BHSCT Senior Brachytherapy Radiographer Band 6

Advertised role location: CANCER CENTRE
Official document: Band 6_Senior Brachytherapy Radiographer - Therapeutic (doc)
JOB DESCRIPTION

POST: Senior Brachytherapy Radiographer - Therapeutic

LOCATION: Radiotherapy Department, Cancer Centre,
Belfast City Hospital

BAND: 6

REPORTS TO: Section Manager/Clinical Co-Ordinator of the appropriate area

RESPONSIBLE TO: Radiotherapy Services Manager

Job Summary / Main Purpose

The post-holder will provide specialist clinical care and support within a team of radiographers for the efficient daily organisation, administration, scheduling and technical management of the Brachytherapy Unit or any allocated treatment unit, treatment simulator or clinical area ensuring high standards of radiotherapeutic practice and patient care.

The post-holder will take charge of the delivery of the brachytherapy/radiotherapy treatment prescription, transfer of data and maintenance of high quality standards, the monitoring of patient’s reactions to treatment, referring to other members of the multiprofessional team as required. Provide timely and appropriate information and support to patients and carer. Undertake localisation and verification of brachytherapy / radiotherapy treatment techniques, manual calculation of brachytherapy / radiotherapy treatment monitor units and checking and verification of treatment data including relevant images. Organise assessment and review clinics and liaise closely with other members of the multiprofessional team. Ensure safe use of all equipment and reporting of faults.

The post-holder will provide clinical supervision and support for staff and students working within this area.

The post-holder will be involved in future developments of the brachytherapy service, undertaking appropriate training as required, and working effectively within the multidisciplinary team in the development of new brachytherapy techniques and working practices.

Main Duties / Responsibilities
For each of the following, the postholder will;

Clinical
Ensure high standards of radiotherapeutic practice and patient care. This will involve providing clinical and technical support and supervision within a team of radiographers in the Brachytherapy Suite / Treatment unit. The post-holder will maintain up-to-date knowledge of Brachytherapy and Radiotherapy techniques.
Be responsible for the efficient daily management and organisation of the Brachytherapy Suite / Treatment unit. This includes maintaining accurate records and collecting statistical information both manual and electronic.
Undertake manual calculation of brachytherapy / radiotherapy treatment monitor units and checking and verification of treatment data including electronic portal images.
Undertake Post Brachytherapy Prostate Telephone reviews and On Treat Radiographer-led reviews as required.
Maintain a safe environment for patients, continuously monitoring and assessing risk.
In the absence of the Brachytherapy radiographer the post-holder will liaise with theatre anaesthestic staff, nursing, medical staff, medical physicists and radiographers to effectively organise sessions and ensure timely scheduling of brachytherapy.
Ensure that patients are cared for and supervised in the Brachytherapy / Radiotherapy department, to provide clear and accurate treatment information, to monitor treatment toxicity and report adverse reactions. To make appropriate referral.
Provide patients with appropriate and timely information and advice relevant to their physical and psychosocial needs.

Quality and Safety
Be responsible for the safe operation of brachytherapy / radiotherapy equipment and associated electronic systems and immediate reporting of all faults.
Ensure that all appropriate QA checks are carried out on treatment data, [both manual and electronic], patient treatment set-ups, brachytherapy / radiotherapy equipment and accessory equipment.
Assist with or in the absence of Brachytherapy Radiographer undertake the annual Emergency Procedure run through with the Multidisciplinary team.
Immediately report all accidents, incidents, errors and near misses ensuring that appropriate investigations are carried out and documentation completed.
Ensure corrective and preventive measures are implemented effectively.
Observe all local rules, Trust policies and procedures, Quality Procedures and relevant legislation pertaining to the use of Ionising Radiations (IRR’s, IR(ME)R) and to ensure that all other staff working in the area observe these also.
The post-holder will undertake appropriate risk assessments in conjunction with, or in the absence of, the brachytherapy radiographer.

Professional
Provide training and clinical supervision for radiographers, student radiographers and radiotherapy helpers, undertaking clinical assessment as required.
Develop and monitor high levels of evidence based clinical skills and competencies.
Provide specialist advice and support to other radiographers within the team.
Keep up to date in all aspects of radiotherapy and take responsibility for own continuous professional development, undertaking appropriate training and maintaining competence to practice.
Be familiar with, understand and adhere to all Trust Policies and Procedures, Departmental Protocols, QA Procedures, Emergency Procedures, Local Rules, Data Protection, Health & Safety Policies and to ensure that other staff and students within the team also comply. To comply with all relevant legislation pertaining to the use of Ionising Radiations (IRR’s, IR(ME)R).
Able to work on own initiative, whilst recognising personal/professional limitations and seeking advice and support when necessary.
Ensure a multidisciplinary approach by liaising effectively with all groups of staff providing education and training in own discipline as appropriate.
Act as a positive role model for other radiographers and students leading by example.

Research and Development
Participate in setting standards, protocols and care pathways within Brachytherapy / Radiotherapy in line with Trust, national and professional standards, guidelines and evidence based practice.
Involvement in the development of clinical protocols and other departmental policies and procedures.
Work effectively as a member of a multiprofessional team contributing to service and policy developments and development of new techniques.
Contribute to service development and relevant research projects.
Participate in multidisciplinary audit, research and clinical governance initiatives.

Managerial
Ensure the daily organisation of the workload is effective and makes the best use of resources.
Understand and comply with all aspects of governance relating to delivery of Brachytherapy / Radiotherapy.
Deputise for the Brachytherapy Radiographer / Team Leader when required.
Participate in annual Staff Development Review Programme.
Undertake other duties appropriate to grade as required by the Radiotherapy Services Manager.

It may be necessary for the Post-holder to undertake any other duties as required by the Radiotherapy Services Manager. It should be understood that this post may evolve over time, and that this Job description will therefore be subject to review in the light of changing circumstance and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing an outline within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned, when required, to ensure the safe and effective delivery of service.

General Responsibilities

Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:
At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.
The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with Belfast Trust’s Whistleblowing Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.
Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.
Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy.
Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.
Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.
Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.
Maintain high standards of personal accountability.
Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.

Information Governance

All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.

For further information on how we use your personal data within HR, please refer to the Privacy Notice available on the HUB or Your HR

Environmental Cleaning Strategy

The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognises the key principle that “Cleanliness matters is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners” Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public.

Infection Prevention and Control

The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
This includes:-

Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO ‘5 moments’);
Using the correct ‘7 step’ hand hygiene technique;
Being ‘bare below the elbows’ when in a clinical environment;
Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);
Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry;
Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;
Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.

Personal Public Involvement

Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).

Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.

http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf

Clause: This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE / BAND: Senior Brachytherapy Radiographer - Therapeutic /
Band 6

DEPT / DIRECTORATE: Radiotherapy / Cancer & Specialist Services

Notes to applicants:
You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined below at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.
Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.
You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment

Qualifications
Registration
Experience
BSc [Hons] in Therapeutic Radiography (or equivalent) or DCR [T].
HCPC Registration.
Completed M-level module in Radiotherapy on-treatment review (or the undertaking to complete an appropriate course of study within 2 years’ of taking up post).
A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a broad range of therapeutic radiography practice at band 5 level or above.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other (e.g. Driving etc.)
Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.
Must be available to participate in on-call/shift duty and to participate in weekend working as required by the service.
Must be available for additional duties in respect of unscheduled gaps in treatment.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Knowledge
Skills
Abilities
Good organisational and communication skills.
A positive caring attitude towards patients and colleagues.
Ability to perform effectively within a team.
Leadership qualities.

Interview

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Desirable criteria will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor
Criteria
Method of Assessment

Qualifications
Registration
Experience

Evidence of relevant post qualification study.
Evidence of continuous professional development.
Experience of implementing a service development and change.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other (e.g. Driving etc.)
Current Full Driving Licence.

‘Where disability prohibits driving, this criteria will be waived if the applicant is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements.’

Shortlisting by Application Form

NOTE:
Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required, if shortlisted for interview, to produce original certificates and one photocopy of same issued by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the shortlisting criteria should be produced. If educational certificates are not available an original letter and photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be accepted as an alternative.

If successful you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, Payslip, National Insurance Card or a Birth Certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment.

Where a post involves working in regulated activity with vulnerable groups, post holders will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

HSC Values

Whilst employees will be expected to portray all the values, particular attention is drawn to the following values for this role