Safety and Risk Manager

Chatham, County of•Pittsboro, NC

About The Position

The Safety and Risk Manager administers, develops, and oversees Chatham County’s comprehensive safety and risk management programs. The role independently evaluates organizational risks and exposures, develops and implements policies and strategies to mitigate potential losses, administers insurance and claims programs, and ensures compliance with applicable federal and state regulations. It exercises considerable independent judgment in complex safety, liability, insurance, and operational matters, and advises County management and department leadership on organizational risk, financial exposure, regulatory compliance, and employee safety. The position works collaboratively with County departments to set program objectives, assess effectiveness, and implement improvements. It operates under the limited supervision of the Human Resources and Risk Management Director, with independent decision-making and recommendations within County policies and objectives. The position serves as the County’s Safety Officer and chairs the County Safety and Risk Management Committee. It manages employee safety and accident-prevention programs, risk and loss-control programs, insurance and claims administration, Workers’ Compensation, contract risk reviews, accessibility assessments, and the County drug-testing program. The role also coordinates employee training, maintains required records and reports, and may perform work during emergencies or outside normal working hours when called upon.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, risk management, environmental health, industrial hygiene/engineering, occupational health, or another safety-related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties.
Two to four years of experience developing and administering liability, Workers’ Compensation, or occupational/industrial safety programs, with an emphasis on risk management, loss prevention, and loss control; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid North Carolina driver’s license.
Possess or obtain OSHA 30 Hour Compliance for General Industry and Construction within one year of hire.
General knowledge of North Carolina Property and Casualty Insurance.
Thorough knowledge of insurance, risk management, occupational and industrial safety, accident prevention, Workers’ Compensation, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County management, department directors, employees, elected and appointed officials, consultants, attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and the public.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, including gathering, evaluating, interpreting, and applying information from multiple sources; exercising sound judgment; and adapting methods to complex, unusual, or emergency situations.
Ability to interpret, explain, and apply complex policies, procedures, laws, and regulations concerning safety, risk management, insurance, and Workers’ Compensation.
Ability to plan, develop, coordinate, and deliver effective training and facilitate learning with employees and stakeholders.
Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate programs; plan and supervise others’ work; and apply budgeting and purchasing practices.
Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports and deliver presentations to varied audiences.
Ability to collaborate, maintain confidentiality, and apply safety regulations with firmness, tact, and professionalism.
Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal agency resources, programs, and services related to occupational safety, health, and Workers’ Compensation.
Working knowledge of office technology, equipment, and software applications, including NeoGov and Tyler Technologies platforms.

Nice To Haves

OSHA and other safety designations, such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), are preferred.
Licensure related to North Carolina Property and Casualty Insurance is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Develop, administer, and coordinate employee safety and accident-prevention programs, including Motor Pool and Fleet Safety, Hazard Communication, departmental Standard Operating Procedures, and Emergency Action Planning.
Research, interpret, and monitor applicable federal and state safety and risk management laws, regulations, and industry practices, including OSHA, DOT, and EPA requirements; evaluate their effect on County operations and develop, implement, audit, and update policies and procedures.
Conduct workplace inspections, worksite hazard assessments, and accident investigations; identify hazards and liability exposures, recommend corrective actions, and advise departments on safe working conditions and incident prevention.
Serve as the County Safety Officer and preside over the County Safety and Risk Management Committee; coordinate safety meetings and facilitate safety education and awareness with departments.
Develop, coordinate, and deliver new-employee orientation and safety training, including defensive driving, First Aid, CPR, AED, Bloodborne Pathogens, and other identified topics.
Administer risk management and loss-control programs by identifying and analyzing potential losses and developing strategies to eliminate, control, or minimize financial, operational, property, and liability risks.
Evaluate County insurance needs and risk-transfer strategies; review policies and available coverage, monitor changes in coverage, market availability, and costs, and recommend suitable coverage.
Oversee property, automobile, general liability, and other insurance programs; prepare and maintain insurance audits, gather proposals, submit applications, and liaise with insurance carriers, brokers, and representatives.
Oversee property, automobile, and general liability claims, including reporting, investigations, claims review, and communications with insurers and third-party administrators; maintain relevant asset, employee, and claims data and reporting procedures.
Manage the County Workers’ Compensation program, including claim filing and monitoring, coordination with relevant parties, claim resolution, and return-to-work processes.
Review County contracts and legal agreements for risk exposures and liability concerns; provide assessments and recommendations through the contract management portal and collaborate with County Administration, the County Attorney, departments, and other parties.
Coordinate litigation-related risk management, including mediations and depositions, and assist with negotiation and resolution of litigated claims.
Conduct accessibility assessments of County facilities as needed and recommend modifications or improvements to address barriers and concerns.
Coordinate and manage the County drug-testing program.
Maintain safety, claims, insurance, and risk management records and prepare related reports and audits; oversee the OSHA 300 log, annual OSHA 300A completion and distribution, and required accident notifications to OSHA.
Consult with departments, Department Heads, and the Human Resources Director about hazards, accident prevention, mitigation, and safety precautions; recommend work activities, equipment purchases, and operating practices that reduce risk and improve safety.
Serve as a resource for residents, employees, and management on safety and risk management questions and concerns.
Work during emergency or disaster situations when required, including possible after-hours response to risk management and injury-related calls from County departments.
Complete special projects, attend meetings as needed, and perform other related duties as assigned.