Chief Radiation Therapist - ONC (Radiation Oncology)

Job Description

Purpose :

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is internationally recognized for its leadership in the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer and is the region's only comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute.  As the preeminent institution in western Pennsylvania for the delivery of cancer care, the performance of basic, translational, and clinical research, and the education of the next generation of cancer researchers and physicians, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is exceptionally well-positioned to contribute to the global effort to reduce the burden of cancer.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center’s Department of Radiation Oncology provides comprehensive, individualized care to patients with all types of cancer using state-of-the-art imaging technology and radiation delivery systems. Our board-certified radiation oncologists and medical physicists work in collaboration with referring physicians and multidisciplinary specialists across the entire spectrum of health care to provide safe, effective radiation therapies based on the latest medical evidence.  The American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) accredits our radiation oncology program, recognizing our compliance with strict, national standards for cancer patient safety and radiation oncology practices. Hillman is the largest ACRO-accredited system in the nation.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is currently hiring for a Regular Full Time  Chief Radiation Therapist  to support the Butler Radiation Oncology Network office located in Butler, PA.  This position offers a $15,000 sign-on bonus and will work a Regular Full Time daylight schedule Monday through Friday.

The incumbent will direct the daily operations of the department and to fill in as needed clinically to simulate and treat patients. The Chief Radiation Therapist reports directly to the manager concerning any departmental issues including, but not limited to, patients, staff, budgetary items, and operations.

Looking to learn more about Radiation Therapy and join a renowned team at the Hillman Cancer Center? Discover insights and opportunities in our career blog,  The Lasting Impact of Radiation Therapy .

Responsibilities :

Regulatory Affairs Management : Champions and participates in regulatory compliance activities and maintains continuous departmental readiness for inspections and surveys. Works in conjunction with the site safety coordinator to ensure regulatory readiness. Regularly attends all monthly department meetings and provides meaningful insight and feedback to ensure compliance with all regulatory groups. Facilitate CPR recertification for staff. Risk Master reporting as per department procedure / flow chart. Ensures compliance to all regulatory and safety standards (departmental, institutional, NRC, DEP & OSHA).Works in conjunction with site manager to ensure current staff licensure.

Quality Assurance / CQI Program Management : Evaluates the technical performance of the Radiation Therapists. Works in conjunction with the Manager to conduct annual reviews. Engages in the establishment of CQI projects and participates as an active member of CQI Team. Works collaboratively with the manager to develop flowcharts and utilize established flowcharts to ensure standardization of care. Works in conjunction with the manager / administration to help develop measurable competencies and ensures that these competencies are completed by established deadlines. Helps maintain SharePoint information and uploads information as needed. Assists manager in training employees in SharePoint as needed. Collaborates with the Physicist and other technical team members regarding the performance and potential problems concerning equipment. Responsible for scheduling the evaluation, maintenance, and repair for all assigned equipment. Responsible for equipment quality assurance, downtime, and equipment report logs. Maintains treatment, fabrication, and tumor localization activities at an established efficient level. Maintains a systematic QA program for all radiation therapy delivery processes.

Fiscal Responsibilities : Ensures charge captivity activities are accurate prior to completion of patient's chart. Performs Kronos approvals and final sign off in the manager's absence. Manages the approval of supply orders via ePro if delegated to by the manager and approves orders in a timely fashion. Ensures that ePro orders are coded to the correct business unit, cost center and expense code. Responsible for daily reconciliation of all charges and ensures billing is complete and accurate prior to submission.

Continuing Education : Participates in training programs required to maintain ARRT certification. Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies / behaviors. Attend all required developmental courses as directed by site manager.

Clinical Operations : Serves as a role model of excellent customer service by responding constructively (i.e. : with courtesy, respect and a positive approach that reflects the goals of the organization) to the needs of all those that they interact with on a daily basis (patients / families, medical staff, co-workers, and supervisors). Works together with Manager to establish / accomplish goals within the Cancer Center and assumes Manager's responsibilities whenever they are absent. Works in conjunction with joint venture partners and associated administrators when applicable. Completes clinical competencies annually as required. Remains HIPAA compliant always. Has a good understanding of information systems and is fluent in all computer applications necessary to perform their job. Maintains professional report with technologists, nurses, and all other personnel assigned to the department.

Clinical Operations : Provides direct supervision of the Radiation Therapists and associated Clinical Staff. Ensures technical performance is accurate and in accordance to the written prescription and treatment plan. Validates the quality of radiation treatment delivery through a systematic program of process measurement. Investigates and reports non-conformance of establish treatment standards to appropriate departmental personnel. Collaborates with the physician and other departmental personnel to plan and implement quality initiatives in order to improve treatment delivery standards. Assists in the development and implementation of new programs / services and monitors the efficacy of these implementations. Coordinates IP and OP scheduling for treatment planning and daily treatment visits. Establishes work schedules and assignments for the technical staff. Supervises students during clinical rotations and functions as the Clinical Coordinator for affiliated schools. Evaluates student's performance as required. Under the direction of the Radiation Oncology Manager provides on-call coverage as needed.

• Completion of an accredited radiation therapy technology program required.
• Five (5) years' experience in Radiation Therapy.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills necessary.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances :

ARRT Registration in good standing or Board Eligibility within six months of hire. Must maintain 24 CEU's per Biennium as required for ARRT Certification and Licensure. CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran