Lead Radiation Therapist

About the role

The Lead Radiation Therapist will directly assist the Department Manager in planning and organizing the activities of the technical section of the Radiation Oncology Department to ensure provision of safe, cost effective, quality radiation therapy services.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and oversee the operations of the simulation and treatment units in cooperation with the Therapist Staff.
• Ensure proper standards are maintained related to the delivery of radiation treatments, patient wait times, and proper follow-up.
• Absorb and delegate the orientation/training of new radiation therapists in clinical responsibilities.
• Absorb and delegate the collection of stats/reports as needed.
• Absorb and delegate the charge code reconciliation when requested.
• Absorb and delegate the preparation for accreditations and/or inspections.
• Absorb and delegate the development and updating of policies and procedures.
• Absorb and delegate the input regarding performance evaluations and corrective action.
• Absorb and delegate the assistance with patient in all aspects related to simulation and treatment and is responsible for their safety.
• Observe at all times, rules and regulations relative to radiation safety for patients, staff, students and other personnel.
• Accurately set treatment doses and monitor the progress of treatment.
• Maintain adequate records/documentation as requested.
• Carry out regular quality assurance checks, as required daily, weekly and/or monthly.
• Absorb and delegate the assistance with the physician in any procedure related to simulation, planning or treatment as needed.
• Inspect or delegate inspection of ancillary equipment on a regular basis, reporting and removing any unsafe equipment from use.
• Rotate shift, On Call coverage or work assignments as requested by Department Manager.
• Follow guidelines set in AMC Human Resources Manual.
• Demonstrate clinical assessment, interpretive and treatment delivery skills.
• Show leadership by overseeing radiation therapists in the department and being responsible for ensuring competency of radiation therapy team through training.
• Facilitate essential communication to department manager or Chief Physicist, and Department Administrator or Chair when appropriate, regarding operational issues.
• Maintain and develop interests in the field of Radiation Oncology and sharing new concepts with staff.
• Maintain required Continuing Education credits in compliance with license registration requirements.
• Inform patient of simulation and treatment procedures and observe the patient’s condition throughout the course of treatment.
• Report any changes in condition to the physician and/or nursing staff.
• Participate in regular therapist and staff meetings.
• Act as mentor/provides clinical guidance to Radiation Therapy students in Radiation Oncology.
• Clearly document patient related information in electronic medical record.
• Accurately record/verify doses in electronic medical record.
• Administer the radiation treatment in a precise and accurate manner carefully reproducing the treatment daily, reporting any deviation from the planned care to the appropriate personnel.
• Carefully observe the machinery during treatment to check for faults in machinery and/or dosimetric consistency.
• Successfully complete Radiation Therapist competencies and demonstrate ongoing competency annually.

Qualifications

• Completion of a training program in a Radiation Therapy Technology program in an AMA approved school - required
• 5+ years experience - required
• Utilizes addition, subtraction, multiplication and division as necessary during Simulation or Daily QA operations.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient as well as their medical and psycho/social status.
• Demonstrates the ability to use good judgment and organize work to achieve quality, efficient care, both independently and when interacting with others.
• Must operate high voltage machinery safely and accurately and to communicate to pertinent personnel when malfunctions occur.
• Will concern themselves with the welfare of the patient at all times and will conduct themselves in a responsible and professional manner.
• ASRT - Radiation Therapist State of New York Department of Health Upon Hire - required
• ARRT - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Credentialing through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Upon Hire - required
• Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.