Job Description:
JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Radiation Therapy Manager, the Chief Radiation Therapist supervises the technical operation of the Radiation Oncology Department, including external beam treatment, and brachytherapy. Major responsibilities include: supervise all radiation therapists; supervise patient scheduling and problem resolution; oversee treatment machine staffing and operations; and supervise the performance of a wide variety of technical therapeutic procedures involving the application of ionizing radiation according to MD's prescription. The person also is responsible for administrative duties related to continuous quality improvement; billing; and obtaining and maintaining ACR accreditation and regulatory compliance.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES/CRITICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Directly responsible for the efficient operation of the all Brachytherapy and external Beam care delivery
systems.
2. Ensures the proper level of staffing is provided within all treatment areas and provides coverage as needed.
3. Reviews Schedules to monitor patient volumes between treatment units.
4. Collaborates with Therapists in developing new techniques, resolving clinical issues, and standardization of clinical practices.
5. Assists in Managing the triage of emergent cases, coordinates all on-call staff scheduling, and negotiates scheduling of patients with other care team members.
6. Responsible for the safe and accurate utilization of all aspects of the electronic medical record (EMR) and Record
• Demonstrates the ability to teach and assist others in the proper use of all systems including ARIA, synapse, Meditech, OSMS, 4D, motional management, etc.
7. Possesses an advanced knowledge base and ability to accurately perform and teach all new start QA measures, weekly chart checks, scheduling, treatment, image review, and billing procedures involving the EMR system.
8. Manages team during equipment failures and notifies patients as well as all functional areas of the department.
B. Administrative Responsibilities
1. Keeps abreast of Stamford institutional initiatives that may need to dovetail with program implementations.
2. Responsible for maintaining and ordering radiation treatment supplies and immobilization devices. May be required to work with vendors to organize training sessions for staff.
3. Collaborates with others to develop, revise, implement and maintain policies and procedures pertinent to external beam treatments, brachytherapy, new programs, and personnel.
4. Ensures radiation therapist competence and compliance with mandatory annual competencies, including, but not limited to: Specific machine techniques and procedures, department policies and procedures, and other activities and techniques that arise as practices change.
5. Participates in the departmental Quality Improvement (QI) committee.
• Assist with developing, collecting data and presenting QI initiatives pertinent to the departmental treatment and simulation activities.
6. Performs annual merit reviews for radiation therapists.
7. Maintain a comprehensive orientation plan for new therapy staff of designated work areas.
b. Recruit / hire highly skilled Radiation Therapist staff
c. Coordinates and adapts to contingency plans, which are in response to variables in patient volume
d. Works with Manager and Director to assess financial resources, operational budget and capital expenditures, related to therapist staffing
e. Hold regularly scheduled therapist meetings.
8. Responsible for maintaining compliance and participating in all readiness related to:
o ACR accreditation
o CT DPH
o Joint Commission
C. General
1. Maintains and demonstrates cooperation and responsiveness to all staff members.
• Models appropriate professional behavior, such as, but not limited to: courtesy, respect, constructive assertiveness, effective listening.
• Utilizes professional problem solving and negotiation skills to manage conflict.
• Proven leadership skills and the ability to motivate in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and build consensus with cross functional teams including staff at all levels of the organization, including both technical and non-technical personnel.
• Ability to foster the integration of cross-functional teams to achieve business goals, leading by inclusive management style, open communications, diplomacy, and solution-based problem solving.
• Attends regularly scheduled Management/Leadership meetings.
2. Demonstrates ability to lead meetings, when requested, and support various departmental meetings.
3. Attends regularly scheduled continuing educational activities.
• Actively seeks management focused and career growth educational opportunities.
4. Maintains active membership in professional organizations.
• Participates in professional activates by attending meetings, serving on committees or task forces, writing and/or presenting scientific papers.
5. Must have good organizational skills.
6. Assist in the recruitment, evaluation, and development of existing staff.
7. Ability to manage multiple assigned areas and various projects if asked.
8. Must be innovative and react quickly to new opportunities for improvements.
9. Demonstrate strong customer service skills, including the ability to use appropriate judgment, independent thinking and creativity when resolving issues and conflict.
10. Demonstrate initiative and the ability to work independently.
11. Demonstrate the ability and flexibility to effectively handle challenging and stressful situations and to balance and shift multiple priorities.
12. Must have the ability to adapt to frequent interruptions and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
13. Must demonstrate the ability to effectively interact with patients who may be under physical and/or emotional stress.
14. Must have the ability to handle sensitive and confidential patient information.
15. Must be proficient in the use of the Radiation Oncology Information Systems and software and Hospital Information Systems that integrate with the Department of Radiation Oncology, including, but not limited to: ARIA, Meditech Oncology
16. Other duties as assigned
D. Radiation Therapist Responsibilities:
• Fulfills all the responsibilities of a Radiation Therapist varies but is typically up to 70% of the time, see Job Description for Radiation Therapist.
Supervisory Responsibility:
Responsible for the direct supervision of Staff, Radiation Therapists
• The Chief Radiation Therapist may have the authority to discipline staff as needed.
Fiscal Responsibility:
Assists the Manager and Director of Radiation Therapy Services in assessing, ordering and evaluating equipment and supplies for the assigned clinical area.
Required Skills
Required Skills:
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
Required
• Valid CT State License in Radiation Therapy
• Valid ARRT certification in Radiation Therapy
• Valid BLS certification
Competencies and Work Experience:
Preferred: BS in Radiation Therapy
• Graduate of accredited Radiation Therapy training program,
Required: Minimum of five (5) years of continuous clinical experiences in Radiation Therapy.
Preferred: 7+ years of continuous clinical experience.
Graduate of AMA approved school of Radiation Therapy school.
Minimum 5-10 years experience as a Radiation Therapist required.
Radiation Therapy billing experience preferred.
Knowledge of Word, Excel and Power Point required.
Required Experience
Required Skills:
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
Required
• Valid CT State License in Radiation Therapy
• Valid ARRT certification in Radiation Therapy
• Valid BLS certification
Competencies and Work Experience:
Preferred: BS in Radiation Therapy
• Graduate of accredited Radiation Therapy training program,
Required: Minimum of five (5) years of continuous clinical experiences in Radiation Therapy.
Preferred: 7+ years of continuous clinical experience.
Graduate of AMA approved school of Radiation Therapy school.
Minimum 5-10 years experience as a Radiation Therapist required.
Radiation Therapy billing experience preferred.
Knowledge of Word, Excel and Power Point required.