Health & Safety Specialist

This position reports directly to the Program Manager of U.S.VETS. The Health & Safety Specialist leads health and safety planning in the workplace to include a focus on implementation of and compliance with pandemic protocols.

Responsibilities:

• Assists with the development of a therapeutic milieu in accordance with U.S.VETS Mission and Philosophy by ensuring a healthy and safe environment.
• Participates in health and safety planning and implementation according to legal, regulatory, and agency guidelines and protocols.
• Advises management on best practices on health and safety related to pandemics
• Develops and implements any specific logistical steps needed to carry out health and safety protocols, to include COVID-19 protocols in consultation with management
• Determines requirements needed, to include supplies, for each department and program to comply with guidelines and protocols
• Advises operations department on supplies needed (personal protective equipment, disinfectants, etc.), assists with ordering, distributes where needed, and monitors inventory
• Establishes a network of staff to assist with implementation and monitoring of the health and safety protocols
• Ensures health and safety protocols are disseminated to staff and to clients as applicable and staff are trained on such protocols
• Ensures signage, notices, and relevant protocols are posted in a conspicuous place for employees and clients and updates postings when changes occur
• Provides reports to management regarding concerns, violations, compliance, and status of health and safety protocol implementation
• Implements and maintains social distancing procedures for office, workstations, common areas, and client service spaces
• Provides recommendations for staff and client activity schedules as needed to promote social distancing
• Ensures employee and client screening and testing protocols for COVID-19 are in place and assists in conducting screenings and/or coordinates with nursing or other qualified healthcare staff for screenings and testing as required
• Collaborates with staff and community agencies/businesses to coordinate quarantine and isolation space on and/or off-site.
• Ensures disinfecting and cleaning of facility with special attention to high-touch areas is conducted daily at a minimum; assists with coordinating professional cleaning periodically and in the event of COVID-19 infection
• Ensures proper disposal of biohazard materials
• Continually monitors and evaluates practices, procedures, and facilities to assess risk and adherence to health and safety protocols
• Participates in inspections, audits, and reviews that include health and safety monitoring Stays current on new developments in health and safety to improve quality and efficacy of all processes to include monitoring COVID-19 updates from Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), local public health department, and local, county, and state authorities.
• Maintains confidentiality of any staff or client health information and other confidential information
• Participate in team meetings and trainings
• Maintains and submits time sheets, mileage logs, supportive service requests, and other required documentation accurately and in a timely fashion
• Staff who have a valid drivers license and meet company insurance requirements may be required to complete a provided driver training course and drive company vehicles for work-related activities to include client transportation.
• Performs other duties as assigned

• High School Diploma required. Bachelors degree in social services field or a related field preferred.
• One year of experience in healthcare, social services, or other related field required. Employment at U.S.VETS for at least three months may substitute for one year of experience.
• Must complete required trainings within 60 days of hire to include CDC COVID-19 Case Investigation and Contact Tracing Supervisor or Lead Training; COVID-19 FRONTLINE; and COVID-19 Safety at Work
• Must have or complete Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training within 60 days of hire
• Ability to enforce protocols in a customer service-oriented manner
• Experience working with homeless veterans preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of clients, staff, and community members.
• Strong organizational skills including logistics and time management
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Professional manner and appearance.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Ability to take direction.
• Computer proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Internet and ability to use client tracking databases and electronic case records.
• Valid drivers license preferred. If driving company vehicles, must meet company insurance requirements and complete a provided driver training course.

United States Veterans Initiative is a non-profit organization whose mission is the successful transition of military veterans and their families through the provision of housing, counseling, career development and comprehensive support.