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Organization:

OCRS - Radiation Safety

Job Summary:

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

The primary functions of this position are to provide health physics support for the radiation patient therapy program, lead decontamination of radioactive patient rooms, perform audits of clinical areas for compliance with the VUMC Broadscope License and applicable regulations, deliver radiation safety training, and perform radiation shielding evaluations.  This position is critical to maintaining health physics support for radiation-producing equipment and the use of radioactive materials across the institution. 

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HEALTH PHYSICIST

SAFETY OFFICER

 

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

 

To provide health physics support for clinical and research activities at VUMC and VU involving ionizing radiation.

 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

1.      Provide health physics support for the radiation therapy patient program

2.      Lead the decontamination of radiation therapy rooms

3.      Perform and support Health Physics Operations

4.      Perform audits of clinical and research areas

5.      Review research protocols and perform hazard assessment for these protocols

6.      Assist with radiation safety databases

7.      Develop standard operating procedures for health physics activities

8.      Support effluent evaluation programs (sanitary sewer, NESHAPs, etc.)

9.      Develop and deliver radiation safety-related training as needed

10.  Assist with the radiation dosimetry monitoring program

11.  Assist with the instrument calibration program

12.  Assist with the radioactive waste program

13.  Other duties as assigned

 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

 

No direct reports.  Indirect supervision of technicians, students, and consultants.

 

Budgetary Responsibilities:

 

None.

 

Communication:

 

Internal:

Frequent contact with all levels of administration, faculty, and staff, including the presentation of information where a detailed explanation is required to obtain cooperation.

 

External:

Frequent contact with consultants and vendors.

 

Patient/Student Contact:

Frequent contact with patients and students.

 

 

Physical Requirements:

Be able to lift 50 lbs.  Ability to pass respirator fit-testing requirements.

 

Working Environment:

Persons in this position will frequently work in areas where potential exposure to biological and infectious agents, hazardous chemicals, and ionizing radiation may occur.  Some work outside normal business hours will be required on occasion.

 

Job Specifications:

 

Education/Experience:

 

A bachelor’s degree in health physics, physics, chemistry, biology, radiologic technology, or a related field, along with two years of direct experience in health physics, or a master’s degree in health physics, physics, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Experience should be gained at a research institution, in a healthcare setting, or in a similar environment. An equivalent combination of experience and education is also acceptable.

 

Preferred Certifications:

 

Nuclear Medicine Technology; National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists; ability to obtain certification from the American Board of Health Physics or related certifications.

 

Job-related skills:

 

Applicants must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective report writing, training, and consulting.

Our professional administrative functions include critical supporting roles in information technology and informatics, finance, administration, legal and community affairs, human resources, communications and marketing, development, facilities, and many more.

At our growing health system, we support each other and encourage excellence among all who are part of our workforce. High-achieving employees stay at Vanderbilt Health for professional growth, appreciation of benefits, and a sense of community and purpose.

Core Accountabilities:

Organizational Impact: Executes job responsibilities with the understanding of how output would affect and impact other areas related to own job area/team with occasional guidance. Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Analyzes moderately complex problems using technical experience and judgment. Breadth of Knowledge: Has expanded knowledge gained through experience within a professional area. Team Interaction: Provides informal guidance and support to team members.

Core Capabilities :

Supporting Colleagues:- Develops Self and Others: Invests time, energy, and enthusiasm in developing self/others to help improve performance e and gain knowledge in new areas.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Maintains regular contact with key colleagues and stakeholders using formal and informal opportunities to expand and strengthen relationships.- Communicates Effectively: Recognizes group interactions and modifies one's own communication style to suit different situations and audiences. Delivering Excellent Services:- Serves Others with Compassion: Seeks to understand current and future needs of relevant stakeholders and customizes services to better address them.- Solves Complex Problems: Approaches problems from different angles; Identifies new possibilities to interpret opportunities and develop concrete solutions.- Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Provides ongoing support and coaching in a constructive manner to increase employees' effectiveness. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Engages regularly in formal and informal dialogue about quality; directly addresses quality issues promptly.- Ensures Continuous Improvement: Applies various learning experiences by looking beyond symptoms to uncover underlying causes of problems and identifies ways to resolve them. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Understands all aspects of providing a safe environment and performs routine safety checks to prevent safety hazards from occurring. Managing Resources Effectively: - Demonstrates Accountability: Demonstrates a sense of ownership, focusing on and driving critical issues to closure.- Stewards Organizational Resources: Applies understanding of the departmental work to effectively manage resources for a department/area.- Makes Data Driven Decisions: Demonstrates strong understanding of the information or data to identify and elevate opportunities. Fostering Innovation:- Generates New Ideas: Proactively identifies new ideas/opportunities from multiple sources or methods to improve processes beyond conventional approaches.- Applies Technology: Demonstrates an enthusiasm for learning new technologies, tools, and procedures to address short-term challenges.- Adapts to Change: Views difficult situations and/or problems as opportunities for improvement; actively embraces change instead of emphasizing negative elements.

Position Qualifications:

Responsibilities:

Certifications:

Work Experience:

Relevant Work Experience

Experience Level:

2 years

Education:

Master's

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.

Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity.  EOE/Vets/Disabled.