Safety Officer II - Texas Health & Human Services Commission : Job Details

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. 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. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Safety Officer II

Job Title: Safety Offcr II

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: Adm AcuteCarePsych Direct Car

Posting Number: 781

Closing Date: 03/02/2025

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Protective Services

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19

Salary Range: $4,850.00 - $6,335.66

Shift: Regular Night

Additional Shift: Days (First); Evenings (Second); Nights (Third); Weekends

Telework: Not Applicable

Travel: Up to 10%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location: Terrell State Hospital

Job Location City: TERRELL

Job Location Address: 1200 E BRIN

Other Locations:

MOS Codes:

0918,5702,5711,5713,5769,7242,7596,8012,8056,8156,166X,1S0X1,1T0X1,1Z1X1,30C0,38A,38B,3E7X1,3E9X1

43EX,43HX,4B0X1,4E0X1,612X,632X,640A,649X,711X,712X,721X,731X,732X,740A,749X,74A,74D,AB,AST,BM,BOSN

DC,MA,ME,MSSD,MST,OAF10,OAF11,OAP10,OAP11,OAP13,OAP14,OAP16,OAR10,OS,OSS,SEI19

Brief Job Description:

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 each other, teamwork, and inclusivity? HSCS is dedicated to building a diverse community atmosphere where employees feel valued, supported, and accepted while providing specialized care for Texans in need. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interest 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.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

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 or 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.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Valid Texas driver's license or ability to obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date, is required. 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 Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in safety, health, management, or a related field is generally preferred; experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Experience in occupational safety and health program work

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, and/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 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.

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

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.

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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-###-####. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Nearest Major Market: San Antonio