Safety Office Team Leader

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

43d•Onsite

About The Position

Serves as the Laboratory Safety Group Team Lead under the direction of the Laboratory Safety Group Manager. Leads a highly advanced and comprehensive safety compliance program for the Public Health Laboratory Division (PHLD) employees. Serves as a liaison between local, state and federal agencies. Develops safety procedures, rules and standards to ensure quality and consistency. Ensures that the laboratory's security and incident response plans meet the federal regulations governing select agents and specific chemicals used in the laboratory. Serves as a consultant to the Health and Human Services Commission Risk Manager with respect to laboratory safety and management of infectious and chemical waste. Stops any activity immediately if imminent or long-term serious danger is apparent. To meet business needs, will be required to work outside regular business hours, on holidays and weekends on an as needs basis. Works under minimal supervision of the Quality Assurance Unit Manager, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

Have an earned bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution and have at least one year of high complexity laboratory experience; or have an earned associate's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution and have at least two years of high complexity laboratory experience, required. Experience and education may be substituted as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988, required.
A minimum of 5 years public health laboratory or hospital experience, required.
Experience interpreting and applying federal and state laws applicable to public health and/or safety, required.
Experience in writing, developing, implementing and monitoring policies and procedures, required.
Experience in mentoring, coaching and/or counseling employees and/or teams, required.
Comprehensive knowledge of public health laboratory safety, technology, techniques and terminology specific for functions overseen.
Knowledge of laboratory safety including biosafety level containment.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
Knowledge of budgetary, purchasing, and material management procedures.
Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Skill in oral and written instructions and communication.
Skill in effective decision-making, negotiation, facilitation, coordination and collaboration.
Skill in identifying project challenges, risks and gaps.
Ability to teach work area procedures to subordinates and guests.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to both internal and external customers.
Ability to interact with customers on a variety of concerns including complaints.
Ability to establish goals and objectives for work teams and to monitor the progress of teams.
Ability to change or adapt to challenges or unexpected changes with flexibility and a positive attitude.
Ability to initiate, plan, implement, evaluate and deliver a project or assignment in a timely manner. Ability to develop an action plan to execute a specific project to achieve a specific goal.
Ability to work in harmony with others.

Nice To Haves

Experience in laboratory/hospital safety programs, protocols, risk management and/or administrative aspects of safety in the workplace, preferred.
Experience in shipping hazardous materials, 49 Code of Federal Regulations, preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversees, evaluates, and monitors a highly advanced and comprehensive safety and compliance program for laboratory staff.
Develops safety procedures, rules, and standards to ensure quality and consistency.
Directs, plans, and monitors safety training and evaluates the competency of a team of safety officers.
Maintains infectious and chemical waste. Serves as a liaison between local, state, and federal agencies.

Benefits

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

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