Lead Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Best qualified applicants will meet the following criteria in addition to the minimum qualifications for this position. 1. Therapeutic Radiologic Technologists at a GS-11 level must possess a minimum of five (5) years clinical TRT experience. 2. Employees at this level must be able to carry out their assigned tasks independently in all areas of radiation therapy. 3. The competencies will substantially exceed the full performance level and are unique and require advanced knowledge in all areas of radiation therapy specialties. 4. Technologists may give guidance and direction regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues to lower grade therapists, contractors, or fee base therapists. BASIC REQUIREMENTS. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a program in therapeutic radiologic technology, evidenced by a certificate or an associate's or higher degree accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology or other accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the subsequent completion of a 12-month ED accrediting body-approved program in therapeutic radiologic technology. Public Law 97-35 requires that persons who administer radiologic 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 ED, and be radiation therapists certified by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (T). Certification. All applicants must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (ARRT (T)). (1) All applicants must be certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (ARRT (T)). (d) Failure to Obtain Certification. In all cases, TRTs must actively pursue meeting the requirements for certification starting from the date of their appointment. Failure to become certified within one year from the date of appointment will result in removal from the GS-0648 TRT series and may result in termination of employment. (3) Loss of Certification. Once certified, a TRT who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation, which may result in termination of employment. e. Physical Requirements. Heavy Lifting and carrying (50 lbs), straight pulling/pushing, hand-over-hand pushing (2 hours), reaching above shoulder level, use of fingers and both hands required, walking/standing/crawling (5 hours), repeated bending (3 hours), ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors and shades of color, emotional and mental stability. f. English Language Proficiency. TRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). GRADE DETERMINATIONS. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates: Lead Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist, GS-11 (1) Experience. At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level directly related to the position being filled. (2) Assignments. The lead TRT functions as a team leader for a group of TRTs who provide the full range of general and complex therapeutic radiologic oncology treatment procedures. The lead TRT provides technical oversight, distributes work assignments and provides input on performance and competencies. Assignments at this level include, but are not limited to: approving leave requests for a few hours or in emergency situations; instructing and training TRT staff on newly acquired equipment; providing orientation to staff, students, residents and others as requested; and assisting with staff scheduling, quality assurance, compliance, authoring, reviewing and updating procedures and policies. In addition, the lead TRT serves as the technical mentor, trainer and coach for the staff. The lead TRT is accountable to the next higher-level supervisor. (3) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all the KSAs below: (a) Ability to provide technical oversight, assure compliance with standard operating procedures, distribute work assignments to lower level radiation therapists and provide input for performance appraisals and competencies. (b) Skill in effective communication of all aspects of patient care with the radiation oncology team to include facilitating all essential communication to the Chief Radiation Therapist or leadership regarding clinical and operational issues. (c) Ability to independently deliver, mentor and provide oversight to lower level TRTs with basic and complex radiation treatments on a linear accelerator, as prescribed by the radiation oncologist. (d) Ability to instruct and train TRTs on the Record and Verify System (or other similar treatment delivery systems), newly acquired equipment, devices and products within the service. (e) Ability to resolve informal employee disputes and concerns using problem solving skills. (f) Ability to develop local policies and standard operating procedures. (g) Ability to perform lead responsibilities such facilitating quality improvement activities, conducting in-service and staff meetings, conducting other departmental meetings as requested (h) Skill in facilitating chart rounds. 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). Preferred Experience: Therapeutic Radiologic Technologists at a GS-11 level must possess a minimum of five (5) years¿ clinical TRT experience. Employees at this level must be able to carry out their assigned tasks independently in all areas of radiation therapy. The competencies will substantially exceed the full performance level and are unique and require advanced knowledge in all areas of radiation therapy specialties. Technologists may give guidance and direction regarding unfamiliar or unusual situations for more complex patient issues to lower grade therapists, contractors, or fee base therapists. 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-11. Position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.