Safety Officer-Health Physics at Vanderbilt Health in Nashville, TN

Job description

Discover Vanderbilt Health : With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region’s largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world-class care to the people of the Mid-South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you’ll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniqueness celebrated. We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region. 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. . 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