Safety Officer II

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • San Antonio, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Safety Officer is responsible for the development, implementation, promotion, and monitoring of the facility safety management program. Performs moderately complex (journey-level) safety and health program work. Manages an ongoing facility-wide process to collect and evaluate information about hazards and safety practices that are used to identify safety/risk management issues and determine corrective action. Work involves developing, coordinating, and evaluating safety and health programs. Responsible for ensuring that the facility remains in compliance with Life Safety Code (LSC) and State Fire Marshalls (SFMO) regulations. Ensures facility employees and individuals are prepared to act during any type of emergency by following Emergency Response Procedures outlined for facility. Monitors workplace activities to ensure that workers comply with company policies and government safety regulations. Completes random monthly inspections on each building to determine if there are any safety hazards. Makes immediate corrections to any safety hazards or submit work orders for any repairs needed and follow up to ensure work has been completed timely. Randomly conducts fire and weather drills and may work varied shifts to conduct drills. Takes immediate action for any issues that are revealed during the drills and determine how prepared staff and individuals are for actual emergency events. Conducts investigations regarding non-serious injuries and non-serious injuries of an unknown source. If applicable, recommendations will be created to ensure the prevention of future injuries. Collaborates with the State Hospital Treatment Team for the patients involved to ensure preventative measures are taken. Tracks the completion of all recommendations and follow up to determine if the goal of the recommendation was met. Ensures all preventative measures are put in place to avoid future injuries. Collaborates with the risk manager to ensure preventative measures previously put in place are meeting goals to reduce injuries. Assist in completing Safety Manual, Disaster Manual, Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and All Hazards Emergency Management Plan to ensure all aspects of safety and compliance are included in each of the plans and conduct exercises and training for all plans to ensure all employees and individuals are prepared to implement all procedures. As scheduled, provides guidance, teaches, or assists in teaching required courses to new and existing employees to ensure incoming and existing staff are prepared and well trained in all aspects of safety procedures and emergency response. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the Incident Command System (ICS) structure, and the responsibility of the Safety Officer in the ICS system
• Knowledge of OSHA, LSC, and SFMO regulations with experience in interpreting these standards and regulations
• Knowledge of proper operation of tools and equipment to ensure appropriate use.
• Knowledge of potentially hazardous materials and practices.
• Understanding of construction sites and complexity of each aspect of the site to ensure safety is prioritized.
• Familiarity with conducting data analysis and reporting statistics
• Skills in operating computers and in using applicable computer software.
• Skills in writing reports and policies for health and safety.
• Outstanding organizational skills and diligent with great attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present and explain health and safety topics and techniques for accident prevention both orally and in writing.
• Ability to plan, develop, organize, direct, control, and evaluate safety and health programs.
• Able to provide guidance to others.
• Ability to gather, organize, and analyze data and complete comprehensive reports.
• Ability to investigate and evaluate complex safety problems and issues.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people at all levels of the facility.
• Ability to analyze situations accurately and make timely and effective recommendations.
• Ability to create/analyze safety and emergency plans for functionality and appropriateness as they apply to the facility.
• Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date, is required or preferred. Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure.  Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in safety, health, management, or a related field OR Associate degree and a minimum of twenty-four months experience required OR No degree and a minimum of four years of experience required AND
• At least 24 months in occupational safety and health program work 
• At least 24 months in the implementation and monitoring of safety and health programs.
• At least 24 months in policy development and implementation
• At least 24 months in conducting safety inspections, weather or fire drills, and/or training on safety subject matter.
• Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Nice To Haves

• Current CPR certification preferred or obtain within six months.

Responsibilities

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Coordinates and evaluates comprehensive safety and health programs. Conducts surveys, audits, and scheduled and unscheduled inspections to ensure a safe environment and compliance with safety standards. Conducts, prepares, coordinates, and participates in safety committees, councils, and trainings and provides analysis of hazards and develops risk assessments. Consults with and advises staff concerning the effectiveness of the safety program. Inspects work activities and areas to identify hazards and recommends appropriate corrective action. Observes work in progress, ensuring that proper safety equipment is worn, and procedures are followed. Inspect construction or renovations to ensure the finished project will comply with safety standards. Develops employee safety accountability procedures and a comprehensive safety and health program plan. Develops and implements programs and procedures, accident investigations, data analyses, and recurrence prevention efforts.
• Conducts Fire and weather drills and recommends appropriate corrective action.
• Conducts injury investigations regarding non-serious injuries and non-serious injuries of an unknown source and makes appropriate recommendations for protective equipment.  Maintains a log of accidents and injuries, prepares accident reports, and prepares safety information to promote employee safety.  Collaborates with the Inter disciplinary team (IDT) for the individuals involved to ensure preventative measures are taken.
• Directs and ensures the adequate investigation, reporting, and analysis of accidents, fires and Life Safety Code violations and submits reports of these events to facility leadership and outside monitoring agencies, as appropriate.
• Conducts or assists in conducting employee safety training, including classroom lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on instruction.
• Completes all reports accurately and timely.
• Interprets safety rules, regulations, and standards, including SOF Operating Instructions, ADA, Life Safety Code and TX Administrative Codes applicable to facility safety and environment.  Assist in completing Safety Manual, Disaster Manual, Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and All Hazards Emergency Management Plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

• Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree