Chief Radiation Therapist

JOB SUMMARY

Performs job functions of a radiation therapist as well as administrative duties as assigned by department director. Reviews, writes, and updates radiation policy and procedures; educates staff on policy and procedures and ODH requirements; reviews Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Administrative Code requirements and assists department director with meeting those requirements; monitors and assures all equipment quality checks are completed and logged and that all equipment is in safe and satisfactory working condition; monitors and assures preventative maintenance and repair(s) are completed; chairs and documents radiation therapy Quality Assurance and Improvement meetings; assists with developing QA/QI plans; acts as a resource for staff; assists director with meeting Commission on Cancer (CoC) standards; assists with coordinating patient care based on patient needs; assists in the selection, training, and orientation of radiation therapy personnel; assists director with staff competencies and evaluations; understands and is up-to-date on radiation oncology billing procedures and assists director with edits/audits; assists physicist with quality and safety requirements; assists with implementation and continuous use of electronic medical record.  

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

•          Graduate of an approved Radiation Therapy Training Program

•          Individual must possess and maintain current license from the ARRT specific to

           Radiation Therapy - ARRT (T)

•          Individual must possess and maintain a valid Radiation Therapist license from the Ohio

           Department of Health.

•          3-5 years of radiation therapy experience is required with specific training in

           simulation and planning; Bachelors degree in related field preferred. 

•          Current American Heart Association Heathcare Provider (BLS) certification required.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Able to perform treatments as directed by a radiation oncologist and therefore must have a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology and current radiation therapy practices. A therapist must be able to effectively demonstrate problem solving skills, decision making, and effective verbal and written communication skills to facilitate the best patient outcomes possible. All tasks are to be completed with a positive customer oriented approach. Working knowledge and understanding of ODH requirements.

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/SOFTWARE

Individual should have a basic understanding of computer operations and be familiar

with all aspects of Radiation Oncology.

Complete understanding of the therapy equipment which includes but is not limited to:

•          The VARIAN linear accelerator and patient protection devices

•          Hardware and software for all patient information systems (HIS, PACS, RIS, IMPAC, etc)

•          CT Simulation Unit

•          Portal Vision

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

•          Reviews, writes, and updates radiation policy and procedures; educates staff on policy

           and procedures and ODH requirements;       

•          Reviews Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Administrative Code requirements and

           assists department director with meeting those requirements;

•          Monitors and assures all equipment quality checks are completed and logged and that

           all equipment is in safe and satisfactory working condition; monitors and assures

           preventative maintenance and repair(s) are completed;

•          Chairs and documents radiation therapy Quality Assurance and Improvement meetings;

           assists with developing QA/QI plans;

•          Assists director with meeting Commission on Cancer (CoC) standards;

•          Assists in the selection, training, and orientation of radiation therapy personnel; assists

           director with staff competencies and evaluations;

•          Assisting the Certified Radiation Expert (Physicist) for Radiation Oncology with

           maintaining appropriate equipment documentation and department policy to ensure

           compliance with all ODH requirements.

•          Communicates appropriately with director, unit coordinator, Center for Cancer Care staff,

           and all other staff and patients;

•          understands and is up-to-date on radiation oncology billing procedures and assists

           director with edits/audits;

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

•          Administering the prescribed radiation therapy sessions on a daily basis

•          Maintaining daily records of treatment, inclusive of daily dosages and calculations and        

           other necessary treatment records

•          Performing simulations, acquiring treatment parameters, patient contours, dose

           calculations and cerrobend block fabrication

•          Maintaining patient schedules for in-patients and out-patients by communicating

           frequently with families and hospital personnel to maintain schedule coordination and

           accommodate patients as best as possible

•          Monitoring patient condition and progress on a daily basis for conditions/changes that

           should be reported to the oncologist (i.e. patient weight, skin condition, reactions of any

           sort, etc.).

•          Assisting the radiation oncologist in performance of any duties deemed appropriate

•          Assisting the Certified Radiation Expert (Physicist) for Radiation Oncology with

           maintaining appropriate equipment documentation and department policy to ensure

           compliance with all ODH requirements.

•          Communicates appropriately with Radiation Oncology Nurse and Medical

           Oncology/Radiation Oncology Physician and staff.