Safety Offcr II

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

The state of Texas offers many benefits to employees. HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits, a lifetime monthly retirement annuityas well as 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

The Safety Officer is responsible for the development, implementation, promotion, and monitoring of the facility safety management program. Performs advanced (senior-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. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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 work varied shifts to conduct drills on evening and night shifts.

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 Inter disciplinary team (IDT) for the individuals 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, 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.

All other duties as assigned. This position may be OR is required to drive a state-owned vehicle

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required 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. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.

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.

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.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of OSHA, LSC, and SFMO regulations with experience in interpreting these standards and regulations.

Proficient with the operation of computers and in using applicable computer software.

Ability to plan, develop, organize, direct, control, and evaluate safety and health programs.

Able to supervise the work of others.

Knowledge of proper operation of tools and equipment to ensure appropriate use.

Understanding of construction sites and complexity of each aspect of the site to ensure safety is prioritized.

Knowledge of potentially hazardous materials or practices.

Skill in writing reports and policies for health and safety.

Familiarity with conducting data analysis and reporting statistics.

Must have outstanding organizational skills and be 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 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; analyze situations accurately and make timely and effective recommendations.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

May require certification in occupational safety or industrial safety.

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

Initial Selection Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university is preferred, but years of experience may be substituted in lieu of formal education.

Experience in the implementation and monitoring of safety and health programs.

Experience in policy development and implementation.

Experience in conducting safety inspections, weather or fire drills, or training on safety subject matter.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS OIG List of Excluded Individuals/ Entities.

Males between the ages of 18 - 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

MOS Code:

Occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 38B, OS, 205, 8012, 1X0S1.

All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For additional information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS