Safety Specialist II - Ancillary Services - Full Time 8 Hour Days (Exempt) (Non-Union)

The Safety Specialist II provides broad-based expertise to hospitals and clinics in areas related to assigned specialized safety/health program(s), e.g., biohazards, radiation, chemicals and lasers.
 

Reporting to the Radiation Safety Officer for Keck Medicine of USC, the incumbent independently develops, implements, and manages multiple programs in the field of radiation safety to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety regulations and ensures a safe workplace. Responsible for the development and implementation of specific operational radiation safety programs at multiple Keck Medical Enterprise locations throughout Southern California. Experienced professional who independently performs a wide range of functions supporting radiation safety; analyzes problems and determines solutions. Decision-making is based on established procedures, relevant laws, regulations and organizational policy, professional best practices, relevant science methodology, impact on other Safety and Emergency Office programs, and senior management approval as required. Decisions may impact individual work, other Safety and Emergency Office programs, other departments, or programs in the organization.

Essential Duties:

• Primary accountabilities: Maintains radiation safety equipment, performs initial and weekly patient chart checks and dose calculations, participates in equipment evaluation and makes recommendations to the Radiation Safety Officer, maintain quality control of dosimeter, solves problems using creativity and teamwork while maintaining value-based behaviors, maintains Quality Control records on radiation equipment, serves on the Radiation Safety Committee, and answers radiation physics-related questions from outside sources.
• Develops and implements radiation safety program(s) to meet the hospitals and regulatory requirements. Establishes, documents and communicates standards, guidelines and procedures.
• Assesses existing program(s) for adequacy and regulatory compliance and recommends enhancements or modifications, as required. Maintains current knowledge on existing and pending legislation relating to radiation safety. Ensures that program design(s) reflect the most recent standards and regulations.
• Conducts hospital and clinic inspections/surveys for compliance to program regulations. Documents results and recommends corrective action where non-compliance is found. Follows-up, as required. Enforces State, Federal, and County laws regarding the manufacture, installation, and operation of X-ray equipment located in medical facilities.
• Develops and coordinates emergency response procedures. Responds to emergency calls or events and ensures that proper safety methods and procedures are followed. Prepares report(s), as required. Keeps detailed records of dose histories, bioassays, x-ray equipment, overexposures, and instrument calibrations.
• Assists clients in planning and implementing radiation safety programs. Participates in the development and implementation of hospital-wide radiation safety programs.
• Develops and delivers client training for assigned safety program(s). Conducts training and orientation sessions for employees to minimize potential safety hazards, including exposure to radiation.
• Maintains program-specific statistical records and administrative paperwork.
• Liaises with regulatory agencies and professional organizations. Provides general advice to the university community regarding safety protocols and procedures to ensure regulatory compliance as mandated by local, state, and federal agencies.
• Monitors procedures related to the handling of radioactive materials, and assists with shipping, receipt, storage and control of radioactive materials
• Must be available for on-call assignments or alternate work schedules.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Req High School or equivalent
• Req Bachelor’s Degree In physics, math, chemistry, engineering, or biology, physical science or a closely related

• OR combined experience/education as substitute for Bachelor's degree

• Req 3 years Science education/Directly related experience to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Req Experience with storing, security, decay times and disposal of low level radioactive materials.

• Req Thorough knowledge/understanding of radiation safety, including related laws and regulations, and general knowledge/understanding of all EH&S fields.
• Req Thorough knowledge, understanding of, and skill in applying radiation safety and environmental regulations (CDPH/RHB, NRC).
• Req Thorough knowledge and skill in applying and interpreting applicable local, state, and federal regulations and