"HEALTH PHYSICS ASSOCIATE"

Job Description

Under the supervision of the Health Physics Manager, the Health Physics Associate will be responsible for performing laboratory radiation safety audits, radiation safety audit reporting and metrics, patient surveys, instrument calibrations, radiation emergency response, decommissioning and lab closeouts, and UAB's Generally Licensed Device (GLD) program.

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Advises patients, physicians and employees of their radiation exposures/doses as required. Calculates exposure rates required for patient release from radiation control.
• Performs, conducts and documents difficult and complex inspections of rooms, departments, areas, or facilities where radioactive materials and or radiation-producing equipment are used to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations, and prepares associated reports.
• Provides training, consultation and assistance to professional and technical staff in public/private facilities in Health Physics and radiologic technology. Provides technical guidance and assistance to Health Physics Assistants.
• Conducts chemical waste inspections of X-ray film processing.
• Surveys the more complex radiological equipment in research/industrial facilities and conducts diagnostic checks of imaging equipment at required intervals. Participates in the assessment of new technology. Oversee the decommissioning and closeout of equipment, rooms, lab spaces, etc. where radioactive materials and/or radiation producing machines are used.
• Evaluates radiation shielding plans and specifications and performs and documents receipt surveys of incoming radioactive material shipments and distribution shipments of radioactive materials to researchers.
• Develop and maintain a program for managing UAB's GLD program. Program will include inventory, audits, disposal, metrics, reporting.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Independent Judgement/Problem Solving:

Performs duties with general supervision, using established procedures. Occasionally uses independent judgment to solve problems and may recommend improvements. Unusual problems are reported to the supervisor.

Customer Service Relationships:

Handles challenging customer situations with tact and diplomacy. Uses advanced interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships. Finds creative solutions to meet customer needs. Predicts customer needs and motivates others to provide excellent service. Handles sensitive issues and ensures problem resolution. Sets customer service standards and establishes feedback systems for improvement. Holds themselves accountable for service excellence.

STARTING HOURLY RATE OF PAY:

$50,050.00 - $60,000.00 (Commensurate with experience & qualifications)

WORK SCHEDULE:

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, including on-call (Subject to change to meet the needs of the University)

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in physical science (biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science or related), nuclear medicine, nuclear engineering or a related field and three (3) years of related experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/REGISTRATIONS:

Driving record should meet University underwriting guidelines to drive vehicle in performance of University business. Current underwriting guidelines include possession a valid driver's license, issued in the United States; at least 21 years of age; at least three years of driving experience; maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). Eligibility for certification by the American Board of Health Physics, the American Board of Medical Physics, the American Board of Radiology or an equivalent certifying body preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Interpersonal skills
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to manage deadlines
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Critical thinking and analytical skills

PERSONAL:

Required to possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without the aid of mechanical devices, to safely perform the duties and responsibilities that require performing tasks requiring wearing respirator and other personal protective equipment, such as self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), bending, stooping, kneeling, walking significant distances between and within buildings on campus, frequent traveling, ability to lift and carry a minimum of fifty (50) pounds, prolonged standing, climbing stairs, climbing ladders or entering confined spaces, sufficient mobility, dexterity, and endurance to perform emergency response and field work, and meeting entrance requirements for laboratory areas, and sitting at computer for long periods of time. You will be expected to champion the Facilities Administration's 10 Expectations and Core Values.