Safety Officer II

North Carolina Association of Official Court Reporters; Lenoir (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is seeking a Safety Officer II to lead a multifaceted safety program at Caswell Development Center in Kinston, NC. You will serve as the technical expert for safety and environmental compliance across the facility.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in safety-related fields and at least two years of progressive safety experience, with strong knowledge of OSHA standards and incident investigations. Travel to various facilities is involved.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with safety focus and two years' safety/health experience
• Knowledge of OSHA standards and state safety regulations
• Ability to identify hazards, inspect facilities, and develop corrective actions
• Experience in emergency preparedness and ICS principles
• Strong verbal and written communication and training delivery

Responsibilities

• Manage a multifaceted safety program at Caswell Development Center in compliance with applicable authorities
• Serve as principal technical advisor on safety and environmental compliance
• Provide specialized training for employees as required by authorities
• Interface with workers’ compensation program for accident investigations and prevention
• Conduct inspections to ensure regulatory compliance across all facilities
• Coordinate corrective actions with facility management and Safety Programs Manager
• Lead safety committee meetings and report on accidents and unsafe practices
• Recommend policy and procedure changes to eliminate hazards

Skills

OSHA regulations

Regulatory compliance

Hazard identification

Emergency management

Communication & training

Education

Bachelor's degree in safety management or related field

Job description

Agency Dept of Health and Human Services Division SEC OFFICE - HUMAN RESOURCES

Job Classification Title Safety Officer II (NS)

Position Number 60052186

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence.

Description of Work

This position will report to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Safety Programs Manager and will manage a multifaceted safety program for the Caswell Developmental Center, that complies with all federal, NC, DHHS and other authorities having jurisdiction. Authorities having jurisdiction include, but not limited to NC DOL OSH, NC OSFM, NC DEQ, CMS, and NC DHSR. Duties will focus on providing a safe and healthful environment for all employees, patients and visitors within this facility. This position serves as the principal technical advisor and subject matter expert to management at the facility for the development, implementation and enforcement of safety, and environmental compliance. This position conducts specialized training for employees as required by authorities having jurisdiction, and will interface with the workers’ compensation program in areas of accident investigations, data collection and trends and accident prevention. This position conducts inspections of all work areas of the facility to ensure compliance with applicable requirements. Regulations include, but are not limited to: walking-working surfaces, hazardous wastes materials and substances, personal protective equipment, control of hazardous energy, permit required confined spaces, materials handling and storage, machinery and machine guarding, hand and portable powered tools, welding, cutting and brazing, electrical and removal of lead based paint, maintenance and abatement of asbestos containing materials. This position communicates and coordinates corrective action with facility management and the Safety Programs Manager regarding those programs. This position conducts safety committee meetings and advises committee members on the number and causes of accidents and unsafe working conditions and/or practices. This position recommends policy and procedure changes to eliminate hazardous conditions and provides written recommendations of specifications required for compliance with codes and regulations.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grande Range: $55,221.00 - $96,639.00 Recruitment Range: $67,482.00 - $72,000.00

Candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)/ Management Preferences are not required.

Applicants who possess the following skills are preferred:

• Knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Regulations.
• Comprehensive knowledge of OSHA standards, state safety regulations, risk management principles, and applicable healthcare and government safety requirements to ensure regulatory compliance and a safe work environment.
• Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Skill in identifying workplace hazards, conducting safety inspections, performing risk assessments, investigating incidents, and developing effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Emergency Management and Incident Response Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate emergency preparedness programs, coordinate emergency response activities, and apply Incident Command System (ICS) principles during planned events and emergencies.
• Communication and Training Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to develop and deliver safety training, educate employees on safe work practices, prepare reports, and effectively communicate with leadership, employees, and external regulatory agencies.

Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements: General office environment with sedentary work conditions and the ability to move to various facilities to meet with staff. Exposure to maintenance and support equipment areas, such as boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, manholes, attics, basements, construction sites, stock rooms/warehouse, etc. is periodic. There are some periods of sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, etc. There is exposure and daily use of computer display terminal. There is some travel involved. Position must often crawl and use other physical movement during the course of inspections.

About Caswell Development Center

Caswell Developmental Center in Kinston, N.C. is the State Developmental Center for North Carolina’s Eastern region. Caswell provides services and support to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, complex behavioral challenges, and/or medical conditions whose clinical treatment needs exceed the supports currently available in the community.

Supplemental Contact Information

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces an Employment First philosophy, which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. For more information about DHHS: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/. DHHS uses the Merit-Based Recruitment and Selection Plan to fill positions subject to the State Human Resources Act with the most qualified individuals. Hiring salary will be based on relevant qualifications, internal equity, and budgetary considerations pertinent to the advertised position. In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Minimum Education and Experience

Minimum Education and Experience Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor's degree with a major in safety management, occupational safety, industrial technology, or one of the physical sciences from an appropriately accredited institution and a minimum of two years of progressive occupational and safety and health experience OR An equivalent combination of education and experience