Safety & Occupational Health Specialist

The Technical Career Field (TCF) is a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. The Safety and Occupational Health Specialist is an integral member of the Safety and Health program. This position is responsible for supporting safety and health staff in regulatory compliance, research, training, program development, accident prevention and safety surveys in a healthcare environment. The TCF career fields represent those technical fields where VA-specific knowledge and experience is desirable for success in the field. Individuals selected follow a formal training plan for two years during which they are trained, coached, and supervised by a preceptor. Preceptors are selected annually, through an extensive application process, for their technical expertise, their commitment to training and the suitability of their facility as a training location. *Selectees will be required to sign Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements. This is a developmental position leading to a GS-11, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Safety and Occupational Health Specialist Technical Career Field (TCF) Trainees work with supervisors, union officials, and safety and occupational health committees to eliminate or control hazardous operations or conditions. The trainee performs nonsupervisory work in one or more of the following areas: Inspecting: Observing workplace conditions and employee performance patterns to identify hazards, detect risks, and determine causal relationships; developing abatement recommendations for safety and occupational health hazards. Investigating: Searching for clues, studying variables, questioning witnesses, and retracing sequences to uncover the sources of reported injuries and illnesses. Recording: Assuring the validity of data collected, accurate documentation of occurrences and data summaries, and maintenance of program information. Analyzing: Examining available data to identify possible sources of losses experienced, determining critical factors prior to occurrence, and recommending alternatives to eliminate or minimize losses from injuries and illnesses. Reporting: Defining terminology, writing summaries, and preparing summary documentation related to safety and occupational health. Manages and oversees hazardous chemical spill cleanups within the medical center; Prepares written procedures for implementation of safety, fire protection, and occupational health policies Develops specialized operating practices for construction workplace safety, and occupational health Develops training plans for employees in fields of fire protection, workplace safety, and occupational health, including accomplishment and documentation of training Conducts workplace inspections to identify hazards and occupational safety/fire code violations; conducts inspections of patient care areas for hazards and Life Safety Code violations; conducts inspections of adult Community Placement Home Facilities Performs other related duties as assigned. Work schedule: Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available Telework: Ad-Hoc Position Description Title/PD#: Safety & Occupational Health Specialist/PD07318A and PD07319A Career Field (TCF) Trainee: PD99388S/PD99389S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required