Lead Radiation Therapist

Advocate Health

13d•$44 - $66•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Radiation Therapist administers radiation therapy treatments in accordance with physician prescriptions and treatment plans while performing the clinical work of a Radiation Therapist as needed. The position provides direction, evaluation, orientation, and supervision to radiation therapy staff, including preparing work schedules and machine coverage rotations, developing new-associate orientation, and assessing competency for independent work. The Lead Therapist may supervise therapy staff in the department leader’s absence and serves as an initial contact for physicians and other clinicians regarding technical issues. The role supports safe, effective department operations by maintaining accurate treatment and billing records, monitoring treatment documentation and charges, ensuring chart completeness, and coordinating patient schedules. It assists physicians with tumor localization, performs and records daily and weekly machine quality-assurance checks, maintains a safe and sanitary environment, and responds to patient and physician complaints. The Lead Therapist reviews and updates policies and procedures, supports staff education and continued growth, and collaborates with department leadership on clinical advancements and short- and long-range plans. The position works with Medical Physics staff on an ongoing Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement plan, maintains related records and statistics, and shares results with the Coordinator. It initiates supply and equipment purchase requests, maintains inventory levels, coordinates contracted service personnel, and schedules preventive maintenance to minimize impact on patient care and department expense. It also ensures therapists comply with laws and regulations governing ionizing radiation and is expected to take call as assigned.

Requirements

Associate of Science in Radiation Therapy or a Radiation Therapy certificate.
Three years of clinical experience in Radiation Therapy.
ARRT registration.
IEMA license.
BLS certification.
Ability to cooperate and work well with others.
Ability to make sound and timely decisions; resilience and flexibility in a changing environment; self-motivation.
Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance; patient-handling equipment and assistance are expected for patient lifts over 35 pounds or when the patient cannot assist.
Ability to take call as assigned.
Follow standard precautions for radiation safety and for handling body substances and hazardous materials.
Ability to address the needs and behaviors of patients across age groups, verify insurance and authorization/referrals, and use interpreter resources when needed.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in treatment delivery.
Knowledge of special treatment modalities such as brachytherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery.
Demonstrated leadership ability.

Responsibilities

Administer radiation therapy treatments according to physician prescriptions and treatment plans, and perform Radiation Therapist duties as needed.
Maintain accurate treatment and billing records; monitor treatment documentation, portal-film completion and verification, charges, and chart completeness.
Assist physicians in localizing tumor volumes using radiographic techniques.
Perform and record daily and weekly machine quality-assurance checks.
Maintain a safe, clean, and sanitary environment and promote patient safety through reporting and participation in safety initiatives.
Provide direction, evaluation, orientation, and supervision to staff Radiation Therapists.
Prepare staff work schedules and therapist coverage rotations for treatment machines and the CT simulator.
Develop orientation for new associates and determine their competency to work independently after orientation.
Monitor patient treatment and procedure schedules, reviewing and adjusting them to support patient satisfaction and department needs.
Serve as the initial technical contact for physicians and other clinicians in the department.
Respond to patient and physician complaints and work to resolve them, referring issues to the Coordinator as needed.
Review and update policies and procedures as needed and at least annually, and recommend changes to department leadership.
Support staff and personal professional growth through meetings, educational opportunities, and in-service programs.
Collaborate with department leadership and team members to develop clinical advancements and short- and long-range plans for department needs.
Request supplies and equipment and maintain inventory supply levels.
Work with Medical Physics staff to develop, implement, and monitor the department’s Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement plan; maintain records and share results with the Coordinator.
Coordinate contracted service personnel and maintain preventive-maintenance schedules with vendors to minimize disruption to patient care and expense.
Ensure therapists comply with laws and regulations governing the use of ionizing radiation.
Take call as assigned.
Recognize the needs and behaviors of patients across age groups, verify insurance authorization and referrals before treatment, and use interpreter resources when needed.

Benefits

Paid Time Off programs.
Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits.
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
Adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
Educational Assistance Program.
Premium pay such as shift and on-call pay, where applicable.
Incentive pay for select positions.
Opportunity for annual increases based on performance.
Career development and well-being programs.