HEALTH PHYSICIST - Radiation Safety Officer
Location: Albany New York
Description: Department of Veterans Affairs is at present recruited HEALTH PHYSICIST - Radiation Safety Officer right now, this vacancy will be placed in New York. For detail informations about this vacancy opportunity kindly see the descriptions. Albany, NY United States
Duties:
This position is located at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, NY. The primary purpo! se of the Health Physicist - Radiation Safety Officer is to be the Medical CenterÂ's technical expert on radiation safety and the position is organizationally referred as the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). The Health Physicist - Radiation Safety Officer has significant responsibility to use professional, health physics, and administrative knowledge to manage the Radiation Safety Program. Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Reviews DVA Directives, Handbooks, Information Notices, regulatory guides, draft proposals;
Updates local policies, memoranda, SOPs, Quality Management Programs, Audits, and Written Directives;
Reviews and updates Medical CenterÂ's policies on the requisition, purchase, receipt, use, transport, and disposition of spent material, consistent with federal rules and regulations for all pertinent areas of responsibility;
Prepares and updates Medical Center policies to ensure that exposure to ionizing radiation is ! as low as (is) reasonably achievable (ALARA);
Instructs Me! dical Center personnel in the proper uses of personal monitors;
Audits and updates annually the Quality Management Programs and written directives as performed by Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy;
Prepares Radiation Safety Committee agenda, meeting minutes, and distributes electronic copies for review;
Conducts an annual review of the Radiation Safety Program;
Responds to radiological safety incidents and accidents such as spills, unplanned releases, or defined medical event;
Ensures that appropriate acceptance and periodic testing are performed according to accepted practice standards, as defined by the American Associates of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Task Force guidance for Linear Accelerators and Brachytherapy practices;
Ensures that environmental release of airborne, spent activity is in compliance with DVA, EPA, and NRC rules and regulations;
Ensures annual calibration of radiation survey instruments, GM survey meters; also, gamma ! counters, liquid scintillation counters, and thyroid uptake probe;
Conducts and documents training of Medical Center personnel who may be occupationally exposed to DVA materials;
Serves as MRI Safety Officer for the Medical Center and ensures all employees are aware of MRI safety as appropriate to their practices;
Manages a consolidated inventory of radioactive materials, including receipts, decay-in-storage, and Waste Manifest for disposition of spent material;
Manages the extended, interim storage of low level radioactive waste in accordance with NRC Information No. 90-09;
Coordinates collection, storage, and disposition of spent waste, including effluent monitoring with Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Oncology, and Office of Medical Research; and,
Performs other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Designated Drug-Testing Position: Applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testi! ng designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal ! drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received.
***RELOCATION EXPENSES AND/OR INCENTIVES ARE NOT AUTHORIZED***
Summary
OUR MISSION: To fulfill President LincolnÂ's promise - Â"To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphanÂ" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are AmericaÂ's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) needs employees who possess the energy, compassion, and commitment to serve those who served our Country. Whatever the job title, every position in VA will give you a chance to make a meaningful and personal contribution to the lives of truly special and deserving people - our Veterans. VA professionals feel good about their careers and! their ability to balance work and home life. VA offers generous paid time off and a variety of predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities. Working for VA is one of the most emotionally satisfying and professionally rewarding ways to dedicate the best within you to your Country's service.
If you are transitioning from the military or a Veteran already, we invite you to explore the benefits of continuing your career at the VA. The VA is committed to hiring Veterans . The VA is much more than just another employer. It is an honorable, open and welcoming community of those who care. Gratitude is our motivation and service is our mission.
The VA has adopted Core Values and Characteristics that apply universally across the Department. The five Core Values define Â"who we are,Â" our culture, and how we care for Veterans, their families and other beneficiaries. The Values are I ntegrity, C ommitment, A dvocacy, R espect and E xcellence (Â" I CARE Â").
America's ! Veterans need you! To find out more, go to http://www.va.gov/jobs/ .
Qualifications & Evaluations
Applicants must provide proof of Radiation Safety Officer credentials by submitting the following:
• NRC Form 313A "Medical Use Training and Experience and Preceptor Attestation" (including Part II, Preceptor Attestation). To access this form, click here . IMPORTANT: If you are applying online you must submit this form by fax to 1-478-757-3144 with the US Government Application Cover Page: http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf . (If you are applying completely by fax using OPM Form 1203-FX, DO NOT use a cover page; page 1 of the 1203-FX should be the first page of your fax and is considered the cover page). ~AND~ • Copy of license showing area of use.
To qualify for this position, you must meet all of the following requirements: (1) US Nuclear Regulatory (NRC) training and experience requirements to be a Radiation Safety Officer on a Broad Scope License as indicated below; (2) the Basic Requirement for the GS-1306 s! eries and; (3) the Minimum Qualifications for the GS-13 grade level.
This position includes Selective Placement Factors (skill, knowledge, ability or other worker characteristic basic to - and essential for - satisfactory performance of the job). Selective Placement Factors are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for a position. Applicants who do not meet it are ineligible for further consideration.
The Selective Placement Factors for this position are: - You must meet the required training and experience requirements under 10 CFR part 35 and submit NRC Form 313A as indicated below.
§ 35.50 Training for Radiation Safety Officer.
Except as provided in § 35.57, the licensee shall require an individual fulfilling the responsibilities of the Radiation Safety Officer as provided in § 35.24 to be an individual who--
(a) Is certified by a specialty board whose certification process has been recognized by the Commission or ! an Agreement State and who meets the requirements in paragraphs (d) and! (e) of this section. (The names of board certifications which have been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State will be posted on the NRC's Web page.) To have its certification process recognized, a specialty board shall require all candidates for certification to:
(1)
(i) Hold a bachelor's or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in physical science or engineering or biological science with a minimum of 20 college credits in physical science;
(ii) Have 5 or more years of professional experience in health physics (graduate training may be substituted for no more than 2 years of the required experience) including at least 3 years in applied health physics; and
(iii) Pass an examination administered by diplomates of the specialty board, which evaluates knowledge and competence in radiation physics and instrumentation, radiation protection, mathematics pertaining to the use and measurement of radioactivity, radiation biology, and ! radiation dosimetry; or
(2)
(i) Hold a master's or doctor's degree in physics, medical physics, other physical science, engineering, or applied mathematics from an accredited college or university;
(ii) Have 2 years of full-time practical training and/or supervised experience in medical physics—
(A) Under the supervision of a medical physicist who is certified in medical physics by a specialty board recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State; or
(B) In clinical nuclear medicine facilities providing diagnostic and/or therapeutic services under the direction of physicians who meet the requirements for authorized users in §§ 35.57, 35.290, or 35.390; and
(iii) Pass an examination, administered by diplomates of the specialty board, that assesses knowledge and competence in clinical diagnostic radiological or nuclear medicine physics and in radiation safety; or
(b)
(1) Has completed a structured educational program consisting of both: (i) 200 hours of classroom and laboratory training in the following ! areas--
(A) Radiation physics and instrumentation;
(B) Radiation protection;
(C) Mathematics pertaining to the use and measurement of radioactivity;
(D) Radiation biology; and
(E) Radiation dosimetry; and
(ii) One year of full-time radiation safety experience under the supervision of the individual identified as the Radiation Safety Officer on a Commission or Agreement State license or permit issued by a Commission master material licensee that authorizes similar type(s) of use(s) of byproduct material involving the following--
(A) Shipping, receiving, and performing related radiation surveys;
(B) Using and performing checks for proper operation of instruments used to determine the activity of dosages, survey meters, and instruments used to measure radionuclideÂ's;
(C) Securing and controlling byproduct material;
(D) Using administrative controls to avoid mistakes in the administration of byproduct material;
(E) Using procedures t! o prevent or minimize radioactive contamination and using proper decontamination procedures;
(F) Using emergency procedures to control byproduct material; and
(G) Disposing of byproduct material; or
(2) [Reserved]
(c) (1) Is a medical physicist who has been certified by a specialty board whose certification process has been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State under § 35.51(a) and has experience in radiation safety for similar types of use of byproduct material for which the licensee is seeking the approval of the individual as Radiation Safety Officer and who meets the requirements in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section; or (2) Is an authorized user, authorized medical physicist, or authorized nuclear pharmacist identified on the licensee's license and has experience with the radiation safety aspects of similar types of use of byproduct material for which the individual has Radiation Safety Officer responsibilities;
AND
(d) Has obt! ained written attestation, signed by a preceptor Radiation Safety Offic! er, that the individual has satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraph (e) and in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) or (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) or (b)(1) or (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this section, and has achieved a level of radiation safety knowledge sufficient to function independently as a Radiation Safety Officer for a medical use licensee; and
(e) Has training in the radiation safety, regulatory issues, and emergency procedures for the types of use for which a licensee seeks approval. This training requirement may be satisfied by completing training that is supervised by a Radiation Safety Officer, authorized medical physicist, authorized nuclear pharmacist, or authorized user, as appropriate, who is authorized for the type(s) of use for which the licensee is seeking approval.
[70 FR 16361, Mar. 30, 2005; 71 FR 1926, Jan. 12, 2006; 71 FR 15008, Mar. 27, 2006; 74 FR 33904, Jul. 14, 2009, 76 FR 72085, Nov. 22,2011]
You will be rated on the following K! nowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other characteristics (KSAOs) as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position:
Knowledge of radiation health and safety principles, practices, regulations, and standards.
Knowledge of health physics principles applicable to work radiation protection.
Knowledge of the techniques used to detect and measure ionizing radiation.
Knowledge of federal radiation safety regulations and policies.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Physical Requirements: Much of the work is in an office or restricted areas as defined for the purpose of radiation safety. Some work involves moving moderately heavy objects (20-30lbs). The person in this position must be able to handle delicate instruments. Some work involves routine trips throughout the Medical Center, particularly nuclear medicine suites, radiation therapy, laboratories in research and some patient therapy rooms, and participation in scheduled and unscheduled dril! ls. The person in this position may be occupationally exposed to ionizi! ng radiation.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications .
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Applicants will be ranked based on four quality groups, as follows:
Best qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position;
Highly qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the requirements of the job;
Well qualified - applicants posse! ssing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in some, but not all, of the requirements of the job; and
Qualified - applicants possessing experience and/or education that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors.
After the vacancy announcement closes, reviewed applications are evaluated against the questionnaire responses and placed in the appropriate quality group. Qualified veterans will be afforded preference by being placed at the top of the appropriate quality group. The best qualified group is the first to be referred to the hiring facility for further consideration and possible interview. The remaining groups may be referred based on the number of applicants available.
Benefits & Other Info
VA offers a comprehensive benefits package. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered: http://www.va.gov/jobs/j! ob_benefits/benefits.asp.
The Federal Government has special appoin! ting authorities for persons with qualifying disabilities, such as Schedule A. Specific information can be found at http://www.opm.gov/disability/peoplewithdisabilities.asp . IMPORTANT: If you would like to receive consideration as a Schedule A applicant, you must contact the Human Resources office at the facility where this position is located at (518)626-6766.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application (See "Required Documents" section below). The complete Application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Wednesday, September 18, 2013.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button on the right side of this screen to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Be sure to upload the required documents before you submit your application. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process. Mailed/emailed applications will not be accepted.
Note: T! o change or update your application, simply reapply through My USAJOBS, before the closing date. To check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account ( https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login ), select Application Status and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
If you cannot apply online:
Click the following link to view and print the occupational questionnaire: View Occupational Questionnaire .
Print this 1203FX form to provide your response to the occupational questionnaire: http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf .
Fax the completed 1203FX form along with all supporting documents to (478)757-3144. Your 1203FX form must be placed on top of all materials being faxed and will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission.
Keep a copy of your fax receipt in case verification is needed.
To fax supporting documents you are unable to upload:
Complete this c! over page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf using the following! Vacancy ID: 952092. You must use this fax cover sheet in order for your documents to be matched with your online application.
Fax your documents to (478)757-3144.
More Info
Albany
NY
2013-09-05T19:27:00.972600
350866200
Permanent
APPLICANTS PLEASE NOTE: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Please refer to this checklist to ensure proper accreditation and for foreign education requirements.
GS
106369
81823
1
VATA
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
None
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
The Interagency Car! eer Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/ .
VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested ! and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
T! his job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
You may be required to serve a probationary period.
Per Year
VM-13-TJE-952092
The following documents are required:
Resume
Responses to the Occupational Questionnaire
Other documents - Use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for well-qualified, displaced Federal employees), or documentation to support Veterans Preference claims. You will not be contacted for additional information.
1-Full-Time
1306-Health Physics
Active
https://ApplicationManager.gov/Login.aspx?VacancyID=952092&CheckStatus=Y
15317-Permanent
2013-09-13T01:49:11.981478
VM-13-TJE-952092
After the vacancy announcement closes and a referral certificate is issued, an electronic notification letter - or e-mail - wil! l be sent to applicants who provide an e-mail address. Otherwise, you will receive a notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service within 2 to 4 weeks.
15514-United States Citizens
- .
If you were eligible to this vacancy, please email us your resume, with salary requirements and a resume to Department of Veterans Affairs.
If you interested on this vacancy just click on the Apply button, you will be redirected to the official website
This vacancy starts available on: Sat, 14 Sep 2013 15:39:49 GMT