Radiographer Clinical Specialist (Vascular Ultrasound)
Job Specification & Terms and Conditions
Job Title and Grade / Radiographer Clinical Specialist (Vascular Ultrasound) (0.6WTE)(Grade Code: 3131)
Competition Reference / NRS0769
Closing Date / 12 Noon Friday 21st September 2012
Proposed Interview Date (s) / Mid October 2012
Taking up Appointment / A start date will be agreed at job offer stage.
Organisational Area / Galway and Roscommon University Hospital Group
Location of Post / Galway Roscommon Hospital Groupinitial assignment will be within the Radiology Department, Galway University Hospitals.
Details of Service / Overview of GRHG
Galway-Roscommon Hospital Group (GRHG) is comprised of GUH, PortiunculaHospital, Ballinasloe and Roscommon GeneralHospital.
Galway University Hospital (GUH) provide a comprehensive range of services of emergency and elective patients on an in patient, out patient and day care basis across our two sites , University Hospital Galway (UHG) and Merlin Park University Hospital (MPUH)
A comprehensive range of imaging services is provided to both in and out patients from the catchment area of PortiunculaHospital and Roscommon GeneralHospital.
Reporting Relationship / Reporting to Radiography Services Manager 2 or other designated supervisor.
Purpose of the Post / The post of Radiographer Clinical Specialist (Vascular Ultrasound) has a pivotal role in service planning, co-ordinating, and managing activity and allocated resources within the unit.
The main responsibilities are: quality assurance, scheduling workflow, staff development, facilitating communication and professional/clinical leadership.
To manage an Ultrasound service in a rapidly changing environment and be willing to undertake such additional duties within the Diagnostic Imaging Department, as may be assigned from time to time.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities /
- The person holding this post at Galway and Roscommon University Hospitals Group is required to support the principle that the care of the patient comes first at all times and will approach their work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree
- Maintain throughout the Hospital awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all hospital activities.
- Demonstrate behaviour consistence with the Mission and Values of the Hospital.
Clinical Operations
The Radiographer Clinical Specialist (Vascular Ultrasound)will:- Undertake, as team leader, primary responsibility on a day-to-day basis for the Ultrasound Imaging service and the effective utilisation of all resources allocated.
- Provide a high level of professional and clinical leadership
- Be accountable for the quality of the service provided, including customer service and technical aspects
- Manage patient care to ensure the highest professional standards using an evidence based, care planning approach
- Contribute to the development and implementation of operational policies, protocols and guidelines to ensure optimum utilisation of resources and systematic audit of such usage.
- Advise as required on equipment selection, purchase, replacement or upgrading
- Contribute to the preparation of plans for the service – monitor and report on their implementation. Implement and maintain accurate information systems for clinical data in accordance with hospital standards.
- Maintain accurate records of equipment service, maintenance, malfunction, downtime and performance as required and co-ordinate preventative maintenance schedules in accordance with clinical demand and department policy.
- Maintain up to date knowledge of clinical, technical and radiographic developments in relation to Ultrasoundand promote awareness of new developments. Ensure that best practices are implemented and maintained.
- Maintain up to date knowledge of Radiographic developments in relation to other imaging modalities
- Report all operation issues to Radiography Services Manager
- Provide practical instruction for students and other health care professionals
- Membership of the IIRRT Ultrasound User Group
- Ensure PACS/RIS system is used effectively and appropriately, and matches workflow in the department. Special consideration needs to given to use of Notes, develop templates for all Sonographers who supply Radiography reports on the PAC/RIS system.
The Radiographer Clinical Specialist (Vascular Ultrasound)will:
- Manage use of consumables efficiently
- Liaise with Radiography Services Manager on all financial matters.
The Radiographer Clinical Specialist (Vascular Ultrasound)will:
- Participate as required in human resource planning, recruitment and selection of staff
- Support the Radiographic Service Manager in the implementation of initiatives aimed at on-going service development and improvement.
- Promote and maintain a safe environment for staff and patients
- Assist in the development and implementation of risk management and health and safety strategies in association with appropriate personnel.
- Develop and maintain a training function as may be required in relation to qualified staff and/or trainees and students
- Supervise and assess all training as required
- Liaise with the Radiographic Service Manager and other senior staff on the rotation of staff through the Department to ensure an adequate number of trained staff are available.
- Liaise with the Radiographic Service Manager on human resource issues as appropriate.
The Radiographer Clinical Specialist (Vascular Ultrasound)will:
- Investigate and take appropriate action in accordance with hospital policy in relation to complaints, accidents and incidents
- Ensure that all hospital policies and relevant legislation on radiation safety andultrasoundsafety is understood by staff and complied with.
- Ensure theultrasoundunit operates in accordance with the operational policy at all times
- Liaise with the Radiography Services Manager on all quality assurance issues related to the ultrasound department
- Ensure all hospital policies on infection control, health and safety etc. are understood by staff and complied with
- Implement and maintain a quality assurance programme for the Department
- Have a working knowledge of HIQA Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene standards etc.
The Radiographer Clinical Specialist ( Vascular Ultrasound)will:
- Participates in providing department audits and statistics
- Respect and maintain the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of the service user as per statutory requirements
The Radiographer Clinical Specialist (Vascular Ultrasound)will:
- Participate in mandatory training programmes
- Participate in continuing professional development including in-service training, attending and presenting at conferences/courses relevant to practice.
- Engage in performance review with his/her manager
- Provide peer support when necessary
- Driving, promoting and supporting a Performance Management culture.
- In conjunction with your line managerdevelop a Performance Management system for your profession in your area.
- The identification and development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which are congruent with the Hospital’s service plan targets.
- The management and delivery of KPIs as a routine and core business objective.
- The development of Action Plans to address non-attainment of KPI targets.
- Employees must attend fire lectures periodically and must observe fire orders.
- All accidents within the Department must be reported immediately.
- Infection Control Policies must be adhered to.
- In line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 all staff must comply with all safety regulations and audits.
- In line with the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004, smoking within the HospitalBuilding is not permitted.
- Hospital uniform code must be adhered to.
- Provide information that meets the need of Senior Management.
- The management of Risk, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety is the responsibility of the post holder and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment.
- The post holder will be provided with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility.
- The post holder has a duty to familiarise themselves with the relevant Organisational Policies, Procedures & Standards and attend training as appropriate in the following areas:
- Continuous Quality Improvement Initiatives
- Document Control Information Management Systems
- Risk Management Strategy and Policies
- Hygiene Related Policies, Procedures and Standards
- Decontamination Code of Practice
- Infection Control Policies
- Safety Statement, Health & Safety Policies and Fire Procedure
- Data Protection and confidentiality Policies
- The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they become familiar with the requirements stated within the Galway Roscommon Hospital Group Risk Management Strategy and that you comply with the Hospitals Risk Management Incident/Near miss reporting Policies and Procedures.
- The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they comply with hygiene services requirements in your area of responsibility. Hygiene Services incorporates environment and facilities, hand hygiene, catering, cleaning, the management of laundry, waste, sharps and equipment.
- The post holder must foster and support a quality improvement culture through-out their area of responsibility in relation to hygiene services.
- The post holder is specific responsibility for Quality & Risk Management, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety will be clarified to you in the induction process and by their line manager.
- The post holder must take reasonable care for their own actions and the effect that these may have upon the safety of others.
- Employees must cooperate with management, attend Health & Safety related training and not undertake any task for which they have not been authorised and adequately trained.
- Every employee is required to bring to the attention of a responsible person any perceived shortcoming in our safety arrangements or any defects in work equipment.
- It is the responsibility of each employee to be aware of and comply with the HSE Health Care Records Management / Integrated Discharge Planning (HCRM / IDP) Code of Practice.
RISK
All staff are responsible for identifying, assessing and reporting all risks and for contributing to the management and review of all risks.Please note
Service needs require that staff may be rostered for:
- Unsocial hours/Shift work (depending on service need)
- On Call
This job Specification indicates the main responsibilities of the post and is subject to periodic revision and amendment with the post holder. Service needs any dictate additions or modifications from time to time.
Service needs will require a level of movement of staff between wards/departments/relief duties from time to time
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications and/ or experience / Each candidate, must at the latest date for receipt of completed applications for the post:
(a) (i) Posses the Diploma from the College of Radiographers;
or
(ii) Possess a B.Sc. in Radiography at level 8 (NQF);
or
(iii) Possess a qualification at least equivalent to (i) or (ii) above as validated by
the competent authority;
and
(b)Have not less that 6 years fulltime post qualification clinical experience;
and
(c)Possess a recognised postgraduate course (NFQ Level 9) in the relevant speciality, as recognised by the IIRRT and have no less than 4 years practical clinical experience working in the speciality. Practical clinical experience will include time assigned to work in the relevant specialist area but needs to comply with the following breakdown:
- Pre commencement of a postgraduate course (maximum of 1 year* allowed);
- Time spent completing the post graduate course (maximum of 1 year** allowed);
- A minimum of 2 years experience* following completion of a postgraduate course.
**The research component of a postgraduate programme will count towards the post course time once the Radiographer has successfully completed the taught components of the programme.
and
(d)Possess the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability and management ability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office
Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Character
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.
Age
Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004). A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office occurs.
Post Specific Requirements / n/a
Other requirements specific to the post / A flexible approach to working hours is required.
Access to transport as post may require travel to other sites
Essential skills, competencies and/or knowledge /
- Demonstrate a high level of clinical expertise, knowledge and evidence based practice to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role.
- Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge to best practice
- Demonstrate the ability to lead on clinical practice and service quality
- Demonstrate evidence of effective planning and organising skills including awareness of resource management and importance of value for money within a model of person-centred care.
- Demonstrate an ability to manage and develop self and others in a busy working environment
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively evaluate information and make appropriate decisions
- Demonstrate a commitment to assure high standards and strive for a user centred service
- Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrate effective leadership and team management skills including the ability to work with multi disciplinary team members.
- Display awareness and appreciation of service users and the ability to empathise with and treat others with dignity and respect.
- Demonstrate resilience and composure
- Demonstrate flexibility and openness to change
- Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development
- Demonstrate a willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role
- Demonstrate a good working knowledge of Radiology Information System (RIS) and Picture Archive Communication System (PACS)
- Demonstrate initiative and innovation in the delivery of service
- Demonstrate ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks
Competition Specific Selection Process
Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview / A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or shortlisting are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.
Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.
Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.
Code of Practice / The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a principle basis. The Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, feedback facilities for applicants on matters relating to their application when requested, and outlines procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process and review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice. Additional information on the HSE’s review process is available in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, information for candidates.
Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, information for candidates or on
The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the job specification may be reviewed.
This job specification is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.
Radiographer Clinical Specialist (Ultrasound)
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Tenure / The initial vacancy for this post is permanent (0.6 WTE). This post is pensionable. A panel will be formed from this recruitment campaign and future permanent or specified purpose vacancies of full time or part time duration will be filled from this panel. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointment) Act 2004.
Remuneration / The Salary scale for the post is: To be confirmed at job offer stage
Working Week / The standard working week applying to the post is: 35 hours (pro rata). This post is 0.6 WTE.
HSE Circular 003-2009 “Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016” applies. Under the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16th 2008 will be required to work agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line manager. Contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016).
Annual Leave / The Annual Leave applying to the post is: 29 days (pro rata for 0.6wte)
and as determined by the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.
Superannuation / Membership of the HSE Employee Superannuation Scheme applies to this appointment.
Existing Members who transferred to the HSE on 1st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those to which they were entitled at 31st December 2004.
Appointees to posts in the Mental Health Services which formerly attracted fast accrual of service should note that the terms of Section 65 of the Mental Treatment Act 1945 do not apply to New Entrant Public Servants as defined by Section 12 of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.
Probation / Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.
Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 / As this post is one of those designated under the Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998, appointment to this post appoints one as a designated officer in accordance with Section 2 of the Act. You will remain a designated officer for the duration of your appointment to your current post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. You will receive full information on your responsibilities under the Act on appointment.
Infection Control / Have a working knowledge of HIQA Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc.
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