Safety & Occupational Health Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Charleston, SC

22h • Onsite

About The Position

The Safety & Occupational Health Specialist works within the Safety and Emergency Management Service line at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina. The role supports the planning, coordination, and evaluation of the safety program and helps the Safety Service office function efficiently and effectively. The specialist is responsible for implementing safety programs and evaluating compliance at VA medical facilities, outpatient clinics, and contract veteran-care facilities, including facilities across the Central Savannah River Area.

The position is not virtual. The stated work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and may change based on agency needs. Field inspections involve moderate physical exertion, including carrying equipment and extended periods of walking and standing.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Meet the Safety and Occupational Health Management Series, 0018 individual occupation requirement through qualifying education: a major in safety or occupational health fields, or a related degree supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in specified or closely related disciplines.
• For the GS-11 experience route, one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-09, such as inspecting VA medical centers and contract facilities, recommending corrective actions, and inspecting the listed contract care facilities.
• Alternatively, for GS-11 qualification through education, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.M.; a transcript is required when relying on education.
• Alternatively, certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Health Physicist (CHP), or similar certification involving successful completion of a written examination meets the stated GS-5 requirements.
• Complete all required application steps, including the application, questionnaire, and online assessment.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Complete a background/security investigation and online onboarding; provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel requirement.
• Serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Meet the physical demands of fieldwork, including extended standing and walking, bending, stooping, and moving freely; the description also states manual dexterity and lifting up to 60 pounds may be required.

Responsibilities

• Implement NFPA codes, especially the Life Safety Code, at VA medical center and contract facilities; inspect facilities and recommend corrective actions to address deficiencies.
• Evaluate contract veteran-care providers in the Central Savannah River Area independently for compliance.
• Inspect VA contract nursing homes, adult day care centers, state veterans homes, community residential care homes, and homeless shelters for compliance with applicable safety and fire-protection standards and VA regulations.
• Make independent decisions about contracting needs based on inspection results and compliance with applicable standards, using professional judgment when variances are allowed.
• Survey and inspect construction sites, operations, facilities, and personnel for compliance with safety rules, standards, and regulations; identify hazards and undesirable operating conditions and recommend corrective actions.
• Plan, implement, and administer a safety program covering VA medical facilities, outpatient clinics, and veteran-care contract facilities.
• Advise management, staff, and operating officials on identifying, eliminating, and preventing occupational and medical hazards and mishaps.
• Ensure geographically dispersed clinics in the Medical Center's area of responsibility comply with health and safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Interpret safety standards as they apply to health care facilities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits and eligibility depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• VA may offer newly appointed federal employees credit for qualifying job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual; approval is required and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree