<p>The primary purpose of this position is to act as a safety resource for Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, in their medical Research and Development Service. The Service functions as a field component of the Office of Research & Development within the Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the objective is to develop strategies that enhance the delivery, quality, and cost efficiency of primary and specialty care among veterans.</p> <ul> <li>Conducts safety surveillance audits and inspections according to the required standards and regulations and depending on the degree of hazard. </li><li>Obtains immediate corrective action of conditions, which are of imminent danger to life or limb. </li><li>The incumbent Investigates hazardous conditions, equipment, practices, etc. to identify and analyze the nature and severity of hazards and possible remedial actions (i.e., elimination, correction, or protection). </li><li>Ensures corrective actions are initiated and consults with facility and medical center subject matter specialists and managers about changes in work processes and proposed methods to eliminate unnecessary risks and control hazardous conditions. </li><li>Investigates or assist investigators in investigating accidents/mishaps, obtains witness statements, photographs the accident scene, records circumstances and extent of injuries, estimates cost of property damages, and prepares a report of findings which includes recommendations to correct unsafe acts or conditions. </li><li>Independently schedules surveys of the Research office and laboratory areas to identify and evaluate the potential for risk, The incumbent determines if existing conditions comply with accepted JCAHO and local standards, which safety policies and procedures apply and if the procedures and policies are adequate to cover all hazards. </li><li>The incumbent certifies that specific safety practices are in place prior to beginning work. </li><li>The incumbent processes report's on accidents identified within the Research Service, assuring compliance with medical center policy. </li><li>Reviews the procedures for access to the facility to ensure access is restricted to authorized personnel. </li><li>Advises higher-level management on the status of the safety and occupational health programs and recommends changes in the design of work programs to meet new safety and occupational health standards. </li><li>Instructs employees on a variety of safety and occupational health topics to include chemical, biological, or physical safety, various laboratory safety needs, and ventilation requirements. </li><li>Instructs and assists research investigators in preparing and submitting biohazard statements for their associated grant proposals. </li><li>Identifies possible hazards, determines its use, any storage requirements, its bio-safety level, and necessary safety precautions to advise investigators in preparing grant proposals. </li><li>The incumbent investigates procedures and policies for unknown/unfamiliar chemicals and hazards and reports findings to Research management for action. Approves final biohazard statements. </li><li>Plans, develops, implements, and promotes safety campaigns, education materials, and training programs; selects appropriate medium (i.e. lecture, safety meetings, posters, video, brochures, training assembly, etc.) for all research personnel, both paid and unpaid employees. (Approximately 125-350 employees) that ranges from basic orientation in the general laboratory for new technicians, to more detailed, recurring instruction for the more experienced personnel. </li><li>Documents employee's training progress to ensure regular attendance and compliance with JCAHO accrediting regulations. </li><li>Works with research administrative staff and laboratory personnel in the establishment of realistic safety requirements and compliance with applicable directives and regulations. </li><li>Works with processing plans for records and the record systems to handle, control, operate, store, check and retrieve data. Updates the required trainings as needed in Forms and Templates and tracks and approves training thru completion. </li><li>Writes/prepares safety guides and instructions for risks encountered in Research laboratories and offices to keep employees informed and safe. </li><li>As coordinator and Executive Secretary for the Sub-Committee on Research Safety, reviews issues prior to presenting them at the meeting. </li><li>Other duties as assigned. </li></ul> <p>Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm</p> <p>Virtual: This is not a virtual position.</p> <p>Position Description/PD#: Safety & Occupational Health Specialist/PD211580</p> <p>Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized.</p> <p>Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved.</p> <p>Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.</p>