Health Physicist I

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 supervision of the Radiation Safety Officer, responsible for the maintenance of radiation safety standards in all areas of the Hospital. Conducts radiation surveys as required to assure that safety and quality assurance standards are satisfied. Assists in all aspects of the radiation safety program, such as the personnel monitoring program, radiation shielding designs & surveys, brachytherapy program, staff training, patient education, area surveys, instrumentation program, program audits, and other medical health physics duties as necessary.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

• 1. Provides surveillance of all health physics activities, including personnel and environmental monitoring.
• 2. Provides consultation to all departments of the Hospital on matters relating to radiation protection, safety, and quality assurance.
• 3. Performs routine audits of the radiation protection program to assess the overall performance as well as identify areas for needed improvement. Assists with creating and implementation of corrective actions to improve the radiation protection program.
• 4. Assists in the development of policies and procedures pertaining to the safe use of radiation and radioactive materials.
• 5. Assists in creating, improving, and implementing training and education resources for patients and staff.
• 6. Maintains records of receipt, delivery, and shipping of all radioactive materials entering or leaving Yale-New Haven Hospital.
• 7. Monitors all devices capable of producing ionizing radiation from the standpoint of the safety of patients and Hospital personnel. 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.
• 8. Assists in the distribution and collection of personnel monitoring equipment; maintains personnel exposure records, notifies and investigates individuals and their supervisors of exposures exceeding control limits and recommends appropriate remedial actions.
• 9. Instructs patients, family, and personnel in proper radiation protection procedures through in-service lectures and consultation.
• 10. Assists in the waste disposal program, including transport, storage, and disposal records.
• 11. Assists in leak testing and inventory control of all sealed sources.
• 12. Assists in radiopharmaceutical therapies to insure safe administration of doses, adherence to isolation and decontamination requirements, and release of patients and facilities afterwards. Insures that appropriate bioassay procedures are performed and completed.
• 13. Performs decontamination activities for planned and unplanned events involving radioactive material. Coordinates response with emergency room personnel in the event of a radiation accident involving the need for decontamination.
• 14. Provides in-service lectures to those personnel working around or concerned about radiation or radioactive sources.
• 15. Participates in shielding activities, such as the design and survey of procedural rooms requiring ionizing radiation shielding.
• 16. Through membership in scientific organization, attendance at scientific meetings, and reading of scientific journals, maintains an up-to-date knowledge of developments in radiological physics, and introduces new developments into the program at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Health Physics, Radiological Physics, or closely related discipline.

EXPERIENCE

0-2 years of experience in radiation safety or similar role (e.g. occupational safety) preferred.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Ability to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to implement a safe radiation environment in a dynamic setting. Knowledge of radiation detection equipment, occupational monitoring devices, proficiency in data analysis, problem solving skills, strong communication skills, and ability to work well in a team environment.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Some job tasks require direct patient interaction and presence during treatment, including the surgical environment. Heavy lifting may occasionally be required.