Job responsibilities
1. Management responsibilities
1.1. To provide professional clinical leadership and effective management of Radiotherapy Physics dosimetry staff, providing the highest possible standard of care for patients with cancer.
1.2. To provide line management to the treatment planning dosimetry team.
1.3. Manage the workload and output of the dosimetry team within Radiotherapy Physics.
1.4. Prioritise and manage own specialist workload to meet agreed outcomes.
1.5. Liaise closely with the Radiotherapy Physics senior team in the provision of the service.
1.6. To work closely and collaboratively with clinical oncologists, therapeutic radiographers and senior managers to provide a high quality service that is maintained and developed
1.7. To participate in the development, implementation and audit of Quality Assurance programmes related to Treatment Planning, assisting in the review and maintenance of documents
1.8. Assist in the training and competency of all staff involved in treatment planning activities in Radiotherapy physics, working closely with the principal physicists responsible for treatment planning to ensure sufficient staff are trained.
1.9. To act as mentor and professional advisor.
2. Clinical responsibilities
2.1. Produce optimal routine and complex treatment plans, including VMAT and SABR.
2.2. Close involvement in the development of existing techniques and the implementation of new procedures, including staff training .
2.3. To advise on the production of accurate patient immobilisation devices and beam defining aids.
2.4. Ensure that Clinical protocols are up to date and adhered to.
2.5. Analyse and interpret the clinical requirements of each patient, making complex judgements regarding treatment parameters, radiation dose effects and the desired outcome.
2.6. Advise clinical staff on the effects of complex treatment plan options, patient dose distributions and likely outcomes. Discuss and agree approaches with clinical and scientific staff to produce optimum dosimetric plans.
2.7. Assess replan requirements to compensate for any changes in patient anatomy during treatment.
2.8. Perform routine quality assurance, database back up and archive procedures on the treatment planning systems, as required.
2.9. Ensure that clinical records are completed accurately and are up to date for all work performed.
2.10. Optimise pre-treatment pathways to maximise process efficiencies. Work closely with Principal Physicist Treatment Planning to analyse workload demand and capacity.
2.11. Investigate and report incidents, faults, errors and hazards in accordance with departmental protocols. Undertake risk assessments and quality system audits to inform the decision-making process.
2.12. Represent the Department in working parties to review treatment protocols and propose changes to existing techniques.
2.13. Recommend, produce and implement written protocols for treatment planning, in conjunction with the Principal Physicist for Treatment Planning, as part of the Quality Management System.
2.14. Acting as an operator under the definitions of IR(ME)R in accordance with Trust policies, procedures and work instructions.
3. Professional responsibilities
3.1. The post-holder is professionally responsible to the Head of Radiotherapy Physics.
3.2. Participate in an appropriate Continuing Professional Development scheme. Maintain professional competence and statutory registration, keeping abreast of scientific and technical developments
3.3. Attend suitable seminars and courses as part of training and personal development and to further the work of the Department.
3.4. Ensure all activities are carried out within a quality framework and conform to Statutory Regulations, approved Codes of Practice and Local Safety Rules.
3.5. To provide expert clinical advice and professional support to new staff and less experienced staff.
3.6. To act as mentor to student radiographers and new staff.
4. Teaching, training and research responsibilities
4.1. Provide practical instruction in treatment planning techniques to staff within the range of radiotherapy physics activities
4.2. Assess the competency of staff undergoing training in treatment planning, ensuring accurate recording of training and assessment.
4.3. Assist with the development of new techniques in conjunction with other staff groups. Taking an active role in research to introduce new equipment and clinical techniques.
4.4. Lead and participate in research and development projects approved by the Head of Radiotherapy Physics.
4.5. Manage and participate in clinical and regulatory audit, and in clinical trials, to improve the clinical techniques used for radiation therapy.
5. Communication responsibilities
5.1. Communicate highly complex therapeutic information and advice relating to the planning and treatment of radiotherapy patients to other members of the service
5.2. Present work at external meetings and conferences.
6. Freedom to act
6.1. Works within clinical guidelines, service procedures and professional codes of practice and is able to use own judgement when designing and optimising patient specific pre-treatment plans. Accountable for own actions.
7. Miscellaneous
7.1. Ensure compliance with accredited Quality Systems in the areas of work for which the post-holder carries responsibility. Participate in the development of quality systems.
7.2. Occasionally work outside normal working hours and receive time off in lieu.
7.3. Perform other appropriate duties which may be required from time to time by the Head of Radiotherapy Physics.
