Safety Specialist jobs in Chicago, IL

• JobID: 339

Position Type:
City Manager's Office/Safety Specialist

Date Posted:
2/11/2022

Location:
Civic Center

Date Available:
TBD

Closing Date:
03/13/2022

Salary Range: $38.56-$49.188/hour

• Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for the range.

NATURE OF WORK:
Responsible for coordination of the organization’s safety programs. Helps develop, implement and manage safety programs, policies, and procedures. Ensures the organization complies with all current safety regulations. Evaluates the organization’s procedures, facilities and equipment to identify unsafe conditions that need improvement. Identifies and evaluates detrimental working conditions and makes adjustments to safeguard employee health. Researches and recommends safety equipment. Responsible for maintenance of employee safety and vehicle accident records. Utilizes on-line training systems to maximize safety training exposure to all employees.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):
Works with department and city-wide Safety Committees to identify safety issues/concerns and recommend possible solutions. Create/implement safety committees where none currently exist.
Responsible for the collection, coordination and analysis of citywide training records, OSHA and other safety related training, utilizing all aspects of the City’s on-line training system.
Works with departments and members of Safety Committees to identify training gaps and support development of training plans based upon the specific needs of each department/division; utilizing on-line training systems where applicable.
Maintain and inventory all safety-related training materials/resources. Identify material gaps. Research resources to fill those gaps and recommend purchase of appropriate material and create a training resource library, utilizing all aspects of the City’s on-line training system.
Coordinates the Citywide Safety Committee activities including bi-monthly meetings. Work with/develop committee members to facilitate meetings.
Work with department and city-wide safety committees to establish annual and on-going goals.
Maintain the Safety Manual, updating as necessary. Creating and/or updating, and implementing safety related policies and programs as appropriate.
Supply “Safety Tips” for the monthly employee newsletter.
Acts as a resource for employees responsible for monitoring and maintaining City-wide First Aid Kits, Fire Extinguishers, AEDs and required safety posters. Periodically performing inspections of same.
Reviews and analyzes record of safety issues (work related accidents) and makes presentations and recommendations as required, tailoring safety training based upon issues identified from analysis.
Assists in monitoring the progress of the city-wide and departmental safety goals.
Performs project analysis including gathering and processing data, analyzing and making recommendations based upon analysis.
Consults with departments on ways to improve practices with the goal of avoiding or reducing injuries and/or their severity.
Provides technical expertise and guidance to management in understanding OSHA standards relating to worker and facility health and safety.
Coordinates safety shoe payments as outlined in union contract and personnel manual.
Identifies and recommends new equipment to allow staff to enhance safety and effectiveness.

Learns, trains, assists department staff on safety related topics.
Coordinates injury prevention training, primarily with staff exposed to a higher risk of injury.
Performs or coordinates OSHA certification training as needed.
Conducts risk assessments of jobs performed (job hazards/safety analysis) and customizes OSHA programs to meet departmental needs, incorporating relevant OSHA standards and requirements, best practices, and departmental work standards and procedures.
Coordinates and administers the Commercial Driver’s License random drug and alcohol testing program, to include the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration annual Clearinghouse queries and policy updates as required.
Assists with administrative duties related to Worker’s Compensation claims and the City’s Accident Review Board.
Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
Must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Safety and Health Management or substantially similar area.
Must possess two (2) or more years of responsible work experience in a health and safety management position, preferably in a municipal government setting. CSP, CIH, OSHA, or other safety/training certification preferred.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:

Knowledge and experience in health and safety program management, industrial accident prevention, hazardous materials, environmental laws, fire prevention, industrial hygiene, and engineering hazard controls.
Knowledge of safety protocols and practices used in construction or field jobs.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills.
Ability to analyze comprehensive business processes, perform in-depth work analyses, and associated project plans for executing changes to existing policies and processes.
Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications specifically, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, including on-line training systems.
The ability to assemble, analyze and organize critical data.
Ability to learn, understand, and incorporate city ordinances, rules, regulations and procedures, etc. into daily activities.
Ability to work on multiple projects, some of which may have conflicting deadlines and/or priorities.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively in a team environment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals and staff throughout the City and outside of the organization.
Ability to conduct trainings, facilitate meetings and lead special project teams.
Ability to read, understand and interpret scientific and technical journals, manuals, ordinances, policies and procedures, ordinances, statutes, rules, regulations, newspapers, memos, letters, abstracts, financial reports and legal documents.

Ability to speak before audiences with poise, voice control and confidence, using proper grammar and vocabulary appropriate to the audience.
Familiarity with standard concepts, practices and procedures within a particular field. Ability to rely on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
The ability to work in a primarily sedentary position, with the ability to occasionally use force to exert up to 20 pounds. The ability to lift, carry or otherwise move objects, books, materials, etc. using up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

The employee is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions. Outside work primarily limited to training or field activity assessments.

SUPERVISION:
Under the general direction of the Safety and Workers Compensation Manager, work is performed with minimal instruction or supervision, therefore incumbent must be self-motivated and capable of initiating and developing tasks on a regular basis. Performance is reviewed through observation, completion of projects, status report’s, conferences and meetings. Guidance is provided through the City Code, departmental policies, City operating practices and procedures, and other resources as applicable to the specific projects assigned. Work is evaluated at least annually with respect to ability, customer service, research and analytical skill, written and verbal communication skills, and performance in accordance with this classification standard.

PUBLIC CONTACT:
The employee has regular and frequent contact with City employees and administrators from all departments, and at all levels within the organization; and limited contact with the general public, elected officials, and with outside vendors or service providers.

SELECTION METHOD TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST
Skills Assessment
Structured Oral Interview

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).

Job Type: Full-time