Lead Radiation Therapist

Overview

At Houston Methodist, the Lead Radiation Therapist position is responsible for oversight of all technical aspects of treatment delivery and adherence to professional competency requirements within the Department. In addition to performing as a Radiation Therapist, this position may provide the first level of leadership support to team members. The Lead Radiation Therapist position provides guidance and support with equipment or services routinely performed by the department where time and critical needs are required to meet clinical needs. Duties for this position are varied and may include many of the following: organize work review time cards for accuracy, conduct quality assurance audits, develop and implement quality improvement activities, train and mentor staff, provide input on staff performance and development needs, lead and regularly perform special projects, collect/analyze/report on data, prepare reports on performance and metrics, and other responsibilities of a similar nature and level.

Houston Methodist Standard

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVEDRefer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

Responsibilities

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Independently and expertly serves as the department primary resource for staff ensuring optimal department services and outcomes. Collaborates with management by actively communicating and reporting pertinent information and data in a comprehensive manner

• Participates in the selection, training, education, development and evaluation of the Radiation Therapist. Interfaces with department staff to provide feedback to management on team member's performance

• Fosters a positive and constructive teaching environment by engaging coworkers with learning opportunities that are valuable and in alignment with business objectives. Provides basic direction and consultation to lower level therapists and students in regard to correct practices and procedures in Radiation Oncology

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Organizes the work flow, pro-actively problem-solves, anticipates needs, manages multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision

• Serves as liaison between team members, management and physicians, resolving routine matters for the shift and modality. Assists physicians during procedures.

• Proactively assesses, identifies and responds to the needs of the patient for adjustment or intervention to optimize patient care, image quality and patient experience. Provides accurate explanations and instructions to patients and family members at an appropriate level utilizing verbal and non-verbal skills, terminology and language

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists with implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives, standards of practice and protocols. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes.

• Follows safety standards and conducts all imaging procedures accordingly. Maintains proper sterile techniques for procedures, regularly practices aseptic techniques, and ensures compliance with radiation safety and infection control procedures. Complies with job role, department and hospital safety standards, practices and polic