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. Works with appropriate staff to implement the safety committee's recommendations, monitoring the effectiveness of changes and regularly reporting the results of this monitoring back to the committee. Pro-actively advocates for safety/risk management considerations by assuring that timely, accurate, comprehensive, and informative status reports are provided to facility administration. Assures that appropriate safety education is included in the facility’s new employee orientation and in annual continuing education programs for all personnel. Works under the supervision of the Director of Risk Management. Completion of work requires occasionally originating new methods and/or techniques, and decisions are varied but based on broad principles. Work involves development and oversight/evaluation of safety and health programs, investigating staff and resident injuries, performing life safety code inspections and training safety programs. May plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment

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.
Oversees, maintains and revises and publishes the building floor plans for RSSLC using AutoCAD LT program. Serves as Emergency Radio Operator for RSSLC during disaster events and maintains a FCC Amateur Radio Operator’s License (does not need to have at time of hire, but should work toward licensure within first year of employment). Maintains facility fire drill records and conducts all fire drills on all shifts. Develops safety policies and procedures, rules and regulations for comprehensive safety and health programs to ensure quality and consistency. Conducts Life Safety Code audits, and inspections to ensure a safe environment and compliance with Life Safety standards.
Directs and ensures the adequate investigation, reporting, and analysis of accidents, fires and Life Safety Code violations and submits reports of these events to RSSLC and outside monitoring agencies, as appropriate.
Interprets safety rules, regulations, and standards, including SOF Operating Instructions, ADA, Life Safety Code and TX Administrative Codes applicable to RSSLC safety and environment.
Serves as a liaison between local, state, and federal agencies, including HHSC Regulatory Life Safety Division 6, TX State Fire Marshal’s office, Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management and Fort Bend County Emergency Radio Operators Group (EMROG), and Richmond Fire Department.
Reviews construction, renovation, and remodeling plans prior to and during the activity to ensure safety standards are met. Supervises the work of and trains others.
Conducts job safety analyses, identifies problems, and recommends corrective action. Assists Risk Management in the publication of forms and documents related to the safety program. Plans, conducts, and reviews safety training programs. Assists in preparation of safety budgets.
Assists with overseeing compliance with safety and hazardous material regulation and inspects equipment and work areas. Performs related work 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 Abilities:
Ability to work under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Skill in the operation of computers and in using applicable computer software (e.g. AutoCAD, SharePoint, Microsoft Office Suite)

Ability to plan, develop, organize, direct, control, and evaluate safety and health programs; to communicate effectively; and to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.

Proven experience as safety officer, with working knowledge of legislation (e.g. T.A.C., ICF-IDD, ICF-LSC, NFPA) code and procedures, OSHA, and JC

Knowledge of potentially hazardous materials or practices

Experience in writing reports and policies for health and safety

Familiarity with conducting data analysis and reporting statistics

Working knowledge of safety management information systems is a plus

Outstanding organizational skills with Diligence in attention to detail

Excellence in verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present and explain health/safety topics

Knowledge of the investigative processes (accident/injury investigation)

BSc/BA in safety management, engineering or relevant field is preferred, but not required

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
None

Initial Selection Criteria:
Experience in the management and direction of safety and health programs. Experience in Risk Management processes and responsibilities. Experience in policy development and implementation. Experience in conducting safety inspections and trainings on safety subject matter. Prior experience in the safety operations. Knowledge of the Incident Command System. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university is preferred, but years of experience may be substituted in lieu of formal education.

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 new hire candidates will be required to receive COVID-19 medical screening (nasal test) as part of the due diligence process.
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.

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

All new hire candidates will be required to receive COVID-19 medical screening (nasal test) as part of the due diligence process.

COVID-19 Precaution(s):

Personal protective equipment required and provided
Temperature screenings
Social distancing guidelines in place
Sanitizing, disinfecting, or cleaning procedures in place
Vaccines available for employees

MOS Code:
There are no Military occupations that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. 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
Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS

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


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

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

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.