Radiation Therapist Lead

Location: Chicago, ILHospital: RUSH University Medical CenterDepartment: Radiology TheraputicWork Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)Shift: Shift 1 Work Schedule: 10 Hr (6:30:00 AM - 5:00:00 PM)Summary:The Lead Radiation Therapist provides leadership, training and guidance to lower-level staff, supports the Manager and performs complex and specialized radiation oncology work. Under the direction of the Manager, the Radiation Therapist Lead may develop training and provide orientation for new therapists and/or students, review and propose updates to procedure manuals and protocols, integrate new technical procedures and coordinate group projects. The incumbent also assists the Manager in identifying problems, recommending solutions and assisting in the improvement of technical and patient service programs. Therapists at this level are expected to have a thorough understanding and proficiency in the procedures performed in the Radiation Oncology Department. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.Other information:Required Job Qualifications:1. Required: Minimum of five (5) years of continuous clinical experience, two (2) years in a supervisory or senior level position preferred.2. Required:a. Valid Illinois State License in Radiation Therapyb. Valid ARRT certification in Radiation Therapyc. Valid BLS certification3. Bachelor's degree or Graduate degree is highly desired.4. Experience training other staff members5. Experience in a specialty required6. Must have proficient technical knowledge and skill set. This includes but is not limited to demonstrating efficient knowledge of all equipment operation, tools and procedures specific to assigned area. This also includes demonstrating the ability to effectively troubleshoot issues as they arise.7. Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal professional relationships with physicians, management, peers, patients, and their families.8. Must convey a positive attitude and present a professional appearance.9. Effective communication (both oral and written) skills sufficient to resolve conflicts, and relay information concisely to staff, patients, and other hospital personnel.10. Must have sufficient organizational skills.11. Proven customer service skills, including the ability to use appropriate judgment, independent thinking and creativity when resolving issues and conflict.12. Strong initiative and the ability to work independently.13. Demonstrates the ability and flexibility to effectively handle challenging and stressful situations and to balance and shift multiple priorities.14. Must have the ability to adapt to frequent interruptions and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.15. Excellent interpersonal skills sufficient to interact effectively with patients who may be under physical and/or emotional stress.16. Must have to ability to handle sensitive and confidential patient information.17. 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, EPIC, ExacTrac.Working Conditions:1. Must be prepared to work overtime, holidays and weekends, as needed.2. Must be prepared to work and excel in a stressful, complex, and demanding team environment with varying workload, necessitating varying working hours.3. Works with ionizing radiation, radioactive isotopes, computers, cancer patients, both adults and children, and their families.4. Exposure to human waste and disease.5. Physical demands include but not limited to:a. Lifting and repositioning patients, using mechanical assistive devices.b. Lifting and positioning immobilization devices and beam modifying devices.c. Continuous standing.6. Subject to frequent stressful situations.Competencies: 1. Initial and Annual Competencies as required.Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.Responsibilities:Job Responsibilities:1. Responsible for daily patient care and education.a. Appropriately involves the patient and their family in care and care decisions.b. Maintains and demonstrates respect for patient confidentiality and modesty.c. Explains all treatment and imaging procedures.d. Reviews schedule to confirm: number of patients, imaging, and new patient starts.e. Attentive to patient needs and concerns by continuous monitoring of the patient's physical and physiological response and reactions to treatment and refer patient for appropriate management as needed.f. Uses judgment in handling of questions and telephone calls from patients and others, resolving them personally or triaging to the appropriate person for follow-up and resolution. 2. Assists the Manager in the efficient operation of the assigned clinical area.a. Assists in developing and distributing the daily work assignments to all Radiation Therapist staff. b. Assesses treatment rooms to assure all equipment is operational and quality checks have been performed.c. Provides floor supervision, monitoring treatment units and CT for adequate staffing and ensuring that therapists receive appropriate breaks and lunch periods.d. Assists in OT Scheduling, Weekend Scheduling, and On-call Scheduling when required by Manager.e. Performs quality assurance procedures and reports any deficiencies to the Manager and/or physicist.f. Troubleshoots and corrects minor machine faults and/or notifies service providers and managers to initiate corrective action as guided by established protocols.g. Orders inventory and supplies as needed.h. Organizes team during equipment failures and notifies patients as well as all functional areas of the department.3. Works with the Manager to develop new techniques or resolve clinical problems.a. Identifies issues related to radiation treatment delivery in which improvement is needed. Gathers information and data and makes recommendations for improvement to the Supervisor.b. Provides input to Manager for improved technical practices, procedures or programs.c. Provides ongoing instruction to staff therapists regarding changes in practice or new methods of treatment.4. Demonstrates knowledge and leads to instruct and perform all aspects of treatment.a. Assist in completion of annual competencies of radiation therapy staff.5. Possesses in-depth knowledge and demonstrates ability to accurately perform all new start QA measures, weekly chart checks, scheduling, treatment delivery, image review, and billing procedures involving the electronic medical record (EMR) system.6. Oversees triage of emergent cases, negotiates scheduling of patients with other care team members.7. Responsible for the safe and accurate utilization of all aspects of the EMR and record and verify system.a. Must have the ability to instruct and assist others in the proper use of the system.8. Utilizes the Quality Assurance (QA) program to encompass all aspects of treatment, treatment delivery and quality patient care.a. Accurately documents treatment variances and inconsistencies using the appropriate tools.b. Practices the QA program of each treatment unit and assists with the instruction of new staff members and students as part of orientation.c. Utilizes correct procedure checklist as necessary for each procedure.d. Accurately documents all treatment delivery information in the EMR.e. Participates in and appropriately documents the Time Out procedure for every treatment.9. Orients new radiation therapists and radiation therapy students to radiation oncology work sites ensuring all safety measures are observed.a. Assists with human resource responsibilities to include interviewing and training of employees. Assists the Manager in resolution of employee issues as needed.10. Maintains and demonstrates cooperation and responsiveness to all departmental staff members.a. Models appropriate professional behavior, such as, but not limited to: courtesy, respect, constructive assertiveness, effective listening.b. Effectively utilizes professional problem solving and negotiation skills to manage conflict.11. Assumes supervisory role when Manager is absent and directs necessary matters to the Radiation Oncology Chairperson when needed. 12. Assists in leading regularly scheduled Therapist staff meetings.13. Attends regularly scheduled continuing educational activities.a. Actively seeks management focused and career growth educational opportunities.14. Maintains active membership in professional organizations.a. Participates in professional activates by attending meetings, serving on committees or task forces, writing and/or presenting scientific papers.15. Participates in the clinical instruction and evaluation of the Radiation Therapy students assigned to the area.16. May be required to participate on the on-call team.17. Works flexible shifts as directed by the Manager, depending on patient volume and departmental needs.a. Coverage may be necessary on weekends and holidays in certain circumstances.b. Adapts to contingency plans, which are in response to variables which influence workload and/or schedule.18. Rotates to other treatment areas as directed by the Manager.19. May be required to travel to network satellite clinics as directed by the Manager.20. Other duties as assigned.Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.