Radiation Safety Officer

Job Profile Summary 

This role focuses on preventing workplace accidents and promotes health and safety awareness and education to individuals within the organization.  In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Patient Safety duties: Works to prevent workplace accidents and promotes health and safety awareness and education for patients within the organization.  A management role that supervises employees focusing on tactical, operational activities within a specified area, with the majority of time spent overseeing area of responsibility, planning, prioritizing and/or directing the responsibilities of employees. Goal achievement is typically accomplished through performance of direct and/or indirect reports.  A role that supervises all levels of employees.  Responsibilities that typically include: Setting goals and objectives for team members for achievement of operational results, problems faced may be difficult but typically are not complex, and ensures policies, practices and procedures are understood and followed by direct reports, customers and stakeholders.

Job Overview 

This position is directly responsible for the supervision and administration of the Health Physics Section in the Department of Therapeutic Radiology and the Radiation Safety Program. This position acts to ensure that the use of radioactive materials and radiation emitting devices are used in compliance with applicable federal/state/local regulations. Acts as the medical center’s primary point of contact with regulators for issues related to the use of radioactive materials and radiation generating machines. Ensures that those departments that utilize radioactive materials and/or radiation emitting devices are in compliance with all federal and state laws. 

Job Description 

Minimum Qualifications: 

1. Bachelor’s degree in Health Physics, Biological Sciences, or related field. 

2. American Board of Health Physics (ABHP) certification or certification eligible. 

3. Level C HAZMAT certification. 

4. Eight (8) years of progressively more responsible health physics experience. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

1. Master’s degree in Health Physics, Biological Sciences, or related field. 

2. National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists (NRRPT). 

3. Ten (10) years of progressively more responsible health physics experience. 

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. 

1. Supervises day-to-day activities of the Radiation Safety Programs at assigned locations.  

2. Supervises programs for radioisotope lab inspection, radiation survey and area monitoring programs. Directs in-house calibration program for radiation survey, monitoring and measurement equipment.  

3. Evaluates proposed work with radioactive materials in respect to radiation safety in accordance with established review process. Evaluates adequacy of training and experience of individuals proposing to work with radioactive materials.  

4. Maintains necessary records for compliance with regulations of Federal, State and Local agencies, i.e., FDA, NRC, DOT, MASS. DPH, OSHA.  

5. Supervises radiation waste disposal program. Oversees evaluation, selection, design, fabrication, maintenance and use of facilities and equipment for the collection, treatment, packaging and disposal of radioactive waste and for developing related radiation safety procedures.  

6. Supervises radiation incidents and special decontamination operations. On 24 hour call for emergency situations. Assists Radiation Safety Officer in planning and documenting emergency procedures and policy statements.  

7. Assists Radiation Safety Officer in license application, amendment and renewal processes.  

8. Supervises the personnel radiation-monitoring program. Oversees the selection, evaluation, distribution and maintenance of monitoring devices and interpreting results.  

9. Supervises and maintains programs for bioassay, radioactive effluent measurement and monitoring, process control and confinement systems.  

10. Maintains separate purchasing unit within section for ordering, receipt, and delivery of all radioactive materials, Works in conjunction with main purchasing departments at Tufts MC, TUSM, and the HNRC.  

11. Prepares annual budget. Determines users’ fees for research staff and outside contracts (TUSM and HNRC). Meets with departments charged in order to explain billing process.  

12. Interviews, selects, and trains employees. Directs and distributes work. Evaluates efficiency and productivity.  

13. Acts as liaison between Health Physics and research and medical staff. Interacts with nursing, supports departments, government officials, hospital administrators, patients, other institutions, industry and general public in order to implement and monitor radiation safety programs.  

14. Conducts educational program to inform ancillary personnel (clerical ESD, nursing, etc.) whose duties may require them to work in the vicinity of radioactive material, about radiation hazards and appropriate precautions.  

15. Conducts radiation protection training program for registered radiation workers (occupational exposed). Provides training in handling techniques, safety procedures, and general introduction to radiation safety program.  

16. Provides lecture series for principal investigators seeking to become licensed by the Radiation Safety Committee. Provides preparation for licensure examination. Prepares and administers the license examination in conjunction with the Radiation Safety Officer and the Radiation Safety Committee.  

17. Acts as an AO HOC member of the radiation safety committee involved with this program. Participates on the Tufts MC Hospital Safety Committee.  

18. Responsible for calibration of Brachytherapy sources and related radiation safety procedures involved in direct patient care.  

19. Participates in Medical Physics Division projects such s Diagnostic Radiology Quality Control and Therapeutic Radiology Special Topics Course to be offered to therapeutic radiology residents in the Boston area. 

Physical Requirements:  

1. Occupationally exposed radiation worker. 

Skills & Abilities: 

1. Working knowledge of ALARA principles, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and NRC regulations, ANSI requirements for laser safety, and NCRP and ICRP recommendations. 

2. Analytical and organizational skills to organize, prioritize and manage the successful completion of projects within budget and time constraints. 

3. Solid computer literacy, proficiency in HP Assist and Microsoft Office suite in a Windows environment. 

4. Administrative skills needed for providing effective leadership to Health Physics staff. 

5. Advanced skills to appropriately use technology and relevant scientific equipment, as required 

6. Excellent skills in problem solving and time management. 

7. Excellent skills in teamwork. 

8. Interpersonal skills needed for training employees in appropriate techniques for handling radiation equipment and materials, for interacting with hospital staff, physicians, patients, & government officials. 9. Ability to set priorities, to meet deadlines, and to work independently.