reliability of the physicians’ prescribed dose.

The individual in this position must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services and care appropriate to the age of the patient (pediatric, adolescent, adult, or geriatric).

The individual position will also contribute to care through the maintenance of a safe and supportive environment for patients and hospital staff.

Incumbent independently performs dosimetry within the Radiation Therapy Clinic:

1. Receives and interprets requests and instructions for treatment. Performs dose calculations on allmachines from charts/graphs provided by medical physicist when required. Performs simulation of patients involving complex treatments as required. Acquires, records, and draws contour information and other parameters of the location of tumors, and uses information for construction of combined fields isodose treatment plans. Uses treatment planning computers or manual methods to calculate and plot radiation dose distribution within patients undergoing treatment. Constructs masks, casts, blocks, andother special devices to protect and immobilize patients during treatment.

2. Infection Control: The individual is responsible for compliance with infection control guidelines and practices universal precautions.

3. Environment of Care: The individual is responsible for the safe and effective operation of equipment used in patient care. The individual is also responsible for maintaining a safe working environment. This includes safe practices when performing/assisting with emergency procedures, proper handling of hazardous materials, and maintaining physical security. The individual is also responsible for minimizing radiation exposure through the use of protective devices and performing studies with the least radiation possible.

4. Performance Improvement: The individual is responsible for supporting and participating in performance improvement processes commensurate with the positions.

5. Assists radiation therapists during initial setup for prescribed treatment plan and explains procedure to patient as necessary. Instructs personnel in dosimetrist techniques and application. Prepares instruments for brachytherapy and assists in simulation of patients. Calibrates outputs for electron inserts for use in monitor unit calculations. Performs quality assurance of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy plans as necessary. Performs regular review of patient treatment charts. Attends chart rounds and other required meetings. Participates in educational programs and keeps statistical and other QA records as necessary.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Must be a US Citizen

Basic Requirements for Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist:

Qualifying educational programs for radiography and radiation therapy technology are available in accredited colleges, universities, hospitals, medical schools, or postsecondary technical or vocational schools.  Education or training from programs based in hospitals must have been from those hospitals that were accredited at the time of the education or training by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals or by the American Osteopathic Association.

Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic procedures meet the credentialing standards of 42 CFR Part 75 as follows:

A.  Must have successfully completed an educational program that meets or exceeds the standards described in that regulation, and is accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education.

OR

B.  Was employed as radiologic personnel by the Federal Government PRIOR TO the effective date of the regulation (January 13, 1986).  (Note: You must submit evidence with your application of current or fully satisfactory performance or certification of such from a licensed practitioner such as a doctor of medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, podiatry, or chiropractic who prescribes radiologic procedures to others.)

OR

C. Was first employed as radiologic personnel by the Federal Government AFTER the effective date of the regulation (January 13, 1986), but (a) received training from institutions in a State or foreign jurisdiction that did not accredit training in that particular field at the time of graduation OR (b) practiced in a State or foreign jurisdiction that did not license that particular field or did not allow special eligibility to take a licensure examination for those who did not graduate from an accredited educational program.  (Note: You must submit evidence with your application to prove training, experience, and competence.  Examples of acceptable proof: transcripts, letter of recommendation, etc.)

AND

Specialized Experience:  One year of specialized experience which includes (1) administering therapeutic radiation to patients by means of a Linear Accelerator as prescribed by a physician; (2) performing CT Simulation; (3) use of a Record and Verification system; (4) consulting with Radiation Oncologists about patient specific circumstances; and (5) use of Onboard Imaging (OBI). 

AND

Licensure/Certification:  Must be certified by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (A.R.R.T) in the field of Radiation Therapy.