Position overview

As a Radiation Therapist at Canberra Health Services, you will play a key role in the delivery of high-quality patient-centre centred care. You will be rotated through the Simulation, Planning and Treatment areas, using modern, sophisticated equipment, technology, and techniques. The successful candidate will actively participate in quality assurance and control programs, contribute to the training and supervision of students, and engage in ongoing self-education and professional development opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following.

1. Simulate and plan cases corresponding with level of experience, as initiated by the Radiation Oncologist; and perform other CT simulator and planning duties.
2. Administer radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist and perform other treatment area duties.
3. Observe policies and procedures of the Radiation Oncology Section to ensure safety for patients, staff and the community is maintained.
4. Observe all standard radiation protection measures.
5. Participate in relevant quality assurance/quality control programs.
6. Assist in the training/supervision of new graduates, undergraduate and postgraduate students as required.
7. Be responsible for continuing education of self and be actively involved and participate in workplace in-services.
8. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

Competencies

Specific competencies include but are not limited to the following:

• Patient Assessment and Care: Evaluating the patient’s medical history, psychosocial issues, and overall health to ensure appropriate treatment planning and delivery.
• Radiation Safety and Risk Management: Ensuring the safe use of radiation, including adherence to safety protocols and minimizing exposure to patients and staff.
• Treatment Planning and Dosimetry: Developing and implementing precise treatment plans, including dose calculations and adjustments based on patient-specific factors.
• Patient Positioning and Immobilisation: Accurately positioning patients and using immobilisation devices to ensure consistent and effective treatment delivery.
• Simulation and Imaging: Conducting simulation and using appropriate imaging techniques to localise tumours and verify treatment plans; performing online and offline treatment image analysis to ensure effective and accurate treatment delivery.
• Professional and Ethical Practice: Adhering to professional standards, ethical guidelines, and legal requirements in all aspects of practice.
• Communication and Collaboration: Effectively communicating with patients, families, and the healthcare team to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care.
• Quality Assurance and Improvement: Implementing and maintaining quality assurance programs to ensure the accuracy and safety of radiation therapy treatments.
• Patient Education and Advocacy: Educating patients about their treatment, potential side effects, and advocating for their needs and preferences.
• Research and Clinical Practice Improvement: Engaging in research, quality improvement and continuous professional development to improve clinical practices and patient outcomes.

Qualifications

Specific qualifications and experience include, but is not limited to, the following.

Essential

• A recognised tertiary qualification in Radiation Therapy.
• Unconditional registration as a Radiation Therapy Practitioner with the AHPRA Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia.
• ACT Radiation Council License to operate radiation emitting apparatus used for Radiation Therapy purposes.

Desirable

• High order interpersonal skills with a focus on delivering high quality patient care.
• Good time management and organisational skills.
• Adaptability and flexibility to accommodate change and provide responsive services to meet clients’ needs.
• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Experience

Specific experience includes, but is not limited to, the following.

Essential

• Relevant experience working within a healthcare team as a Radiation Therapy practitioner or Radiation Therapy Student.

Desirable

• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.

Prior to commencement

Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:

• Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances.
• Pre-employment National Police Check.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.
• Comply with CHS credentialing and scope of clinical practice requirements for allied health professionals.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
• act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
• comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.
• be available for weekend and/or after-hours work.

CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.

What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.

1. Recent and relevant experience in all aspects of Radiation Therapy including CT simulation, dosimetry, treatment delivery and image guidance.
2. Demonstrated knowledge and application of radiation therapy quality assurance and quality controls, including radiation safety measures in radiation therapy.
3. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and co-operatively as a member of the multi-disciplinary team within a radiation therapy clinical service.
4. Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills.
5. Evidence of commitment to ongoing professional development and staying up to date with advancements in radiation therapy.
6. Demonstrated understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety and the positive patient experience. Displays’ behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.