Lead Radiation Therapist

Major Responsibilities

Performs all work of the Radiation Therapist as needed.

• Assures a safe, clean and sanitary environment for patients and personnel.
• Assists the physician in localizing tumor volumes using radiographic techniques.
• Performs and records daily and weekly QA machine checks.
• Administers Radiation Therapy treatments in compliance with physician prescription and treatment plan.
• Maintains accurate treatment and billing records.
• Assists in the orientation and education of patients regarding treatments and side effects.
  
  

Provide direction, evaluation and orientation to staff Radiation Therapists.

• Reviews and updates policies and procedures as needed and minimally annually.
  
  

Proposes recommendations to Leader as needed to keep procedures current.

• Monitors appointment schedules for patient treatments and procedures.
  
  

Reviews appointment schedules for patient satisfaction and modifies if needed to meet the needs of the patient as well as the department.

• Is the initial point of contact for physicians and other clinicians regarding technical issues in the department.
• Prepares work schedules by assigning associates to specific positions in the department.
  
  

Creates rotation schedule for therapist coverage on treatment machines and CT simulator.

• Prepares orientation program for new associates and determines competency of the new associate to work independently following orientation.
• Promotes patient safety by reporting issues through established channels and participating as requested in safety initiatives.
• Monitors documentation in the treatment records, assures weekly completion and verification of portal filming, monitors entered charges for accuracy, and checks charts for completeness at the end of treatment.
• Supervises therapy staff in the absence of the Leader.
• Responds to patient/physician complaints.
  
  

Discusses complaints as soon as possible with the physician or patient to resolve the problem.

Refers to the Coordinator as needed.

Maintains growth and instruction of Radiation Therapist and self.

• In collaboration with the department leader, conducts monthly therapist meeting.
• Notifies staff therapists of educational opportunities in the Chicago metro area.
• In collaboration with the department leader, coordinates inservice programs to promote and enhance staff growth.
• Enhances own growth through continued education in both management and clinical areas.
  
  

Develop and recommend short and long range plans for the present and future needs of the department

• Collaborates with Coordinator/Manager and other members of the team to develop ideas for clinical advancements in radiation oncology.
• Initiates requests for purchase of supplies and equipment.
• Establishes and maintains inventory supply levels.
  
  

Works with Medical Physics staff to develop, implement and monitor an ongoing Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement plan for the department.

• Maintains records/statistics as needed for Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement activities.
• Shares results of Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement activities with Coordinator.
  
  

Coordinates the activities of contracted service personnel to ensure proper function of equipment.

• Maintains preventive maintenance schedule of equipment, works with the vendors to set dates and times for preventive maintenance work that will not impact patient care and minimize financial expense to the unit.
• Ensures compliance of the Therapists with laws and reglations governing the use of ionizing radiation. Education/Experience Required: Associate of Science in Radiation Therapy or Radiation Therapy certificate
  
  

3 years experience in Radiation Therapy on a clinical level Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: Proficient in treatment delivery, knowledge of special treatment modalities such as brachytherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery preferred

Demonstrated leadership ability preferred ARRT Registered

IEMA License

BLS certified

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

Ability to cooperate and work well with others

Ability to make sound and timely decisions.

Resilient and flexible in a changing environment

Self-motivated.

Must be able to lift 20lbs. repeatedly.

Standard precautions for Radiation Safety as per IEMA

Standard precautions for dealing with body substances and hazardous materials.

Able to take call as assigned.

This position will need to recognize the needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups of patients treated, insurance needs and effective communication with our non-English speaking population, i.e., look for signs of normal aging; making sure all insurance has been verified and appropriate authorization/referrals have been obtained prior to start of treatment; utilizing interpreter resources/services when needed. If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 01/01/2016.

Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.