Radiation Therapist I - Rad Onc - Per Diem 8 Hour Days (Non-Exempt) (Union)

University of Southern California; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern California is seeking a Radiation Therapist I to join their radiation oncology team in Glendale, California. The ideal candidate should have completed a specialized training in Radiation Therapy Technology, hold required certifications, and focus on providing high-quality care to patients undergoing treatment. Essential duties include evaluating patient responses, maintaining documentation, and collaborating effectively with the oncology team. Knowledge of Microsoft Word is essential. This position is suitable for new graduates or those with up to 1 year of experience.

Qualifications

• Maintain state/national certifications in Radiation therapy.
• Demonstrate knowledge necessary to treat patients of various ages.
• Effective participation in team meetings and communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide quality care to each patient undergoing treatment.
• Evaluate and assess patients' physical and psychological responses.
• Perform quality assurance checks and detect equipment malfunctions.

Skills

Excellent customer service behavior

Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Word

Ability to work with physicians, staff, and patients

Education

High school or equivalent

Graduation from an accredited school of Radiation Therapy Technology

Job description

Radiation Therapists are highly-skilled clinicians and integral to the radiation oncology team. They are responsible for ensuring that treatments are accurate and match the treatment prescribed by radiation oncologists. Radiation therapists assist in the use of linear accelerators, CT scanners and X‑ray films to localize and treat anatomical structures. They ensure the precise setup of patients to minimize dose delivery to surrounding structures. They maintain constant visual and verbal contact with patients throughout treatment, ensuring safe delivery. They educate patients about their treatments and simulation procedures, monitoring patient progress throughout the course of treatment. They also ensure accurate and thorough documentation in hospital medical records systems. The Radiation Therapist I position is for therapists with less than 4 years of experience working in the radiation therapy field.

Essential Duties

• Provides Radiation Therapy services by contributing as an essential member of the Radiation Oncology treatment team through provision of quality care of each patient undergoing a prescribed course of treatment.
• Facilitates the continuity of care through the communication of information to all team members.
• Evaluates and assesses daily the patient's physical and psychological responses to treatment and refers patients for appropriate management when indicated.
• Attends and actively participates in huddles and departmental meetings.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served (Adolescence, Adult, and Geriatric). This is to include principles of growth and development, assessment of data reflective of the patient's status, and interpretation of information to identify patient requirements relative to age‑specific needs.
• Maintains values congruent with the profession's code of ethics and scope of practice as well as adhering to national institutional and/or departmental standards, policies and procedures regarding treatment delivery and patient care.
• Demonstrates respect for confidentiality of medical records and privileged knowledge.
• Maintains current state/national certifications in Radiation therapy.
• Participates effectively in the therapeutic team approach to provide optimal treatment and follows appropriate procedures for setups.
• Coordinates daily activities so as to devote complete attention to all necessary tasks involved in the treatment delivery.
• Resolves problems, disputes, complaints and criticism in a timely manner, informs that manages of any problems.
• Promotes positive interpersonal relations that contribute to high morale with the department by establishing a good working rapport with team workers. Responds to the needs of the department by accurately performing the daily billing and assures that all procedures performed are properly accounted for.
• Performs skillfully in extreme, life‑threatening emergencies: rapid grasp of the problem contingency management, rapid matching of demands and resources in emergency situations involving patient or equipment applies in treatment delivery.
• Applies principles of Radiation protection at all times.
• Performs daily and periodic quality assurance checks and related results, detects equipment malfunctions and takes appropriate action.
• Follows all policies & procedures set in place.
• Uses ARIA and all paperless items properly, effectively, and efficiently.
• Completes all patient time‑outs.
• Effectively & efficiently communicates with Radiation Oncologist, Physics, Supervisor involving any issues or delays.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school or equivalent.
• Specialized/technical training; graduate from an accredited school of Radiation Therapy Technology.
• Excellent customer service behavior.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Word as well as Internet access and utilization.
• Demonstrates ability to effectively work with physicians, staff, and patients.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 year Radiation therapy; new graduates will be considered.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Certified Radiologic Technologist (CA DPH).
• Radiation Therapy (ARRT).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association.
• Fire Life Safety Training (LA City); if no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only).