Dosimetrist

Description

Under direction, to design a treatment plan to deliver a prescribed radiation dose and field placement technique following the Radiation Oncologist's prescription to a defined tumor volume.

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Typical Tasks

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

* Designs and outlines an appropriate treatment plan that considers multiple parameters, such as the patient's age, extent of the damage done by the disease, the volume of the tumor, and proximity of organs that are especially sensitive to radiation;
* Ensures optimization of radiation exposure to limit any adverse outcome of the radiation therapy process;
* Coordinates treatment simulations and tumor localization on dedicated devices for radiation oncology treatment planning;
* Executes all technical aspects of radiation oncology and medical physics to develop computerized treatment plans, liaising with Radiation Oncologists for plan approval and Radiation Therapists for implementation;
* Assists in planning and fabricating compensation filters, custom shields, wedges, and other beam modifying devices used during treatment;
* Collaborates with staff to implement treatment plans accurately, including the correct use of immobilization devices, compensators, wedges, field arrangements, and other treatment variables;
* Performs calculations for various techniques to ensure accurate delivery of prescribed radiation dose;
* Verifies mathematical accuracy of all calculations following protocols established by Medical Physicists;
* Documents all pertinent information in the patient record;
* Ensures patient confidentiality;
* Provides physics and technical support to Medical Physicists, including radiation protection, qualitative machine calibrations, and equipment quality assurance;
* Performs or assists in the dosimetry methods t as directed by Medical Physicist;
* Performs or assists with CT-Simulation when CT technologists are unavailable;
* Assists in intra-cavity and interstitial brachytherapy procedures and in the subsequent manual and/or computerized dose distribution calculations of these treatments;
* Operates and performs quality assurance, on treatment planning computers under the direction of Medical Physicists;
* Instructs students and residents on applied aspects of medical dosimetry when assigned;
* Participates in clinical research for the development and implementation of new techniques;
* Participates in continuing education to stay current on treatment planning techniques and advances in medical dosimetry;
* May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;
* Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through six (6) months of full-time experience as a Dosimetrist.

Special Requirements

* Possess certification as a Medical Dosimetrist issued by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this classification;
* Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.
* *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of:

* Anatomy, physiology, clinical oncology, radiobiology, radiation physics;
* Mathematical skills including algebra, trigonometry, and introductory calculus;
* Radiation treatment planning systems and techniques;
* Radiotherapy, dosimetry, brachytherapy and radiation protection;
* Health care informatics, including the resources, devices, and methods to acquire, store and retrieve data;
* English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;
* Common computer systems and applications.

Ability to:

* Interpret criteria and develop treatment plans as defined by relevant treatment protocols;
* Maintain knowledge of radiation safety and current rules and regulations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission;
* Operate and perform quality assurance, under the direction of the Medical Physicist, on treatment planning;
* Work independently, but in collaboration with the Radiation Oncologist and Medical Physicist;
* Assume substantial responsibility and use independent judgment and excellent interpersonal skills that include effective oral and written communication;
* Visualize objects in three-dimensional concepts to facilitate the treatment planning process;
* Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;
* Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies;
* Use computer systems and applications.