Safety & Occupational Health Specialist

General Job Information

Job Summary

This position is located in the Risk Prevention and Safety Division (RPS) of the Office of Risk Management. RPS is responsible for ensuring that all District of Columbia government employees have a safe and healthy work environment, for the safety and security of District employees and the communities they serve. The Occupational Safety and Health Specialist oversees the development, implementation, and enforcement of public sector safety programs, policies, procedures, guidelines, and training integral to ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, while fostering a culture of safety District-wide.

Duties and Responsibilities

Investigates and reviews reports of injuries, property damage, non-employee accidents, automotive and industrial accidents, and claims involving the ORM, and initiates appropriate action. Plans each inspection, reviews work processes, practices, and conditions characteristic of the site to be inspected, and studies information available from previous compliance reviews. Inspects and evaluates facilities, construction sites, equipment, work practices, and safety devices for conformance with legal requirements and recommends changes to develop safer working conditions. Records hazards and obtains evidence of regulatory violations through use of measurement devices and by photographing unsafe conditions. Secures factual data for the legal safety standards either during accident complaint investigation, inspection, or surveys. If hazards are identified in an establishment, a written report detailing correction and specifying the exact elimination or correction to be made is produced for the employer.

Visits worksites, explains purpose of visits, and provides information on legislation and regulations which govern the ORM compliance activities. When appropriate, notifies representatives of management, contractors, and employees to assure their presence for the visit. Assists in the revision of injury reports, accident investigations, safety grievance reports; develops and reviews statistics, and by other means, evaluates the effectiveness of the existing safety program. Participates in studies and research in order to be familiar with all aspects of occupational safety and health, in addition to being able to convince employers of the values of an effective safety program, which adheres to best practices of applicable safety standards and procedures. Participates in the implementation of specialized training programs tailored for hazards unique to the various job assignments within the RPS. Participates in formal safety training courses. Organizes material to provide clarify, continuity and coverage in presentation, and to arouse interest and participation.

Qualifications and Education

A degree with a major study in safety or occupational health fields (safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene), or degree in other related fields that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours of study from among the following (or closely related) disciplines: safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene, occupational medicine, toxicology, public health, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological sciences, engineering, and industrial psychology.

Or

Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Licenses and Certifications

Certification as a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or OSHA 30-hour is preferred.

Work Conditions/Environment

The work is performed in an office setting with regular field work. The work also requires exposure to operating machinery and equipment used on construction sites. The incumbent is also exposed to hazards caused by adverse weather conditions affecting travel or unimproved roads, streets, etc.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Monday- Friday; 8:15am- 4:45pm

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0018-11

Promotion Potential: Promotion Potential to CS-12. Time limited appointments are not subject to career ladder promotion potential.

Duration of Appointment: Career Service Term Appointment Not-To-Exceed (NTE) 13 months.

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is covered by AFGE Local 1000 Collective Bargaining Unit.

Position Designation: The position has been deemed Security-Sensitive. Accordingly, the incumbent will be subject to pre-employment checks (criminal background checks, consumer credit check, traffic record checks, if applicable) as a condition of employment, and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of your tenure.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.