Employee Health Nurse Manager

Position Summary

The Employee Health Nurse Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, administration, and operational management of the Employee Health program. This position ensures the delivery of comprehensive occupational health services that promote employees' health, safety, and well-being while supporting organizational compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

The Employee Health Nurse Manager oversees employee health initiatives including pre-employment screenings, immunization programs, exposure management, workers' compensation coordination, return-to-work programs, regulatory compliance, health surveillance, wellness initiatives, and infection prevention collaboration. The role serves as a key partner to Human Resources, Safety, Risk Management, Infection Prevention, and organizational leadership.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Management

• Develop, implement, and evaluate employee health and occupational health programs and services.
• Provide leadership and supervision to Employee Health staff.
• Establish departmental goals, policies, procedures, and performance metrics.
• Manage departmental budgets, resources, and vendor relationships.
• Ensure high-quality, employee-centered occupational health services.

Occupational Health Services

• Oversee pre-placement and post-offer health assessments.
• Manage employee immunization, tuberculosis surveillance, and health screening programs.
• Coordinate evaluation and follow-up for workplace injuries, illnesses, and occupational exposures.
• Administer and monitor employee health surveillance programs required by regulatory agencies.
• Review employee health records and ensure confidentiality and regulatory compliance.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, CDC, state health department requirements, Workers' Compensation regulations, and other applicable standards.
• Maintain knowledge of changing occupational health and employee health regulations.
• Prepare reports and documentation for regulatory surveys and audits.
• Develop policies and procedures consistent with best practices and regulatory requirements.

Case Management & Return-to-Work

• Oversee return-to-work and fitness-for-duty programs.
• Collaborate with Human Resources, managers, and healthcare providers regarding work restrictions and accommodations.
• Facilitate compliance with ADA, FMLA, and related workplace health regulations.
• Guide workplace injury and illness management.

Infection Prevention & Exposure Management

• Collaborate with Infection Prevention and Safety teams to reduce workplace health risks.
• Lead response efforts for employee communicable disease exposures.
• Manage bloodborne pathogen exposure programs and post-exposure follow-up activities.
• Support organizational emergency preparedness and response initiatives.

Employee Wellness & Education

• Develop and promote employee wellness initiatives and health promotion programs.
• Provide health education and coaching related to occupational health risks.
• Utilize health data and trends to identify opportunities for workforce health improvement.

Collaboration & Communication

• Serve as a subject matter expert on employee health and occupational health matters.
• Partner with Human Resources, Safety, Risk Management, Employee Benefits, and organizational leaders.
• Participate in leadership committees and organizational initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with employees, providers, regulatory agencies, and leadership.

Qualifications

Required Education

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.

Preferred Education

• Master's degree in nursing, Public Health, Occupational Health, Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred.

Required Licensure

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in NYS.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Required Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of nursing experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in Employee Health, Occupational Health, Employee Wellness, Workforce Health, or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or leadership experience.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in a healthcare or large employer environment.
• Experience managing occupational health programs and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Experience with workers' compensation and return-to-work programs.

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) or Certified Occupational Health Nurse Specialist (COHN-S).
• Case Management Certification (CCM) preferred.
• Certification in Infection Prevention (CIC) preferred for healthcare organizations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of occupational health and employee health practices.
• Knowledge of OSHA, ADA, FMLA, HIPAA, Workers' Compensation, and related regulations.
• Ability to interpret clinical information and make sound nursing judgments.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidential employee health information.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with electronic health records and data reporting systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to assist with employee assessments and clinical procedures.
• Ability to lift to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to respond to workplace health emergencies as needed.