Safety & Occupational Health Specialist

Veterans Health Administration•New Orleans, LA

12h•Onsite

About The Position

This position is with the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Administration, South Central Veterans Affairs Health Care Network, Veterans Integrated Service Network 16, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, Office of the Associate Director, Safety Management Section, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The role manages, administers, and operates a construction safety program. The position may be filled at a lower grade, with promotion to the full performance level possible without further competition when regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met; selection at a lower grade does not guarantee promotion. The specialist conducts challenging safety inspections and surveillance audits at establishments and worksites where hazardous processes, materials, or environmental conditions may affect many employees. The position investigates hazards and accidents, recommends and follows through on corrective actions, and advises managers and subject-matter specialists on controlling risks. It also develops safety procedures, training, and promotional campaigns; supports safety committees; analyzes program performance; and maintains training and historical safety records. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and may change based on facility needs. The role includes moderate physical exertion during investigations and surveys, including equipment use, climbing, standing, walking, and bending, as well as use of personal protective devices and occasional work in uncomfortable environments. A pre-placement physical evaluation is required. Relocation, recruitment, and permanent change-of-station incentives are not authorized; the Critical Skills Incentive is not approved.

Requirements

Meet the Individual Occupational Requirement through qualifying education in safety or occupational health fields, qualifying related education with at least 24 semester hours in specified related disciplines, qualifying safety and occupational health experience, or an accepted certification such as CSP, CIH, or CHP (or similar certification involving a written examination).
For GS-09, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, qualifying graduate education, or an acceptable combination of graduate education and experience. Specialized experience may include safety, inspection, or compliance activities; knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations; report preparation and data analysis; and supporting a safe environment.
For GS-11, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, qualifying doctoral-level graduate education, or an acceptable combination of graduate education and experience. Relevant experience includes ECOMP accident documentation and reporting, safety reporting and data analysis for leadership, accident investigation and corrective measures, safety communications, and construction safety hazard assessment and compliance.
Current or former federal employees subject to time-in-grade rules must meet the applicable requirement by the announcement closing date: 52 weeks at GS-07 for GS-09, or 52 weeks at GS-09 for GS-11.
Submit transcripts when using education to meet qualification requirements; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
Be a U.S. citizen and complete all required application steps, including the online assessment.
Meet Selective Service registration requirements, if applicable to males born after December 31, 1959.
Undergo a background/security investigation and complete online onboarding and pre-employment identification requirements.
Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
Serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
Meet the physical demands of investigations and surveys, including moderate exertion, equipment use, climbing, standing, walking, bending, and occasional work in uncomfortable environments; a pre-placement physical evaluation is required.
For GS-09, the listed specialized experience includes ability to lift and transport equipment or materials weighing up to 40 pounds and to walk or stand for prolonged periods.

Responsibilities

Plan, schedule, and conduct difficult inspections at establishments and worksites with potentially hazardous processes, materials, or environmental conditions.
Conduct safety surveillance audits and inspections according to applicable standards and regulations, and obtain immediate corrective action for imminent dangers to life or limb.
Investigate hazardous conditions, equipment, and practices; analyze hazards and recommend their elimination, correction, or control.
Ensure corrective actions are initiated and consult with subject-matter specialists and managers on work-process changes and risk controls.
Investigate or assist with investigations of accidents and mishaps; obtain witness statements, photograph scenes, document circumstances and injuries, estimate property damage, and prepare findings and corrective recommendations.
Plan, develop, and implement safety education and promotional campaigns addressing general and locally specific safety issues.
Select and promote suitable safety communication and training media, ensure safety standards are included in appropriate training manuals, and establish necessary safety committees.
Determine safety training priorities, develop or adapt campaign and course materials, conduct technical training, and provide guidance to safety committees and operating officials.
Distribute information and guidance developed by accident prevention committees to relevant parties.
Develop supplements to higher-authority guidelines and initiate written procedures implementing technical safety standards, codes, and requirements.
Conduct comprehensive analytical surveys and studies of safety programs and work with personnel to establish realistic safety requirements and comply with directives and regulations.
Provide administrative support for the assigned safety program or program segment.
Maintain training records, notify supervisors when training is due, schedule training across all shifts, and conduct training when requested or required.
Maintain historical safety records and identify trends or changing conditions that may warrant revisions to safety procedures.