About this Certified Lymphedema Therapist role at Beth Israel Lahey Health
When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives.
The Certified Lymphedema Therapist / Lymphedema Surveillance Program Lead combines direct patient care with leadership of a comprehensive cancer-related lymphedema surveillance program. The role is responsible for evaluating and treating patients, developing individualized care plans, and serving as a clinical resource for patients and multidisciplinary providers. In addition, the position oversees the day-to-day operations of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI)/ Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) Breast Cancer Lymphedema Surveillance Program, including supervision of research assistants, quality assurance, and coordination of program activities. The individual partners with clinical and administrative stakeholders to support program growth, continuous improvement, research initiatives, and the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care.Job Description:
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities (Approximately 60% effort)
Provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment of patients with or at risk for cancer-related lymphedema as a Certified Lymphedema Therapist within the BIDMC rehabilitation program, utilizing evidence-based assessment and
treatment.
Develop individualized treatment plans, provide patient and caregiver education, and collaborate with referring providers to
optimize functional outcomes and quality of life.
Serve as a clinical resource for patients and multidisciplinary providers regarding lymphedema prevention, surveillance, early
detection, and management.
Program Leadership Responsibilities (Approximately 40% effort)
Lead the day-to-day operations of the DFCI/BIDMC Breast Cancer Lymphedema Surveillance Program, ensuring efficient,
standardized, and patient-centered delivery of surveillance services.
Provide clinical oversight, mentorship, and operational support to a team of research assistants performing lymphedema
surveillance assessments, ensuring adherence to standardized protocols, quality standards, and best practices.
Coordinate and lead weekly operational meetings with the surveillance team to review workflows, address clinical
questions, and ensure consistent execution of program activities.
Organize and facilitate monthly multidisciplinary meetings with key stakeholders to review program performance, quality
metrics, operational challenges, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
Partner closely with the faculty lead of the surveillance program to support strategic planning, program development, quality
improvement initiatives, implementation of new protocols, and future program expansion.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary partners—including the Boston Lymphatic Center at BIDMC, the Zakim Center for
Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living at DFCI, and providers in breast surgery, breast medical oncology, and breast
radiation oncology—to ensure coordinated, high-quality patient care across the continuum.
Monitor program quality, maintain compliance with clinical and research protocols, support accurate data collection and
reporting, and contribute to clinical research and innovation related to lymphedema surveillance.
Required Qualifications:
- Licensed Physical Therapists or Occupation Therapist.
- Lymphedema Therapist Certification
- 10 years related work experience required
- Current licensure to practice in the Commonwealth of MA
- CPR Certification
Strong oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients and other healthcare
providers.
Strong organization and time management skills to independently manage patient caseload.
Ability to attend to detail, lead teams and interact with multiple clinical subspecialties
Understanding of medical terminology and clinical workflow.
Competencies:
Decision Making: Ability to make decisions that are guided by general instructions and practices requiring some interpretation.
May make recommendations for solving problems of moderate complexity and importance.
Problem Solving: Ability to address problems that are varied, requiring analysis or interpretation of the situation using direct
observation, knowledge and skills based on general precedents.
Independence of Action: Ability to follow precedents and procedures. May set priorities and organize work within general
guidelines. Seeks assistance when confronted with difficult and/or unpredictable situations. Work progress is monitored by
supervisor/manager.
Written Communications: Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written English with internal customers.
Oral Communications: Ability to comprehend and converse in English to communicate effectively with medical center staff.
Knowledge: Ability to demonstrate full working knowledge of standard concepts, practices, procedures and policies with the
ability to use them in varied situations.
Team Work: Ability to work collaboratively in small teams to improve the operations of immediate work group by offering
ideas, identifying issues, and respecting team members.
• Customer Service: Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and respond to requests in a timely and respectful manner.
Pay Range:
$45.56 - $63.79The pay range listed for this position is the base hourly wage range the organization reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position at this time. Actual compensation is determined based on several factors, that may include seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, geography of work location, job responsibilities, or other applicable factors permissible by law. Compensation may exceed the base hourly rate depending on shift differentials, call pay, premium pay, overtime pay, and other additional pay practices, as applicable to the position and in accordance with the law.
