Chief Radiation Therapist

1. Title: Chief Radiation Therapist
2. Job Code: 5674
3. Job Stream Description: Management
4. Title: Chief Radiation Therapist
5. Job Code: 5674
6. Job Stream Description: Management

Job Summary:

The primary responsibility of the Chief Radiation Therapist is to coordinate day-to-day activities of the staff radiation therapists, perform administrative and supervisory duties in the Department of Radiation Oncology by enforcing established departmental / hospital policies, and enforcing and/or writing new departmental procedures to provide high-quality and efficient patient care within the scope of the radiation therapists.  The Chief Radiation Therapist reports directly to the Department Chair or their designee.     

The Chief Radiation Therapist is responsible for promoting a Credo Behavior culture, harmonious relations, and favorable attitudes among the health care team. This team is comprised of radiation therapists, faculty and staff medical physicists, medical dosimetrists, nurses, administrative personnel, ancillary staff, students and residents, faculty physician extenders, and the medical faculty. The Chief Radiation Therapist serves as a liaison between the radiation therapy staff and the patient, departmental faculty and staff, the general public, and referring medical community to coordinate efficient and high-quality patient care 

The Chief Radiation Therapist is required to perform independently within department policies and procedures, and refers complex problems to the designated supervisor where clarification of said policies and procedures may be required. The Chief Radiation Therapist must demonstrate leadership skills, the ability to make decisions, and solve problems as they arise.  This person is responsible for the implementation and continuous review of clinical practice standards as it relates to external beam treatment delivery and any other applicable modalities within the Department as it relates to radiation therapists. The Chief Radiation Therapist should be competent in all aspects of the radiation therapist's role, and be able to perform clinical radiation therapy duties and associated procedures periodically as staffing and workload dictates. Lastly, the Chief Radiation Therapist is expected to support the overall philosophy, goals and objectives of the organization and provide input to shape those facets of the department's mission statement.

Essential Duties:

1. Provides daily,direct supervision of the radiationtherapists' performance, and the treatment delivery process to ensure timely, safe, efficient and cost-effective patient care.

2. Plans, schedules, and organizes work for the therapists ensuring proper distribution and delegation of assignments and efficient utilization of personnel, space, and facilities.

3. Collaborates with physicians, medical physicists, medical dosimetrists, nursing and support staff to plan and implement corrective actionsto improve treatmentdelivery standards.

4. Assists faculty and staff in identifying and solving problems within the clinic.

5. Maintains interpersonal and professional relations withstaff.

6. Displays effective leadership and supervisory capabilities; metrics to be established by direct supervisor and from Chair approved decisions from the Clinical Ops Working Group recommendations.

7. Coordinates peer review chart rounds.

8. Monitors compliance with departmental leadership established policies and procedures.

9. Coordinates timelyrequisition, receipt, care and maintenance of equipment and supplies in accordance with organizational policies.

10. Participates in the hiring process, provides orientation, on-going training, and education.

11. Performs performance evaluations, implements disciplinary and corrective action plans, and associated activities.

12. Performs annual clinical competencies for all radiation therapists with appropriate feedback for competency completion.

13. Develops and/or periodically confirms the currency of simulation and treatment procedures ( i.e. , inventory of immobilization devices, setup techniques, etc.) and updates procedure protocols for radiation therapists in accordance with The Joint Commission standards on an annual basis.

14. Serves as the patient advocate ensuring optimal patient care and patient satisfaction.

15. Serves as the staff advocate by actively supporting and encouraging open, honest staff participation in the decision-making processes and during conflict resolution.

16. Performs audits to ensure accuracy in charting, coding and billing practices.

17. Ensures accurate and timely reporting of equipment malfunctions, treatment errors, equipment damage, and radiation safety violations to the Director of Clinical Medical Physics or Vice Chair and Director of Medical Physics.

18. Maintains education in current trends, new techniques/procedures, and evolving technology by attending staff meetings, in-services, and continuing education to maintain registry credentials.

19. Partners with the Director of Clinical Medical Physics in co-chairing the monthly Physics-Therapy Meeting to discuss inter-group issues and resolutions to improve clinical workflow efficiency.

20. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by direct supervisor.

Education                      

• Graduate of an approved discipline specific program (or equivalent experience) (Required) Preferably in Radiation Therapy or Radiologic Science 
• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent experience) (Required)

Experience:

Experience - A minimum of five years' clinical experience (or equivalent) as a registered radiation therapist highly preferred. Prefer, experience in a high volume, complex academic practice site, with a minimum three years of documented progressively more responsible supervisory and management experience (or equivalent).

Licensure/Certification

• Registered by American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) in RadiationTherapy
• BLS Certification
• State of TN licensed, if applicable

Skills 

• CQI experience, conflict resolution skills,ability to work with patients with acute, chronic, and complex disease processes in the neonate, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric populations.
• Possesses a strong knowledge of immobilization, simulation, and all aspects of treatment delivery.  Coding experience preferred.
• Possesses high levels of motivation and work ethic; team oriented, organized and detail oriented, exhibits good follow-through on tasks.