Safety and Risk Specialist

Cascade County•Cascade County, MT

16h

About The Position

The Safety and Human Resource Specialist for Cascade County provides loss-control and safety oversight and consultation. The position develops and maintains a county-wide safety program to minimize workplace health and safety risks and ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. It conducts on-site safety inspections, assesses risks that could affect the County’s safety, security, or financial stability, and recommends corrective action or other ways to prevent or mitigate identified risks. The Specialist administers and monitors workers’ compensation, public incident, property and casualty, and employment insurance claims and programs. The role compiles and analyzes data; reviews relevant laws and administrative rules; recommends policies; and serves as a liaison with claims adjusters, underwriters, employees, and public and private agencies. It also prepares and distributes safety and risk-mitigation information; coordinates and conducts safety meetings, training, and inspections; maintains employee driver records and vehicle logbooks; and assists with the safety and risk budget. The position provides functional and operational support across the Human Resources Department, including payroll, recruitment and employment, personnel records, employee and labor relations, compensation, benefits administration, and special projects. The successful applicant serves a six-month probationary period and is subject to a criminal background check.

Requirements

A bachelor’s or associate degree in Safety/Risk Management, Public Relations, Human Resources, or a closely related field, and five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in safety/risk management, human resources, employee benefits, or workers’ compensation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Relevant coursework, training, or workshops in safety engineering, safety/risk management, human resources, employee benefits, workers’ compensation, or related fields.
Valid driver’s license issued by the State of Montana.
Knowledge of workers’ compensation laws and procedures; safety, loss-control, and risk-management principles; ADA and OSHA requirements; HIPAA and applicable privacy and confidentiality laws; claims processing; and budget practices and controls.
Knowledge of payroll, accounting, bookkeeping, governmental accounting and reporting, wage and hour laws, collective bargaining issues related to compensation, leave and benefits, recruitment and selection, benefits administration, records retention, and County and HR policies and procedures.
Ability to use Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Publisher, as well as internet and other computer applications related to departmental work.
Ability to operate a computer and use databases, spreadsheets, and word-processing applications to complete assigned duties accurately.
Strong critical-thinking, problem-solving, interpersonal communication, and customer-service skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities amid frequent interruptions; research, collect and analyze data; prepare written and oral reports; and classify and rate risks, exposures, and loss expectancies.
Ability to communicate professionally, maintain strict confidentiality, follow instructions and County policies, and interact respectfully with the public and employees.
Ability to use sound judgment in stressful situations, work independently and as part of a team, observe established lines of authority, and demonstrate punctuality.
Ability to recognize and follow workplace safety rules, use appropriate safety equipment, and report unsafe conditions.

Nice To Haves

Strong background in leading and training a team, conducting meetings, overseeing committees, and making oral presentations.

Responsibilities

Administer and coordinate the county-wide safety program to reduce workplace health and safety risks and support compliance with state and federal requirements.
Conduct on-site workers’ compensation and safety inspections, identify risks, and recommend corrective action or improvements.
Compile, maintain, and analyze risk-management data; review applicable laws and rules; recommend safety and insurance policies; and support appropriate insurance coverage and compliance.
Liaise with claims adjusters, underwriters, employees, and public and private agencies to coordinate, administer, and monitor insurance claims and programs.
Conduct and attend safety and risk-management meetings and trainings, and coordinate or facilitate employee and volunteer safety training and inspections related to risk mitigation, First Aid, MSHA, OSHA, ADA, and forklift certification.
Provide staff education and training in CPR, First Aid, MSHA, OSHA, ADA, and forklift certification, and assist with in-service health and safety training.
Investigate inquiries regarding ADA compliance at County-owned sites, coordinate compliance with applicable requirements, and maintain required ADA reporting documents.
Investigate workers’ compensation and property and casualty claims and losses, and assist with claim management.
Oversee and coordinate accident, property, public incident, and workers’ compensation claims and investigations, ensuring timely and accurate reporting and filing.
Respond to and resolve public and employee safety complaints or concerns.
Lead and coordinate the County Safety Committee and support efforts to reduce employee injuries.
Coordinate preparation and analysis of insurance claims, employee injury incidents, and OSHA reports, ensuring required documents are accurate and submitted on time.
Manage the processes and activities of County safety programs, training, insurance claims, and crisis response.
Evaluate the impact of new and proposed legislation on County safety and insurance programs and recommend actions to maintain compliance.
Support compliance with laws and rules concerning safety, industrial health, environmental protection, hazardous materials, and loss prevention.
Prepare and distribute safety and risk-mitigation materials to County offices, departments, and employees.
Monitor safety and risk budget expenditures and disbursements; bill other County departments for inter-service costs; and prepare purchase orders and invoices.
Maintain employee driver files and license records, fleet vehicle logbooks, and certificates of insurance for County assets.
Respond to and investigate employee-related accidents and safety issues, and implement plans to minimize future incidents.
Provide operational support throughout HR, including payroll, recruitment, employment, personnel records, employee and labor relations, compensation, benefits, and special projects.
Perform other duties or special projects as assigned, including by the Director.