Occupational Health and Safety Manager

Job Summary

As a member of the HR management team, an employee in this position performs highly independent, professional, managerial duties leading the county’s AWAIR program, which covers all aspects of Occupational Health and Safety. Daily work includes oversight of health and safety protocols, programs, procedures, and policy; supervision of staff; employee leaves case management; assuring legal compliance; and providing consultation and guidance to employees. The employee is responsible and accountable for organization-wide implementation of OSHA safe work practices, infection control, respiratory and hearing protection; medical counseling/intervention, accident/incident handling and reporting, and oversight of employee illness/injury/medical case management. A key focus in this role is education, training, and prevention work. The incumbent administers practices and programs that promote and ensure employee health, prevent illness and injury, and protect employees from work-related, environmental, behavioral, and ergonomic hazards. Responds to and supports 24/7 operations, meaning some evening and weekend hours are necessary.

Job Description

Essential Duties:

• Establishes, designs, and implements quality health and safety programs in the workplace according to standards set in law, regulations, policy, and best-practices. Promotes and fosters well-being for employees in support of county goals, mission, vision, strategies, and objectives.

• Manages AWAIR programs/services. Leads staff for assigned areas. Oversees, supervises, delegates, and coordinates the work of other employees; hires, promotes, mentors, and trains employees. Makes work assignments, directs work, evaluates performance, rewards, and disciplines.

• Interprets and administers policy/procedure and Safety Program provisions. Provides technical assistance and advice on the application of rules and regulations and practices.

• Serves as a subject matter expert on occupational health and safety practices in the organization. Represents the department on assigned boards and committees. Conducts research and analysis and prepares recommendations for the Director on designated issues and problems affecting the organization as requested.

• Promotes employee health through education and counseling, conducting needs assessment and case management, and provides resource coordination to those impacted and needing assistance.

• Operates as a member of the Employee Relations Management Team; participates in and contributes to the development of departmental goals, objectives and strategic plans and helps outline criteria, standards, and action for achievement.

• Manages Employee Leaves of Absence, including worker's compensation program and case management. Guides employees with chronic disease management using primary prevention techniques and education. Applies secondary and tertiary prevention when applicable, such as ensuring appropriate treatment, screenings, and illness monitoring.

• Provides direction and guidance to others related to leaves of absence and work restrictions (ADA, FMLA, WC, STD, LTD, etc). Communicates between employees and supervisors at all levels, MCIT (TPA), and medical providers; provides case management; and administers return-to-work programs. Manages ADA and alternative duty.    

• Manages infection control and emergency preparedness planning; administers immunizations and medical related employee testing (OSHA). Performs and/or coordinates Respiratory Health Assessments and Respirator Fit tests. Applies OSHA mandated standards for infections control, Blood Borne Pathogen training, and Respiratory Protection.    

• Collaborates with the Labor Relations Manager, supervisors, and managers on employee situations where a medical component may be impacting job performance. Manages the most complex of employee cases and needs related to Occupational Health and Safety.

• Plans, prepares for, implements and works open health clinics. Acts as a Charge/Lead Nurse in employee immunization settings, making decisions and answering questions regarding policies, procedures, protocols, best practices, and responding to emergencies, adverse reactions and other situations that may arise. 

• Ensures HIPAA program compliance for Employee Relations staff members. Assures data privacy and proper data retention of sensitive and private health information of employees.    

• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

• Must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, contracted professionals, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals. Responds to and supports 24/7 operations, meaning some evening and weekend hours are necessary.    

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires license as an RN in MN, CPR certification, valid driver's license

4 years nursing and occupational health and safety programming, including one year as a supervisor.

A valid driver's license and a reliable form of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

BSN, PHN and/or OHN certification and for experience with workplace leaves and employee medical case management to include ADA and FMLA.

Supervisory Controls:

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Employee Relations Director. All medical work and practices are done in collaboration with and under the authority of the County’s Medical Director. Work is performed in accordance with county policies, union provisions, and applicable federal and state laws. The employee exercises great latitude related to work performed, using independent judgment in choosing priorities and program needs. Supervisory and Medical Director consultation on difficult or unusual problems is available if and as needed. Work is reviewed for accuracy and quality through observation, inspection of products developed, conferences, and objectives achieved.

The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

Core Competencies and Abilities

Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of occupational health; federal and state laws, rules, and regulations; and of measures and techniques used in the prevention of chronic disease management programs.
Knowledge of occupational health programs, including current trends in health care services.
Knowledge of the functions of health and wellness programs and available resources.
Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.

Abilities – Ability to provide nursing care to employees.
Ability to organize effective health and safety programs and to plan, direct, and coordinate program activities.
Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing, in group settings, and with individuals at all levels within and outside of the county and to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
Ability to exercise empathy, respect, understanding, and active listening and assess an individual's needs to refer them to the appropriate resources.
Ability to analyze problems and to prepare clear and concise solutions and actions.
Ability to make independent decisions.     
Ability to convey compassion and support to others around sensitive personal issues.     
Ability to document and maintain medical records and case files and to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a private or confidential nature.
Ability to remain calm and composed in emotionally charged situations and settings.
Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple and varied needs/demands of services. Incumbent may need to respond to emergencies, including unknown or emerging infectious diseases, safety, and health threats.  Evening and weekend hours may be required for accomplishing this work.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job. In the event of an emergency, physical requirements will increase and be more demanding in all areas listed.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.