Health Physicist III

Overview: To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

Under the direction of the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), the health physicist III (HPIII) is responsible for oversight and maintenance of radiation safety standards in all areas of the radiation protection program. The HPIII serves as a technical expert for the radiation safety team and assists the RSO in the program?s implementation. The HPIII plays a key role in overseeing and conducting activities of the radiation protection program such as policy development, education instruction and training, radiation surveys, safety rounding, directing the operation of the occupational dosimetry service, records maintenance, and oversight of clinical radioactive material use. The HPIII serves as backup for the RSO and a qualified candidate may serve as Assistant Radiation Safety Officer on one or more radioactive materials licenses.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran Responsibilities:

• 1. Responsible for overall surveillance of all health physics activities, including personnel and environmental monitoring.
• 2. Responsible for consultation service to all departments of the Hospital on matters relating to radiation protection and safety.
• 3. Serves as backup to the Radiation Safety Officer in their absence.
• 4. Provides technical expertise and guidance to other members of the radiation safety team on matters related to the radiation protection program.
• 5. Oversees auditing of the radiation protection program for overall effectiveness and identifies areas for improvement. Responsible for reviewing implemented changes and corrective actions based on audit findings.
• 6. Coordinates with hospital departments to oversee the registration requirements for radiation producing devices in accordance with state regulations.
• 7. Participates in regulatory activities, including licensing and inspections, related to the radiation protection program. This may include interactions with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, CT Department of Health, CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and The Joint Commission and other organizations as necessary.
• 8. Maintains possession records for radioactive material including receipt, delivery, and shipping.
• 9. Participates in the shipping and receiving of radioactive material in accordance with Department of Transportation requirements.
• 10. Monitors all devices capable of producing ionizing radiation from the standpoint of the safety of patients and Hospital personnel. Assesses the hospital environment to assure compliance with radiation safety standards. These duties include, but are not limited to, measurement of radiation levels in rooms surrounding x-ray equipment, radioactive storage spaces, patients containing radioactive material, and procedural areas that use radioactive materials.
• 11. Participates in shielding evaluation activities, including design and survey of spaces requiring shielding for ionizing radiation purposes.
• 12. Provides technical guidance and assistance to the occupational dosimetry program. This includes assistance organizing the program, investigation of occupational doses exceeding control limits, communication to hospital departments, development of remedial actions, calculation of dosimetry results, and other activities that pertain to the regulatory requirements of the program. Distributes and processes personnel monitoring equipment; maintains records of personnel exposure, notifies individuals and their supervisors of exposures approaching the maximum permissible amounts and recommends appropriate remedial actions.
• 13. Instructs personnel in proper procedures for the use of radioactive materials.
• 14. Coordinates the waste disposal program, including records of waste, storage, and disposal.
• 15. Maintains a current inventory and performs leak tests on all sealed radioactive sources
• 16. Provides coordination and assistance for decontamination activities of planned or unplanned events involving radioactive material. Participates in oversight and coordination with emergency response personnel in the event of a radiation accident involving the need for hospital response.
• 17. Assists in radiopharmaceutical therapies to ensure safe administration of doses, adherence to isolation and decontamination requirements, and release of patients and facilities.
• 18. Reviews research protocols for use of radiation and radioactive materials in humans in accordance with institution policies and procedures.
• 19. Designs and implements education and training related to the use of radiation and radioactive materials in the hospital environment. This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, providing in-person lectures to hospital staff, instructions to patients, and creation of electronic training resources.
• 20. Through membership in scientific organizations, attendance at scientific meetings, and reading of scientific journals, maintains up-to-date knowledge of developments in radiological physics, and introduces new developments into the hospital.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION

Master's degree in Health or Radiological Physics (preferred) or closely related field; or Bachelor's degree in Health or Radiological Physics or closely related field with additional years of experience in medical radiation safety or certification (e.g. Certified Health Physicist).

EXPERIENCE

At least seven to ten (7-10) years' experience in medical radiation safety depending on education and certification. Prior experience as associate radiation safety officer or radiation safety officer on a broad scope medical license is desirable.

LICENSURE

Certification by at least one of the following is desirable: -American Board of Health Physics (AAHP) -American Board of Medical Physics (ABMP - Medical Health Physics) -American Board of Science in Nuclear Medicine (ABSNM - Radiation Protection) -American Board of Radiology (ABR - Diagnostic or Nuclear Medical Physics)

SPECIAL SKILLS

Ability to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to implement a safe radiation environment in a dynamic setting. In depth knowledge of radiation detection equipment, occupational monitoring, ionizing radiation shielding, radiation physics, medical imaging safety, and radiation biology. Candidate should have proficiency in data analysis, problem solving and corrective action implementation, strong communication skills, and ability to work well in a team environment. Strong knowledge of state and federal regulations, including guidance, related to ionizing radiation sources and protection. Familiarity with accrediting standards and best practices for ionizing radiation in the medical setting.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Some job tasks require direct patient interaction and presence during procedures, including the surgical environment. Participation in emergency response to a radiological event may be required. Occasional work scheduled outside normal schedule. Activities related to use of unsealed radioactive materials, including spill response, require physical demand related to preventative preparations and decontamination. Heavy lifting may occasionally be required.

Additional Information:

Full time position.