Radiographer Clinical Specialist, Radiation Safety Officer
Job Specification & Terms and Conditions
Job Title and Grade
Radiographer Clinical Specialist, Radiation Safety Officer
(Grade Code: 3131)
Competition
Reference
Closing Date
NRS1129
Proposed Interview
Date (s)
Taking up
Appointment
Organisational Area
May 2014
Location of Post
Radiology Department
Connolly Hospital
Dublin
Details of Service for
current vacancy
Connolly Hospital The Radiology Dept provides comprehensive, high quality imaging
services and image guided procedures in a safe and efficient manner. It provides a 24
hour, seven day a week service
The hospital is an acute teaching hospital based in west Dublin with an A&E attendance of
approximately 33,000 attendances each year. In addition there are a number of surgical
specialties on site. The hospital provides for adult services only.
The department has a Siemens 64 slice CT, Ultrasound, one interventional room and 4
general exam rooms 2 of which are digital.
12 Noon Thursday, 10th April 2014
A start date will be indicated at job offer stage.
Health Service Executive (HSE) Dublin North East
The Hospital provides for a wide spectrum of services across the medical and surgical
domain. Specialties include the following
o Cardiology
o Rheumatology
o Endocrinology
o Gastroenterology
o Respiratory
o Gerontology
o Urology
o General Medicine
o Anaesthetics & Intensive care
o General Surgery
o Bariatric Surgery
o Plastic Surgery
o Acute Psychiatry
The radiology department staff complement includes Consultant Radiologists,
Radiography Services Manager, Clinical Specialist Radiographers, Senior Radiographers,
Basic Grade Radiographers, Nursing, Clerical Admin and Healthcare Assistants.
Reporting
Relationship
Purpose of the Post
Reporting to Radiography Services Manager or other designated supervisor.
The post of Clinical Specialist Radiographer, Radiation Safety Officer has a pivotal role in
service planning, co-ordinating, and managing activity and resources within the
department regarding radiation safety.
The main responsibilities are: radiation safety, quality assurance, staff, development,
facilitating communication and professional/clinical leadership.
To lead, guide and supervise radiographic and other staff with effective utilisation of all
resources allocated.
To manage in a rapidly changing environment and be willing to undertake such additional
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duties within the Diagnostic Imaging Department also, as may be assigned from time to
time.
Principal Duties and
Responsibilities
GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY:
The person chosen will:
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Create and promote healthy working relationships
Demonstrate behaviour consistent with the Values of the Hospital
Undertake the primary responsibility on a day-to-day basis for the implementation,
management and supervision of Radiation Safety within the X-ray
Department.
Report to the Radiography Service Manager or designated deputy.
Liaise with the Clinical Director.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
The person chosen will:
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Develop, implement and maintain a Quality Assurance (QA) Programme for the Xray Department.
Hold a key role on the Institution/Authority/Board Radiation Safety Committee
Participate in Clinical Audits as relevant to the post.
Conduct and record performance tests after routine service and /or major
maintenance of X-ray equipment.
Be involved in the commissioning of new x-ray equipment.
Advise on selection, purchase, replacement or upgrading of appropriate QA
equipment.
Promote the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle.
Ensure that accurate records/logs of all incidents are maintained regarding:
o Personnel dose monitoring.
o QA on all X-ray equipment and Dose Area Product (DAP) meters.
o To teach colleagues and student radiographers the operation of DAP
meters and the link with the Radiology Information System (RIS).
o Maintain up to date knowledge of developments and requirements
regarding Radiation Safety.
Acquire knowledge of Regulations /EU Directives /Statutory Instruments regarding
Medical Ionising Radiation Protection.
Contribute to the development and implementation of operational policies,
protocols and guidelines to ensure all legislative requirements regarding Radiation
Safety are met and adhered to.
Promote and maintain a safe environment for staff, patients clients etc.
Assist in the development of Risk Management and Health and Safety strategies
in association with appropriate personnel.
Develop and maintain a training and education function in Radiation Safety as may
be required in relation to all relevant staff.
To supervise and assess all training and education as required.
Ensure that all hospital policies and relevant legislation on Radiation Safety is
understood and complied with by staff.
Promote and participate in research projects involving Radiation Safety.
Maintain throughout the Hospital an awareness of the primacy of the patient in
relation to all Hospital activities.
Assist in leading the professional organization and management of the service
with regard to Radiation Safety and have an awareness of the resources available
within the X-ray Department.
Liaise with the Radiography Service Manager (or designate) on the training and
awareness of staff with regard to new legislation.
Facilitate regular QA team meetings
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Support the Radiography Service Manager (or designate), in the leadership of a
skilled QA team within the X-ray Department in order to create and promote a safe
healthy working environment.
Actively participate in continuing education and research activities consistent with
the position.
Identify and implement operational processes to the standards of best practice in
order to optimize use of resources and to ensure compliance with statutory
requirements.
Identify, with support from the Director of Organisational Development, Director of
Programmes and Coordinator of Education & Research, the level of
undergraduate and post-graduate training in Radiation Safety the Hospital should
undertake.
Leadership.
The person chosen will work alongside the Radiography Service Manager and his/her
deputy in:
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Leading and coordinating the work of the QA team in according to patients needs
and applying delegation compatible with safety.
Assist in leading changes in work practices, procedures, techniques having regard
to developments in the field of QA and in accordance with updated legislation and
best practice.
Identify defects in QA equipment and ensure that required recalibration of
equipment is organised as required.
Receive and record details concerning out of range dose readings, investigate the
circumstances with appropriate staff and report findings as required.
Facilitate the arrangements necessary and participate where appropriate, in
education and training of X-ray staff in QA equipment, DAP meter outputs and
recording of data
Attend meetings as required relevant to QA and Radiation Safety and keep
staff briefed on developments.
Financial.
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Assist the Radiography Service Manager (or designate) in the financial
management of Radiation Safety of the Department.
Staff Management.
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Lead, by example be punctual, professional and support a dedicated team.
Create and promote open communications, healthy working relationships, and
stimulate initiative among the Radiography team regarding Quality Assurance.
Motivate team members, by agreeing goals and objectives.
Maintain teamwork and, only when necessary, take action in accordance with the
Hospital’s disciplinary policy.
Be involved in the maintenance and routine servicing of equipment.
Be part of management team within Radiology.
Information Technology.
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Collect, interpret and present data and information on the activities of the relevant
areas.
Health and Safety.
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Ensure that effective safety procedures are in place to comply not only with the
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Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act but also within the spirit of the Hospital’s
mission, vision and values, and ensure they are known and followed by the
Radiography team.
NOTE: The extent and speed of change in the delivery of health care is such that
adaptability is essential at this level of management. The incumbent will be required to
maintain, enhance and develop their professional knowledge, skills and aptitudes
necessary to respond to a changing situation. The Job Description must be regarded as
an outline of the major areas of accountability at the present time, which will be reviewed
and assessed on an on-going basis.
Professional Duties
 To maintain and promote a high standard of Radiography and imaging by complying
with National and Departmental Quality Standards.
 To be professionally responsible for all aspects of post-holders work.
 To undertake X-ray and Imaging examinations as required.
 Ensure compliance with all departmental and hospital policies and protocols.
 Ensure that the privacy and dignity of the patient is respected at all times.
 To maintain the highest aspects of patient care and report any discrepancies
found in that regard.
 Contribute to the management function of the Department in the delivery of high
quality service, in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
 Assist in the training of less experienced or student radiographers and provide
clinical and practical leadership in order to develop the person’s knowledge and
skills.
 Develop good working relations with all members of the multi-disciplinary team.
 Assist in the accreditation standards process in the hospital.
 To participate when required in the ‘On-Call’ rotas.
 To continuously update knowledge and skills and develop a professional
development portfolio.
 To check equipment daily and ensure it is maintained in proper working order.
 Report and record any equipment faults to the Radiographic Services Manager or
delegate.
 To keep up to date with current techniques and developments in radiographic and
imaging procedures.
 To attend relevant study days, seminars and courses.
 To participate in the audit process where required.
 To maintain excellent hygiene standards in accordance with national and hospital
protocols and guidelines.
 To have a flexible approach to work.
 Participate in the Departmental Quality Assurance programme.
 All incidents within the department must be reported and recorded immediately in
line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989, and all staff must
comply with all safety regulations.
Radiation Safety
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Be familiar with and observe national and local radiation safety rules, legislation
and European directives.
Observe systems of dose reduction (ALARA)– Justification, Optimisation and
Dose Limitation.
Observe practices that protect themselves, the patient and others from direct and
scattered radiation.
Observe departmental policy regarding radiological examination of women of
reproductive capacity.
The post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post,
which may be assigned to him/her by the Radiographic Services Manager and to
contribute to the development of the post while in office.
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Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must, on the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the post:
Qualifications and/ or
experience
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Possess a BSc (Hons.) degree in Radiography or equivalent*
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Have not less than 6 years post qualification clinical experience
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Have obtained a recognised course in Radiation Safety.
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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
*Applicants who obtained their professional qualification outside of the Republic of Ireland
are required to have it validated by the Competent Authority prior to taking up employment.
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
Demonstrate depth and breadth of Radiation Safety experience as relevant to the role.
Other requirements
specific to the post
Essential skills,
competencies and/or
knowledge
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The Post Holder will be required to participate in the hospital on-call rotas.
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Demonstrate sufficient clinical 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 plan and manage resources in an effective manner
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 skills
Display awareness and appreciation of service users and the ability to empathise
with and treat others with dignity and respect
Demonstrate flexibility and openness to change
Demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development
Demonstrate a willingness to develop IT skills relevant to the role.
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Campaign
Specific
A ranking and or shortlisting exercise may be carried out on the basis of information
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Selection Process
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.
Ranking/Shortlisting /
Interview
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 www.hse.ie in the
document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information for Candidates
or on www.cpsa.ie.
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.
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Radiographer Clinical Specialist
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Tenure
The current vacancy available is permanent and whole time.
The post is pensionable. A panel will be created from which permanent and specified purpose
vacancies of full or part time duration will be filled. 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:
€49,591 - €52,162 - €54,345 - €56,530 - €58,758
Working Week
The standard working week applying to the post is to be outlined at job offer stage.
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 to be outlined at job offer stage 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.
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.
Protection of
Persons Reporting
Child Abuse Act
1998
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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