Lead Radiation Therapist

• Acts as a resource to employees and students, which includes training/orienting and providing day-to-day work direction. Assigns, monitors, and reviews progress and accuracy of work, monitors productivity, maintains appropriate staffing levels, directs efforts and provides guidance on more complex issues.
• Assists with human resource responsibilities, which may include interviewing and selection of new employees, staff development, resolution of employee concerns, and employee morale. Assists in interpreting department policies and procedures, and advises and updates staff on procedural changes.
• Delivers and records complex radiation therapy treatments under the direction of a Radiation Oncologist. Monitors targeted standards for special procedures, documenting variances and spearheading actions for interventions. Maintains a solid knowledge base on technological advancements and changes for special procedures and advance practices, as it relates to treatment delivery, set ups and treatment devices.
• Works closely with the medical team to review images and port films for patient set ups, selection of treatment devices and verification; monitors patient side effects related to treatment. Performs daily quality assurance (QA) on equipment prior to treatment. Recognizes equipment malfunctions, troubleshoots, initiates appropriate corrective measures, reports irregularities, and works with clinical engineering to resolve issues.
• Enters and maintains patient treatment parameters into electronic medical records. Ensures appropriate documentation for treatment delivery according to department policy and billing guidelines; ensures accurate charge capture at point of treatment and maintains patient appointment schedule.
• Performs conventional and computed tomography (CT) simulation in preparation for patient treatment; cuts blocks, makes custom immobilization, and completes monitor unit (MU) calculations in absence of Dosimetrist or Physicist.
• Rapidly adopts and champions implementation of new technology and techniques; serves as a technical resource, role model and/or preceptor for staff.
• Assists with accreditation process and departmental QA activities as assigned; leads the development of a new competency or assists in completion of competencies for other staff.
• Communicates with physics and administrative staff to coordinate planning images, treatment planning, and treatment delivery. Acts as a liaison between attending Surgeons and Radiation Oncologists.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department’s policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required, and
• Radiation Therapy (RT) registration issued by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Education Required:

• Advanced training beyond High School that includes the completion of an accredited or approved program in Radiation Therapy or related field.

Experience Required:

• Typically requires 5 years of experience in in a Radiation Therapist position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Advanced knowledge of treatment planning and treatment techniques.
• Advanced knowledge of record and verify system, radiation oncology equipment and electronic medical records systems.
• Advanced knowledge and ability to learn and apply complex radiation therapy principles and computer techniques for the treatment, image capture, display, and analysis of radiation therapy image data.
• Intermediate computer skills and knowledge of electronic health records.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with physicians, staff, patients and their families.
• Effective communication in implementing system changes and effectively initiated new techniques, policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision and demonstrate problem solving skills.
• Must be able to deal effectively with daily work pressures.
• Demonstrates a keen awareness of clinical situations and utilizes appropriate judgment.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to:
• Lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• Lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
• Carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• Push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• Perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Utilize proper body mechanics.
• Must stand/walk 95% of the time as well as lift, squat, bend, twist, and reach above shoulders.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical and radiation hazards.
• Must have clear speech, vision and hearing.

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.