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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical

1.    Ensure a high standard of clinical care within the department, supporting more junior staff to do likewise by technical excellence.

2.    Assist patients prior to, during and after imaging examinations.

3.    Assist with the preparation of examination rooms prior to commencement of a clinical list.

4.    Assist with the preparation of patients before and after examinations, including helping them to change when necessary.

5.    Assist with completion of patient questionnaires which are undertaken prior to Imaging examinations/ procedures.

6.    Give clear explanations of the procedure prior to the examination taking place.

7.     Liaise with other departments regarding transport of patients, keeping them informed of any problems that may arise.

8.    Respond to the care needs of the patient with patience and empathy that promotes privacy and dignity.

9.    Support staff and colleagues in their roles including environment, equipment and patient care, chaperone, patient transfer, reception, telephone, image and medical records handling, computer use and data input.

10. Reassure patients prior to examinations, maintaining sufficient knowledge of imaging examinations to support patients and put them at ease without reference to clinical staff.

11. When trained and deemed competent, undertake clinical activities, using appropriate equipment such as IV Cannulation, ensuring documentation is completed appropriately following procedure.

12. Interact with staff and the general public both face to face and via the telephone in a calm and professional manner. 

13. Recognise the signs of deteriorating health and command assistance from clinical staff as required for the purposes of patient care and advice.

14. Maintain emergency equipment within the area, performing daily checks and utilising such equipment appropriately in an emergency situation.

15. Comply with all aspects of the local rules for radiation protection and current legislative requirements including the Ionising Radiation Regulations.

16.  Utilise appropriate personal protective equipment.

17. Where relevant, have the knowledge and skills to identify and report any faults in equipment to the radiographer/ sonographer in charge, assist in organising local minor repairs according to Trust procedures.

18.  Ensure appropriate and safe disposal of clinical waste.

19.  Help maintain a high standard of cleanliness within the clinical areas, viewing areas and patient waiting / changing areas, including toilets. 

20. Assist with cleaning and care of imaging systems and other equipment.

21. Act as chaperone and support the patient in examinations.

22. Take an active part in team discussions to improve care provided to patients.  

23. Work efficiently without supervision, organising and prioritising work, and liaising with clinics and wards to optimise service.

24. To participate in multi-disciplinary team working.

25. Maintain accurate and concise patient records using the relevant computerised system.

26. Use and promote correct manual handling techniques.

27. Take delivery of new stock, checking off goods received against delivery note and place in storeroom ensuring storage encourages efficient stock rotation.

28. The post holder will work within the Imaging Community Satellite sites as required.

Managerial/Leadership

1.    Manage Radiology Department Assistants (RDA) team within the Imaging department under the leadership and guidance of the CT/ MRI Lead Radiographer and Lead Sonographer.

2.    Manage the RDA rota ensuring that all relevant imaging modalities are allocated RDA staff and to make rota available to staff in a timely manner.

3.    Monitor the staff workloads and allocate work according to staffing levels and adjust these during periods of sickness or unexpected changes in workload.

4.    Undertake appraisals of the Radiology Department Assistants (RDA) including formulating personal development plans including identification of training needs and to provide opportunities for staff to undergo relevant training.

5.    Manage RDA sickness absence in line with Trust HR policies, undertaking return to work interviews.

6.    To liaise with the CT/ MRI Lead Radiographer/ Lead Sonographer in issues of occupational health and phased returns.

7.    To lead in the recruitment of RDA staff using the Trac recruitment system, working with the CT/ MRI Lead Radiographer/ Lead Sonographer to write adverts and job descriptions, shortlisting, interviewing and reviewing references.

8.    Follow corporate and Radiology policies in all areas of work. These policies include information governance, data quality, and Trust corporate policies.

9.    Monitor the performance of the team and ensure that patients and others receive an excellent level of service and staff are completing tasks efficiently and effectively.

10. Responsible for the training of new staff and updating existing staff.

11. Identify own training needs and those of others to extend knowledge and improve skill base.

12. Proactively meet own training needs and support others in attaining theirs through coaching, advice giving and the demonstration of working practices.

13. Be involved in monthly meetings Imaging Staff Meetings and the RDA forum meeting.

14. Ensuring the RDA team monitor stock levels to enable efficient re-ordering as required. 

Clinical Governance

1.    To comply with Trust policies, including attendance at specified mandatory training sessions.

2.    To comply with departmental and organisational policies and procedures, including reporting of all accidents and incidents.

3.    To contribute to the implementation and promotion of a quality Imaging service.

4.    Ensure the Radiology Department Assistant (RDA) team comply with departmental and organisational policies and procedures, including attendance at specified mandatory training sessions.

5.    Be responsible for ensuring that the RDA team members undertake relevant audit and stock checks appropriately.

6.    Be responsible for ensuring that the RDA team members complete the relevant induction and training and for monitoring the RDA mandatory training compliance.

7.    Identify potential hazards by monitoring the condition of equipment within the department and reporting any defects in a timely manner.

8.    All employees of the Trust are required to carry out their duties with due regard to the fair access policy and respect the cultural beliefs and customs held by clients and staff.

9.    The post holder is expected to implement all Trust policies, Departmental and local policies specific to the Imaging area.

Education, Experience and Research

 1.    Participate in research, surveys or audits as required.

2.    Participate in departmental Quality assurance programme and any relevant audits of working practice as and when required.

3.    Act as a mentor/ supervisor to band 3 Radiology Department Assistant Team within Imaging.

4.    Support in the induction, training and development of the Radiology Department Assistant (RDA) workforce as required.

5.    Participate in appropriate personal development programmes as required.

6.    Undertake appraisals of the RDA Team as required.

Communication

1.    To maintain a polite, courteous, and professional attitude to staff and patients at all times.

2.    To maintain effective and efficient communication links within the department and with other directorates, promoting a positive image of the department.

3.    Communicate with a wide range of patients undergoing imaging examinations and provide an explanation of ongoing care and support as needed.

4.    To communicate information to patients with empathy, providing reassurance and understanding in order to encourage cooperation in the examination/ procedure.

5.    Communicate with patients who may have difficulty in understanding or where English is not the first language.

6.    The post holder will liaise with staff from all departments in the trust.

7.    Provide and receive complex or sensitive information requiring tact or persuasive skills.

8.    Able to communicate effectively with senior Imaging staff on a daily basis ensuring a working relationship is maintained at all times.

9.    Effectively communicates work procedures and changes within own team.

10. Must be able to demonstrate the English language proficiency level required for this post. 

Professional

1.    To lead by example and demonstrate a high standard of personal work and managerial ability in all duties undertaken through active participation.

2.    Undertake internal and external training where required (incl. IV cannulation, Induction training, CPR, manual handling, infection control and COSHH and any other appropriate managerial, professional, and technical course) and utilise these skills in the supervision and teaching of others and application of the knowledge gained.

3.    Be a reflective practitioner and participate in the staff appraisal scheme and Personal Development Review (PDR) as an appraisee and appraiser.

4.    To be able to undertake and implement recommendations from performance review meetings and to identify individual needs for development.

5.    To support excellent interpersonal communication skills and relations within the team, developing and maintaining these skills within Imaging and other directorates.