Medical Dosimetrist

About the Job

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) is seeking a highly skilled Medical Dosimetrist to play a critical role in developing and implementing radiation treatment plans to deliver precise and effective care to our patients.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement radiation treatment plans using computer and/or manual computations to deliver the prescribed radiation dose and field placement technique in accordance with the radiation oncologist's prescription.
• Design treatment plans by means of computer and/or manual computation with optimal beam geometry to deliver a prescribed radiation dose and spare critical structures in accordance with the radiation oncologist's prescriptions.
• Identify and contour normal and dose-limiting structures by utilizing images from one or more data sets.
• Create and transfer reference images and localization markers for portal verification and treatment delivery to include digitally reconstructed radiography (DRRs), cone beam computed tomography (CBCTs) and other image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) methods, as specified.
• Perform simulations and tumor localization using specified imaging devices, including computed tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET).
• Make compensation filters, custom shields, wedges, and other beam-modifying devices.
• Plan and implement the production of molds, casts, and other immobilization devices.
• Communicate with the radiation therapist(s) and assume an advisory role in the implementation of the treatment plan, including the correct use of immobilization devices, compensators, wedges, field arrangement, and other treatment or imaging parameters.
• Perform calculations for the accurate delivery of the prescribed dose, document all pertinent information in the patient record, and verify the mathematical accuracy of all calculations by an approved method.
• Assist and support the radiation oncology team in radiation safety and protection, qualitative machine calibrations, quality assurance of treatment plans and radiation oncology equipment.
• Operate and perform quality assurance, under the direction of the Medical Physicist, on the treatment planning computer(s).
• Apply specific methods of patient and/or beam dosimetry as directed by the Medical Physicist.
• Assist in brachytherapy procedures by performing treatment planning and dose calculations. May perform or assist in the receiving, loading, and shipping of radioactive materials.
• Utilize radiation monitoring devices to measure radioactivity and perform assays.
• Teach applied aspects of medical dosimetry to students, radiation therapists, and residents.

About the Department of Health Services

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) is the second-largest municipal health system in the nation. Through its integrated system of 25 health centers and four hospitals and expanded network of community partner clinics, DHS annually provides direct care for 600,000 unique patients, employs over 23,000 staff, and has an annual budget of over $6.2 billion.

Requirements

• A valid and active certification as a Medical Dosimetrist issued by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board.
• Points will be awarded for post-certificate work experience as a Medical Dosimetrist.
• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Working Conditions

This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

Selection Process

This examination will consist of an evaluation of experience and desirable qualifications weighted at 100%. Candidates must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on the examination in order to be placed on the eligible register.