Apprentice Therapeutic Radiographer

at  The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

We are looking for trainee Therapeutic Radiographers to undertake a degree apprenticeship programme at The Christie.
The post will require successful candidates to complete a three-year undergraduate degree with Sheffield Hallam University, while undertaking clinical placement across all Christie radiotherapy sites (Withington, Oldham, Salford and Macclesfield).
This is a full-time permanent post (37.5 hours) and all trainees will be allocated 1 day per week off the job training to be used for study. Successful applicants will initially be invited to attend an assessment centre day on 25th September where they will be asked to complete tasks as part of the recruitment process.
All applicants will be required to bring I.D and copies of certificates for their qualifications to this day. Those who do not provide these will not progress at this stage. Following the assessment centre, invites for formal interviews will be sent to those who have been successful, to be held on 7th October.

JOB PURPOSE

• To work within the radiotherapy department as a trainee Therapeutic Radiographer under the Therapeutic Radiographer Apprenticeship programme, in association with a Higher Education Institute (HEI). This is a three-year training programme encompassing theory and practical experience working towards a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Radiography, which is one of the 14 Allied Health Professions.
• Upon completion of the apprenticeship programme, the trainee will be expected to have completed their degree in Therapeutic Radiography and register with the Healthcare Professions Council (HCPC). Allowing them to become a practicing Therapeutic Radiographer and be eligible to apply for a role as Therapeutic Radiographer at band 5 level.
• The trainee will be required to rotate through all areas within the radiotherapy departments to develop a well-rounded knowledge of all aspects of the radiotherapy service and cancer care pathway. Placements will include time in Pre-treatment and Treatment delivery (Protons and Photons) across all Christie sites. Placements will also include experience of the entire cancer pathway.
• The trainee will work supernumerary whilst in the department, under the supervision of a registered practitioner as part of a multi-disciplinary team. The trainee will provide radiotherapy treatment and patient support, in line with Trust and departmental policies and procedures under supervision.
  The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.
  We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years.
  We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical / Clinical
Work within the departmental protocols; under supervision.
Under supervision be able to use their own judgement following assessment of patient and identifying and escalating when needed to a registered professional in the team.
To develop their skills in analysing complex treatments during their training
Contribute to clinical discussion under the supervision of the team
To undertake additional training and development to maintain and develop personal skills, up-to-date and effective practice and knowledge in relation to the role through continuing professional development.
Undertake all mandatory training relevant to role
Complete an annual appraisal with clear objectives aligned with year of training
Act as peer support in years 2 and 3 to new apprentices commencing their programmes
Apply safe and effective moving and handling skills to protect patients and staff and abide by Health and Safety legislation in the workplace.
Provide, receive and use sensitive information, maintaining patient confidentiality at all times in line with information governance legislation.
Minimise risk of cross infection through contamination by bodily fluids/matter, in accordance with the infection control policy.
Ensure all work and actions comply with local rules and current UK Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 and IR(ME)R 2000.
Anticipate and identify common and complex treatment related side effects, offering advice under supervision and where necessary refer to other relevant health care professionals.
Management/leadership
Manage their own time efficiently, ensuring all clinical and academic needs/ requirements are met.
Understand the departmental processes and assist with the daily workflow for the area they are working in, under supervision.
Using empathic, motivational, and compassionate communication skills to represent the views of team members and peers at meetings and workgroups and when reporting information back to the team.
Patient care
Working under supervision, ensure they follow the Trust policies and work protocols to give high quality patient care. Highlighting any areas of concern to a supervising member of the team.
Highlighting and following Trust procedures with any concerns in regard to safeguarding of patients and their families
Responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and cleaning environments; including equipment pre/post procedure, under supervision.
Working under supervision, recognise and appropriately act upon the emotional and psychological needs of patients, colleagues, team and one’s self due to the frequent exposure to distressing and emotional circumstances, e.g. continually working with patients with cancer.
Working under supervision, dealing empathetically with cancer patients, families and carers with challenging behaviour, caused by either the physical and/or emotional effects of diagnosis or the disease, impacts on the emotional effort required for this post.
Dealing with the large age range of patients and carers / dependents of varying physical states including anaesthetised and unconscious.
General
Actively participate in and support activities in promoting and recruiting to the profession.
To work flexibly as required by the service need.
Participate in the extended shift system, bank holidays, weekend working and on call.
Training / Academic Studies
To participate and attend all teaching activities and meetings as required of the degree course at the Higher Education Institute (HEI) or local departmental training.
Ensure all assignments and academic workload is completed to the required level and in a timely manner.
Attend academic sessions, some of which will be at the HEI, and use protected time appropriately to ensure completion of the programme.
Achieve all the competencies as outlined by the radiotherapy education team in conjunction with the HEI, within a specified time period
Complete the competency-based training set by the HEI, providing evidence in the required portfolio/degree modules.
Provide mentorship, guidance, and be a consistent role model for other learners in the department.
Highlight to line manager all issues of inadequate performance, including capability and poor professional standards, that may impinge on the apprenticeship completion. Provide evidence where necessary and requested