Lead Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist

The Lead Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist works under the supervision of the Chief Radiation Therapist/Supervisor and works independently with radiation treatments but confers with Radiation Oncologist and Supervisor on more difficult problems while working effectively to implement the organization's mission and goals.

**Qualifications:**
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. 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. English Language Proficiency: TRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f) 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. 4 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) (Transcripts REQUIRED with application submission) 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)). (2) Exception. (a) Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for TRT certification may be given a temporary appointment under 38 U.S.C. § 7405 (a)(1)(B) for up to one year at the entry level only as a graduate TRT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405 (c)(2)(B). (b) Graduate TRTs may only be appointed at the entry grade level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained. (c) Temporary graduate TRT appointments may not be extended beyond one year or converted to a new temporary appointment (Certification REQUIRED with application submission) 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 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). Grade Determinations: Lead Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist - GS-11 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. 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 round Preferred Experience: Therapeutic Radiologic Technologist at GS-11 must posses a minimum of four years TRT of clinical experience. 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. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service