Therapeutic Radiologic Technologists (Radiation Oncology Service)

About the role

NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. Therapeutic Radiologic Technologists (TRT) deliver prescribed high doses of therapeutic radiation for the purpose of treatment of cancer and abnormal cell growths.

TRT's assist in the localization of tumors, participate in treatment planning, and deliver high doses of ionizing radiation as prescribed by the radiation oncologists.

What you will do

• Therapeutic Radiologic Technologists (TRT) deliver prescribed high doses of therapeutic radiation for the purpose of treatment of cancer and abnormal cell growths.
• TRT's assist in the localization of tumors, participate in treatment planning, and deliver high doses of ionizing radiation as prescribed by the radiation oncologists.
• These treatments are performed by utilizing a linear accelerator.
• Functions: Performs procedures for consultation, simulation, treatment planning, and treatment delivery Keeps current of any changes.
• Maintains detailed and accurate daily records of technical, legal and statistical components of treatment Schedules treatments such that linear accelerator times are optimized while still leaving some flexibility for emergency treatment times.
• Delivers prescribed therapeutic radiation for the treatment of cancer and other abnormal growths Takes patient's identification photo for display in the patient's treatment chart For the initial treatment/filming, sets up tattoos provided by CT simulation team following all setup instructions and using all prescribed devices Takes SSD readings and obtains isocenter verification films Performs port film imaging as required Documents all changes in patients' chart and observe patient's condition daily Able to recognize the need for emotional and psychosocial support for patients Refer patients to departmental staff and other health care professionals as necessary Reinforces radiation oncologist's recommendations regarding general activities, diet, prevention and treatment of reactions to radiation therapy Performs quality control measurements of all treatment machines by taking readings every morning prior to patient treatments using the physics quality assurance program for each energy level Identifies each patient by required identification protocols per hospital policy before each simulation and treatment is delivered/time out.
• Communicate with medical staff on other floors/units for quality patient care Follows HIPAA guidelines regarding patient privacy Enters all pertinent daily information into patient's CPRS/VISTA, record regarding number of treatments and doses given for other hospital personnel to utilize in patient care Maintain detailed and accurate daily records of technical, legal and statistical components of treatment Practices radiation safety protocols to limit exposure to patients, staff and self in compliance with department and VA radiation safety procedures to maintain the principles of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).
• Performs daylight film processor procedures and ensures the processor is operating optimally when being used, and contacts processor engineer if problems occur Maintains treatment rooms and equipment in a clean, neat, safe condition and keeps treatment room supplies at an adequate level Notifies supervisor/physics staff about treatment equipment issues Reports all environmental and other equipment problems to the proper authorities Notifies physicians if this will impact patient care and/or treatment.
• Performs irregular hour's emergency treatments during the clinics off hours including after hours, weekends, and holidays.
• The therapist on call must be available to arrive within two hours of notification to ensure the best emergency care is given to the patient Works with Radiation Oncologists, Dosimetrists, nursing and clerical staff plus fellow radiation therapists to develop teamwork to effectively and efficiently accomplish the goals of the radiation therapy department Continually keeps current with new developments in the field of radiation therapy and keeps licensing and continuing education requirements up to date Keeps current on treatment machine characteristics including various energy and output levels.
• Operates equipment to determine correct dose and field uniformity Provides patient with accurate and compassionate treatment and acts as a supportive caregiver Follows established safety practices and reports to facility director or administrative service manager as promptly as possible if issues arise as to unsafe conditions, unsafe practices, or any occupational illness or injury Adheres to all safety and health standards regulations, work practices, and uses proper protective equipment as needed Participates in reviewing, revising or authoring policies and procedures that need attention.
• Perform accurate charge capture, documentation and CPT codes Ability to operate and perform Quality Assurance on linear accelerators CBCT and Exact Couch equipment to monitor patients' positioning and make appropriate shifts if necessary.
• Inform physicians of any problems BLS certification for Healthcare Providers Other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
• Recruitment Incentives: May be Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

• 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 (***).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation.
• 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.

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: ***

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: ***

How you will be evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.

WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Documents you must provide

• To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (ARRT (T)) Resume Transcript Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link *** to download the standard Clinical Resume Document.
• This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
• Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
• The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field Certified in therapeutic radiologic technology by the ARRT in Radiation Therapy (ARRT (T)) BLS Certification for Healthcare Providers Professional Certification Resume SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action Claiming Federal Employee Eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent (not more than 1 year old) Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50 (Not an award SF-50).
• Your SF-50 must include: Position title, pay plan/series/grade Tenure code Position Occupied type of appointment (Competitive or Excepted) Within Grade Increase, General Adjustments, or Promotion SF-50's are best, Award SF-50's do not include this pertinent information.
• Resume Reminder: Your resume must include the following information for each job listed: Job title & Duties (be as detailed as possible) Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008) Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume.
• Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.
• Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications.
• To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title.
• If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy.
• We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.
• Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
• You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.).
• If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation.
• Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
• Documentation is required to award preference.
• For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience.

This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions.

Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.