POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION TITLE REPORTS TO AWARD/AGREEMENT/CONTRACT POSITION TYPE e.g. Registered Nurse Div 1, Occupational Therapist Gr1, etc. HOURS PER WEEK Clinical Tutor/QA Co-ordinator Radiation Therapist Manager, Radiation Oncology (Chief Radiation Therapist) Deputy Chief Radiation Therapist/Head Therapist (BAROC) Section Head Radiation Therapists Health Professional Services Award Classification: Radiation Therapy Technologist Radiation Therapist Grade 3 38 Hours 1. ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT Austin Health is one of Victoria s largest health care providers. Comprised of Austin Hospital, Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital and Royal Talbot Rehabilitation Centre, Austin Health is a major teaching and research centre with numerous university and research institute affiliations. Catering to diverse multicultural and veteran communities, Austin Health delivers vital statewide services to Victorians and a vast array of specialty services to the people of Melbourne s north-eastern corridor in a safety-focussed, team-orientated and stimulating work environment. The new 400 bed Austin Hospital Tower opened mid 2005 and further redevelopment is underway. Austin Health Values The Austin Health values play a critical role in shaping how we operate as an organisation. They influence our performance planning, recruitment, training and development, and relationships with colleagues, work mates, our patients and their relatives and friends. The Austin Health values set standard that we expect all staff to live up to in the way they undertake their duties and responsibilities across the Hospital. Our Values: Integrity We work in the spirit of collaboration and honesty to build effective working relationships across the whole organisation. Accountability We are transparent, responsible and build trust by fulfilling promises and communicating effectively. Respect We care about others and treat each other with consideration, equality and fairness.
Excellence We continually strive to advance patient focused care through innovation, research and effective stakeholder management. 2. LOCAL WORK ENVIRONMENT (Role of the department including any special features of the workplace and relationships) The role of the Radiation Oncology Centre is to provide radiation oncology treatment services to patients with cancer. Established in 1992, the Radiation Oncology Centre provides a full range of radiation oncology services to meet the diverse needs of the cancer patients. It is an innovative and progressive Radiation Oncology Centre located on the Repat Campus. The Centre provides a true multi-disciplinary service as part of the Austin-Repat Cancer Centre (ARCC) and directly provides a variety of nursing and allied health services to all patients in their care. The Austin is the Hub site for the Ballarat service (Ballarat-Austin Radiation Oncology Centre - BAROC). This service will provide local access to radiotherapy treatment for country patients. The Centre aims to offer comprehensive services to approximately 400-500 patients per year from the north and north-west region of Victoria. As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, the Education Charge (Grade 3) Radiation Therapist works under the direction of the Chief/Deputy Chief RT and is responsible for the coordination of all education programs for qualified, intern and student radiation therapists. 3. POSITION OBJECTIVE (Primary purpose and key performance objective) The major objective is to co-ordinate, develop and oversee education programs for all staff employed at the Radiation Oncology Centre and Ballarat/Austin Radiation Oncology Centre. This includes student, intern and staff radiation therapists as well as other professionals employed in the service. The position also involves supporting and promoting research activities and has a major input into quality activities undertaken by the department (ROC & BAROC). To support research, development and resultant education/training of radiation therapists, the incumbent will take a supporting role at the administrative level, in-line with the department s research philosophy and associated policies. The position requires the incumbent to maintain technical expertise through currency in clinical activities and participating in the development of projects for service improvement. This will be facilitated by inclusion in the departmental roster, where at least 20% (0.2EFT) of this role will be of a clinical nature. This position will provide an opportunity for the incumbent to take a leading role in organising continuing professional development (CPD) activities for therapists employed at the centre. Under the direction of the Manager/Chief Radiation Therapist, the incumbent will act as the Quality Co-ordinator representing Radiation Oncology at the Cancer Services Quality Committee. As a member of the Charge RT team, the incumbent will participate in all team activities and promote open and ongoing communication with all staff to maintain co-operation, teamwork and ongoing service improvement. To support the quality and education initiatives at BAROC, it is expected the incumbent will visit the BAROC site at least once a month, or as required. This will facilitate co-ordination of Education and Quality management activities across Radiation Oncology.
4. POSITION REQUIREMENTS (Main duties and other specific requirements, activity and end result/outcome, regularly performed) Clear decision making skills, motivation, educational expertise and leadership by example are key qualities required of the Education Charge Radiation Therapist. The position requires a demonstrated commitment to self development and ongoing improvement of educational, staff development and quality processes conducted at the centre. In addition, the incumbent must ensure confidentially by undertaking not to reveal to any person or entity any confidential information relating to patients and employees, policies, processes and dealings including making public statements relating to the affairs of the Austin without prior authority of the Chief Executive Officer. Key Responsibilities and Performance Indicators NB. Clients = Patients, colleagues and the broader community A. Personal & Professional Development Demonstrated experience and understanding of the need for continuation of both personal and professional development that lead to the improvement of services and continuum of care for all clients. Indicators include Continually develop both personally & professionally to meet the changing needs of the profession and the centre. Continually develop both personally & professionally to meet the learning needs of the centre and all associated staff. Attend all training sessions provided by the centre and be instrumental in training & development as required and forecasted. Actively participate in the Performance Management processes by providing formal & informal feedback to rostered staff. Identify, participate in and manage continuing workplace, professional and educational development activities. Coordinate and organise Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities for the staff radiation therapists as accredited by the Australian Institute of Radiography (AIR). Awareness of current and future trends in radiation therapy. Awareness of contemporary learning and teaching strategies for all levels of undergraduate and graduate staff. Regularly updates skills and knowledge in regard to CPR, manual handling and infection control procedures. Regularly updates skills to improve staff education and management techniques. Contributes to conference presentations and publications that demonstrate key skill development. B. Client Service & Relationships Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including demonstrated experience in liasing with a wide range of internal and external clients. The ability to service the needs of all clients in a professional, timely and comprehensive manner. Indicators include Act in a professional manner at all times when dealing with all clients. Positively promote the centre (internally & externally). Be prompt and provide courteous service to all clients. Maintain confidentiality on all issues relating to the centre and wider hospital organisation. Treat all clients with respect & equality, whilst being responsive to their needs. Act as an advocate to assist all clients to make informed decisions and assist in the resolution of problems. Ensure patient care standards are maintained. Ensure clients are provided with relevant material and information relating to radiation therapy. Liaise with education providers and educators at other centres for the quality provision of clinical education for all student and intern RT s. Liaise with members of the health care team in the planning and delivery of patient services. Refers clients to other health professionals/support services as required. Participate in clinical and administrative discussions as they apply to all clients. Maintain a regular schedule of site visitsa to the BAROC satellite, at least once a month or as required. C. Administration & Documentation
Through the use of organisational processes ensure that all administration and documentation requirements are initiated and completed in a professional and timely manner. Liaises widely to ensure all documentation requirements satisfy the needs of the department and clients. Indicators include Ensure that all educational and training documentation is accurate and completed in a professional and timely manner. Organises and manages educational issues so that the centre meets all training and development goals/targets. Liaises with Section Head RT to ensure student, intern and staff training needs are managed in a pro-active and professional manner. Participate and lead in the formulation and ongoing revision of educational & departmental policies, protocols and procedures at ROC and BAROC, as required. Ensure staff have access to, and maintain current knowledge of, departmental information and documentation relating to all student, intern and staff training standards. Incidents are reported, documented and followed through to completion. Maintain ongoing communication and assist the Section Head RT to ensure staff have access to all information related to day to day and education operations. Provides data on the Education section s performance. Responsible for organising RT student and intern rosters (including BAROC, in consultation with the local resources) Responsible for overseeing all RT student and intern assessment forms (including BAROC, in consultation with the local resources) Assist Section Heads to coordinate and implement new treatment techniques based on quality improvement. As directed by the Deputy Chief organise and conduct department tours for prospective students and other professional groups. Liaise with the Site Head and educational resources at BAROC, to assist with the co-ordination of the educational requirements of the satellite. In consultation with the Chief Radiation Therapist, Professor Director of Radiation Oncology and the Cancer Services Quality Management team be responsible for the quality co-ordination documentation (including quality business plan, summary of achievements and department risk assessments) Ensure the hospital s occupational health and safety requirements are practiced within Radiation Oncology. To perform an training needs analysis of OH&S practices, ensuring compliance to hospital manual handling procedures. In co-ordination with the Radiation Oncology OH&S representatives, assist in the development of any documentation to mitigate risk to patients, staff and the general public. D. Technical Skills & Proficiency Demonstrated knowledge and application of the skills required for this position. This includes knowledge and understanding of appropriate equipment, legislation, policies and procedures. Indicators include Responsible for the design, monitoring and updating of orientation programs for students and interns, and new recruited radiation therapists (RT s). Responsible for the design, monitoring and updating of retraining program for radiation therapist re-entering the profession, including liaising with the appropriate licensing body to establish individual requirements. Organise and conduct structured tutorials and training sessions for intern and student radiation therapists and new qualified RT s. Under the direction of the Deputy Chief Radiation Therapist and or Section Head, organise and conduct education and training programs for staff radiation therapists. Assist the Deputy Chief Radiation Therapist and or Section Head as required to update qualified staff with new release software and functionality related to Radiation Therapy equipment. Provide and maintain necessary documentation including the preparation of teaching notes and teaching materials related to education activities eg lectures and tutorials. Take part in lecturing students at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (RMIT) & Monash University. Liaise with RMIT/Monash University and the Radiation Therapy community in relation to radiation therapy student activities. Responsible for the planning and/or delivery of radiation therapy for patients and contributes to workload in order to maintain clinical and technical currency. Ensure the operational and administrative functions that relate to the educational activities are managed to ensure all staff have access to educational opportunities. Contributes to the development of, and identifies the need for, education programs required for quality and efficient service delivery. Identify, support and provide education and training activities within the unit. Maintains currency with emerging technology and learning practices and attempts to implement same to the advantage of the unit. Ensure that standards are implemented, maintained and followed by participating in the development and implementation of policies. Actively participate in decision-making activities relating to strategic planning and service delivery. Deputise for the Section Head RT as required. Act as the Quality Coordinator for radiation therapists in designing, monitoring and conducting quality improvement programs. Help to design, promote and coordinate research programs in radiation therapy. Under the direction of the Deputy Chief Radiation Therapist, responsible for monitoring and supervising all intern and student radiation therapist activities.
Maintain clinical experience and expertise in both treatment and planning by taking part in clinical activities with students, interns and new RT staff. E. Teamwork & Communication Demonstrated ability to lead and develop the team or participate as an active member of a team, consistent with the needs and future directions of the centre. Indicators include Be aware of, and practice according to, the centre s teamwork philosophy. Demonstrated ability to work positively within the senior team to achieve educational, learning and development goals. Work co-operatively with other Charge RT s to maximise improvements to centre s operation. Input into performance management issues of all staff from the educative perspective. Lead by example in meeting education requirements and supporting and maintaining standards. Facilitate and participate in regular team meetings and activities. Displays appropriate and effective interpersonal behaviour (communication, working relationships, professional respect, conflict resolution) particularly under situations were pressure is evident. Support and assist team members to attend and participate in professional development activities. Reports to Senior team on the sections performance, problems, wins, losses, developments and initiatives. Demonstrated ability to work positively within the team and manage issues of professional judgement to maintain a cohesive and clearly focussed team. Communicate frequently with the Section Head RT on all issues related to daily operations. Support staff undertaking R&D, education and administrative activities by providing roster relief. F. Service & Ongoing Quality Improvement Commitment to ensuring quality services are delivered to both internal & external clients through ongoing improvement activities. Indicators include Demonstrate a sound understanding of all relevant external legislation & internal policies and procedures that relate to this position and the centre s goals and targets. Participate and contribute to quality improvement programs and other centre activities to meet Service/Accreditation Standards. Participate and contribute in occupational health and safety activities to ensure a safe work environment for all clients. Support, encourage and contribute to professional development, education, research and development activities. Lead, participate and manage QA activities relating to all aspects of the centre s day to day workload. Is prepared to research new methods, processes and practices that improve the quality of all aspects of the service. Assist the Section Head RT in the coordination and implementation of quality improvement programs and other centre activities. Works co-operatively with all other Charge RT s to develop and revise QA and improvement processes to the benefit of all clients. Generic Abide by Austin Health corporate policies and practices as varied from time to time. Participate in Austin Health performance appraisal program as required. Undertake not to reveal to any person or entity any confidential information relating to patients and employees, policies, processes and dealings and not to make public statements relating to the affairs of Austin Health without prior authority of the Chief Executive Officer. Participate in the emergency incident response activities, as defined within the Emergency Response Manual, as and when required, at the direction of management. 5. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA (Key skills, qualifications, knowledge and behavioural attributes, together with physical requirements, necessary for performance of the role) Qualified Radiation Therapist, eligible for membership of AIR with significant experience in all areas including treatment, planning, virtual simulation and the mould room. Proven high level of skill and aptitude in clinical educational strategies. Well developed leadership and staff management skills. High level work ethic which fosters efficient, effective and safe work practices. Highly developed commitment to patient care and staff welfare.
Leadership in continuous quality improvement and ongoing quality assurance principles. Demonstrated professional reliability, motivation, initiative and flexibility. Ability to work under pressure and maintain focus on operational goals. Ability to act as a positive role model within the team. Demonstrated decision making abilities. Essential for Performance of the Position * A commitment to Austin Health values: Integrity, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. Highly Desirable for Performance of the Position Postgraduate qualifications relevant to Clinical Radiation Oncology / Education / Management. Committed to an environment that supports ongoing education and research. Commitment to and supporting professional development, including participation in the Australian Institute of Radiography Continuous Professional Development Program, inhouse, conference and general education activities. Developed by Aldo Rolfo (Deputy Chief Radiation Therapist) & Endorsed by Senior RT Group June 04 6. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION (Other information to be made known to persons interested in appointment to this position) Pre-Existing Injury Prior to any person being appointed to this position it will be required that they disclose full details of any pre-existing injuries or disease that might be affected by employment in this position. 7. DOCUMENT REVIEW DETAILS Date Position First Documented (if known): / / Date of this Position Description Review: / / Signature of Manager: Date: / / Signature of Employee: Date: / /