Safety and Occupational Health Specialist

The Safety & Occupational Health Specialist performs a variety of functions related to the identification, evaluation, and control of safety and health hazards and to the promotion of healthful and safe working conditions. The work includes surveys; coordination with other health and safety specialists; administration of occupational, life, and fire safety programs; review of design plans for hazard control, investigation of causative agents for occupational hazards; and education/training.

Major duties include but are not limited to: Develop, plan, implement, and manage a comprehensive occupational safety and fire protection program. Direct the development of facility occupational, life, and fire safety policies, programs and procedural documentation. Conduct in-depth surveys and evaluations of working conditions/environments to determine the nature and magnitude of hazardous exposures and the effectiveness of existing control measures. Participate in review of plans for new or modified facilities, processes, and materials for the evaluation of the adequacy of hazards. Ensure compliance with various guidelines and standard for the health care system. Ensure employees are appropriately protected from emerging hazards. Conduct education and training for the health care system staff and for other personnel on specific occupational, life, and fire safety program requirements. Advise top leadership, supervisors, managers, and safety committees of appropriate measures to control or eliminate potential hazards. Compose correspondence in response to all inquiries, deficiencies, or action plans regarding matters pertaining to the occupational, life, and fire safety programs. Develop policies, programs, and procedures designed to improve safety conditions and thereby reduce the incidence of injuries. Monitor contracts and scheduled work for fire suppression and protection systems. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Safety and Occupational Health Specialist/PD23516A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.