General Summary

Under general supervision, manage Radiation Therapists and assist in the daily operation of the department. Supervise and perform a variety of technical procedures applying prescribed ionizing radiation therapy techniques in patient treatment.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Supervises and directs the work of Radiation Therapists and support staff working in collaboration with the Radiation Therapy Chief and Senior Therapists for the efficient and effective operation of the department in accordance with UMMS and Radiation Oncology policies and procedures.
   1. Participates in decisions regarding the daily functioning of the department; participates in long range decisions for the department.
   2. Orients and trains new Radiation Therapy staff. Trains staff Radiation Therapy Therapists in new and/or difficult procedures. Encourages and pursues continuing education for staff Radiation Therapy Technologists.
   3. Assures timely and accurate completion of work by monitoring daily work activities.
   4. Performs employee evaluations in conjunction with the Radiation Therapy Chief. Investigates patient complaints against employees. Initiates disciplinary action, in collaboration with the Radiation Therapy Chief, as necessary. Reports all patient incidents to the Radiation Therapy Chief for review, investigation and resolution. Participates in employee counseling, as necessary.
   5. Plans daily work schedule for Radiation Therapists and support staff, where appropriate. Assigns Radiation Therapists to specific work areas based on need. Maintains adequate level of staffing. Approves/disapproves requests for leave time and overtime.
2. Assists in supervising the performance of radiation therapy procedures utilizing routine nursing procedures, sterile technique and radiographic technique for therapeutic intervention, as directed by the responsible Radiation Oncologist, in accordance with department protocols. Applies technical expertise in directing the flow of radiation therapy procedures/patients within the department, as follows:
   1. Performs quality assurance testing/monitoring and assists in ensuring that quality assurance requirements are met. Assures the technical image quality of radiographs by reviewing films prior to dictation, soliciting feedback from Radiation Oncologist and critiquing films with responsible Radiation Therapist.
   2. Maintains high standards of moral and ethical codes of professionalism. Applies relevant state regulations as well as TJC standards, and ensures compliance by staff.
   3. Checks the accuracy of patient billing information for radiation therapy services, and submits all appropriate data to Patient Billing for processing.
3. Assists the Radiation Therapy Chief in the development of new procedures or technical factors. Recommends department policy/procedure revisions to rectify problems. Communicates and enforces UMMS and Radiation Oncology policies.
4. Maintains inventory levels and reports deficiencies to Radiation Therapy Chief regularly, in accordance with departmental standards. Coordinates such with the Radiation Therapy Technologist Chief and the central Purchasing department.
5. Assists the Radiation Therapy Chief in preparing monthly statistical reports on department performance. Maintains records and statistical data on volume (number of procedures performed and number of patients seen) and completes monthly reports upon request.
6. Communicates regularly with various Radiation Oncologists and other medical, nursing and allied health staff to provide quality, efficient and effective patient care.
   1. Works cooperatively with other departments to assure the efficiency and effectiveness of patient flow.
   2. Assists in resolving interdepartmental communication conflicts as they arise.
7. Attends various relevant UMMS committee and management meetings, as required.
8. Attends and participates in in-service, managerial and other relevant training courses for professional development.
9. Performs responsibilities of Radiation Therapists. Assists Radiation Therapists in the performance of tasks that are particularly difficult.
   1. Checks prescription, diagnosis, chart, patient identification and other relevant information. Schedules patients and explains procedure, including pre- and post-treatment. Answers questions and reassures patient prior to procedure.
   2. Interfaces with physicist, planning and mold technicians at initiation of treatment. Works in consultation with supportive care physicians, nurses and social workers in implementing therapy plan.
10. Performs responsibilities of Radiation Therapy Chief during periods of absence.