HEAD START SAFETY SPECIALIST

INTRODUCTORY PERIOD:
All regular appointees serve a six (6) month introductory period.

CITIZENSHIP/IMMIGRATION STATUS:
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Neighborhood House Association hires only U.S. citizens and others lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.

This Job Announcement is not an offer of employment. The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any of the provisions contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked without notice. Any person who is hired may voluntarily leave their employment upon giving proper notice, and may be terminated by the Agency at any time and for any reason. Any oral or written statements to the contrary are hereby expressly disavowed and should not be relied upon by any prospective or existing employee.

Please note that offers of employment are only valid if they are made by the Human Resources Department

All qualified applicants willreceive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion,sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteranstatus.

POSITION PURPOSE

Under the direction of the NHA Safety Manager, the Head Start Safety Specialist will work closely with and support the NHA Safety Manager in the planning, implementation and management of the Head Start safety practices and procedures in an effort to ensure a safe, healthy, and accident-free environment for Head Start participants and staff. The Head Start Safety Specialist will work in conjunction with other organizational staff members and outside resources. The Head Start Safety Specialist may also work and be on- call outside of normal business operating hours including weekends to respond to and staff agency related events and emergencies.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Head Start Performance Standards as it relates to Head Start Safety Practices and Procedures
• OSHA/Cal-OSHA Hazardous materials programs and monitoring protocols;
• Federal and state laws, regulations and practices for conducting accident and work place safety audits and investigations;
• NHA’s safety and environmental policies and practices;
• Standard safety equipment used in public works occupations;
• Practices and methods in designing employee safety training programs;
• Principles and practices of sound business communication, as well as, knowledge of resources such as National Life Safety Codes;

Ability to:

• Operate a computer and standard work processing and spreadsheet software;
• Understand, interpret, explain and apply complex federal, state, and agency requirements regulating workplace health and safety and the use, storage and disposal of hazardous substances;
• Evaluate work place safety programs and practices and make sound recommendations for improvement;
• Conduct accident and workplace safety investigations;
• Conduct effective employee training programs;
• Exercise sound independent judgment and initiative within policy guidelines;
• Communicate clearly logically and persuasively both orally and in writing;
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive investigative reports and other materials;
• Establish and maintain highly effective working relationships with managers, supervisors, employees, vendors and others encountered in the course of the work;

Training & Experience:

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in occupational health studies, environmental studies or a closely related field; A minimum of two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in Occupational Health and safety programs, including conducting accident and/ or safety investigations or designing and conducting (Head Start) Environmental Health and Safety programs; or the equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience in a Head Start program setting is preferred.

Language Skills:

Ability to effectively respond to questions, present information, and communicate orally and in writing primarily in English from groups of managers, employees, and the general public. Spanish speaking is helpful.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Analyze and solve complex problems; use mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks with frequent interruptions; meet intensive and changing deadlines and interact with officials, staff and the public.

A valid California Driver’s License for at least three (3) years required. Must maintain insurability under NHA’s Vehicle Insurance Policy. Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training required. Certification in adult/pediatric first aid and CPR must be met within 90 days of employment. Employee is expected to attain a certification for playground inspections within the first six (6) months of assignment to the position. Must meet and maintain state law and county licensing requirements regarding employment in a child care center (fingerprints, TB, physical,) as well as provide proof of immunity to Measles and Pertussis, and must obtain an Influenza Vaccination, or provide a medical exemption upon hire.

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

Required to sit, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and walk; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to operate, finger, handle or feel standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; and lift up to fifty (50) pounds. This job includes close vision, the ability to distinguish between colors, and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new skills and information; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with Association staff and others encountered in the course of work.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee is subject to moderate noise and will be required to work in both indoor and outdoor environments.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Participates in administering a comprehensive Head Start Safety Program, to include all Head Start facilities where children are served, including areas for learning, playing, sleeping, toileting and eating;
• Monitor equipment and materials to ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) and all other federal and state laws and regulations for Head Start participants;
• Conducts special and periodic inspections of NHA’s facilities and operations to identify safety and environmental hazards;
• Conducts playground inspections of NHA Head Start facilities to identify safety and environmental hazards;
• Ensures minimum indoor and outdoor activity space is available for each participant;
• Participates in safety meetings with departments and the Safety Committee;
• Recommends the purchase of training materials or participates in the development of safety and environmental training programs for managers, supervisors and employees;
• Coordinates and/or conducts a variety of training classes and programs;
• Types, formats, edits, revises, proofreads and prints notices, reports, correspondence, spreadsheets, statistical charts and other documents;
• Ensures all Head Start staff and consultants follow appropriate practices to keep children safe during all activities;
• Assists in developing specifications for the purchase of safety and/or environmental related equipment;
• Periodically checks the operation of safety equipment to ensure conformance with HSPPS in use;