Lead Safety Officer

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

13d

About The Position

The Lead Safety Officer independently implements and evaluates chemical, biological, radiological, general, and fire safety programs, ensuring facilities comply with standards established by regulatory and accrediting agencies. The role serves as a lead resource for the team and helps carry out department objectives. It directly supervises staff, mentors and develops employees, processes employee actions, and communicates team performance to department leadership. The officer also provides direction and assistance to Associate Safety Officers and/or Safety Officers. The role interprets applicable regulations, policies, and standard operating procedures; evaluates compliance; develops inspection checklists; conducts inspections and program evaluations; and prepares and presents results. It develops final departmental documents, including SOPs and guides, and creates and delivers training for varied audiences. The officer participates in or leads relevant committees, subcommittees, and task forces, provides recommendations, assists with corrective actions, and may facilitate meetings and manage agendas and minutes. The role also produces final departmental reports for internal and/or external reporting and continually develops technical expertise in one or more safety areas, including through study to maintain or pursue certification. The position requires advanced capabilities in computer and electronic applications, safety, regulatory compliance, documentation and writing, project management, and data analysis. The role has a direct impact on unit or department objectives, involves extensive analysis of complex issues, and may lead mid-sized projects while coaching and guiding colleagues. Vanderbilt Health describes a comprehensive benefits package that may include health, disability, retirement, and/or wellness offerings.

Requirements

Five years of relevant work experience.
Master’s degree.
Advanced computer and electronic application knowledge.
Advanced knowledge of safety practices and compliance requirements.
Advanced knowledge of regulatory compliance, including interpreting and explaining complex or ambiguous regulations and directing or training others in their application.
Advanced documentation and writing skills.
Advanced project management skills.
Advanced data analysis ability.
Ability to supervise, mentor, and guide staff.
Ability to develop and deliver training and produce inspection materials, departmental documents, and reports.

Responsibilities

Directly supervise staff, evaluate performance, and provide feedback.
Mentor and develop employees’ performance.
Process employee actions in the employee management system.
Communicate team performance to department leadership.
Interpret external regulations and internal policies and SOPs, and evaluate compliance.
Develop inspection checklists, perform inspections, prepare and present results, and conduct program evaluations.
Develop final departmental documents, including SOPs and guides.
Develop and deliver training presentations and programs to varied audiences.
Provide direction and assistance to Associate Safety Officers and/or Safety Officers.
Continue developing technical expertise in radiation, chemical, biological, or hospital safety, including study to maintain or pursue certification.
Participate in, lead, and present at assigned committees, subcommittees, and task forces; provide recommendations and assist with corrective actions.
As needed, facilitate committee meetings, set agendas, and manage meeting minutes.
Develop departmental reports for internal and/or external reporting and produce final versions.