Safety Officer

SUMMARY:

The Safety Officer is responsible for designing, implementing, monitoring, and overseeing policies and programs that promote workplace safety in a PACE Healthcare Setting and Operations. They are to establish rigorous safety curriculums and metrics organization wide. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and fosters a culture of safety across all PACE center operations. The Safety Officer collaborates with clinical, center, and transportation staff as well as administrative leadership to manage risks associated with all aspects of operations and Participant Care.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS:

Program Development and Compliance:

• Design, update, and oversee implementation of safety policies in accordance with PACE SEMI, OSHA, CMS, FMCSA, DOT, STATE, and regulatory bodies affiliated with PACE SEMI organization.
• Conduct environmental risk assessments and develop corrective action plans while partnering with various leadership and staff.
• Ensure healthcare and transportation specific compliance in areas such as Biomechanical safety practices, slip and fall avoidance, and biomedical waste.
• Create action plans for Zero tolerance and staff safety for Day Health Centers and Corp.  Implement plans partnering with necessary leaders and staff appropriately.
• Serve as a liaison between safety, leadership, and interdisciplinary teams to promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• Reduce worker compensation cases.

Training and Education:

• Develop and deliver safety orientation and continuing education programs for clinical, center, transportation, and home care staff.
• Partner with Center, Transportation, support staff, and vendors to conduct drills and simulations (e.g., fire, vehicle breakdowns, active shooter to enhance emergency preparedness).
• Promote awareness campaigns on topics such as ergonomics, hand hygiene, and safe lifting and transporting techniques.

Inspections and Monitoring partnered with leadership and staff:

• Provide expert guidance and support during internal and external safety inspections and accreditation activities.
• Design and perform regular audits of clinical spaces, annual competency compliances, loading and unloading zones, and proper body mechanics in participant care.
• Monitor safety metrics and outcomes to build a safety-first culture.
• Identify hazards and implement controls to reduce risks.

Incident Investigation and Reporting:

• Lead incident investigations into workplace injuries, falls, accidents, and other care and transport incidents including root cause analysis, documentation, and reporting to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain accurate logs and reports on incidents, near misses, and safety improvements.
• Liaise with insurance providers and legal counsel as needed for incident follow-up.

Hazardous Materials and Waste Management:

• Oversee the handling, storage, transport, and disposal of chemical, pharmaceutical, and biological waste.
• Maintain up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and chemical inventories.
• Coordinate with external waste disposal vendors and regulatory inspectors.

Emergency Preparedness and Response:

• Maintain facility-wide emergency plans and coordinate with first responders.
• Support business continuity planning and disaster recovery initiatives.
• Serve on the PACE SEMI’s emergency response team.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Occupational Health, Industrial Hygiene, Public Health, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Requires a minimum of 3–5 years in EHS roles, preferably in a healthcare or laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with infection prevention protocols and hospital accreditation standards.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) preferred.
• HAZWOPER, OSHA 30-Hour, or equivalent certifications desirable.

SKILLS:

• Strong knowledge of environmental health regulations and safety engineering principles.
• Excellent communication, training, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with EHS management systems and software tools.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• May involve exposure to biological or chemical hazards during site inspections.
• Must be available to respond to emergencies outside of normal working hours.
• Frequently required to walk long distances throughout facilities.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds or more at times.
• Any other duties or responsibility required as necessary by leader or leadership.