Job Description:

Dir, Env Health & Safety

Overview

How have you impacted someone's life today? At Hackensack Meridian Health our teams are focused on changing the lives of our patients by providing the highest level of care each and every day. From our hospitals, rehab centers and occupational health teams to our long-term care centers and at-home care capabilities, our complete spectrum of services will allow you to apply your skills in multiple settings while building your career, all within New Jersey's premier healthcare system.

The Environmental Health & Safety Director develops, directs, coordinates, implements, and monitors the Hospital-wide Environmental and Safety Management program and performs all the job functions listed below in accordance with Hospital procedures and compliance with regulatory agencies.

Responsibilities

A day in the Life of a Director, Environmental Health & Safety at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

Chairs the Environment of Care Committee and submits monthly reports on findings, recommendations, actions taken and/or monitoring of the Environment of Care. Acts as coordinator of all Safety Committees, Environment of Care Committee and related structures. Develops these agendas to meet established or new requirements, maintains fully comprehensive minutes, and follows up on action to meet all requirements.
• Reviews department environmental and safety programs, policies and procedures for the appropriate action by that committee.


• Proposes or provides corrective action plans, written or verbal, and can adjust plans for variable fluctuations as necessary.


• Provides developmental guidance to Department safety programs and their sub-divisions.


• Maintains important records, policies and procedures, hazard communication information, resource materials, and current rules and regulations.


• Consults with EVS, Laboratory staff and appropriate departments to ensure safe storage, transportation, and disposal of wastes. Involves in the selection of waste disposal company/contractor and monitors results. Participates in hazard surveillance and the incident reporting system as required to resolve issues. Develop and Manage Laboratory Safety and Biological Safety Programs by conducting risk assessments, facility and waste stream audits, and safety training to ensure staff compliance to all regulations; Develop and Implement Biological/Hazardous Material Shipping Program.


• Manages SARA TitleII/Right-to-Know Program. Ensures all facilities actively maintain individual chemical inventory; creates and maintains centralized database that includes inventory from all HUMC Facilities; prepares and submits annual reports to appropriate regulatory agencies.


• Identifies and defines physical parameters and/or behavioral factors capable of contributing to occupational or environmental health hazards and/or fire hazards.


• Promotes and coordinates the Environmental and Safety Office role in the collection and evaluation of Environment of Care related information.


• Conducts investigations of accidents and fire incidents to determine causes and provide, as necessary, written reports including evidence interpretation, theory and rationale, and final conclusions.


• Develops, implements, and monitors the fire safety and emergency response policies and procedures including urgent response to suspect conditions. Oversees the preventive maintenance of fire protection and safety equipment. Initiates purchase of new equipment and/or orders repairs as necessary.


• Responds to calls of possible fire or chemical contamination, evaluates the conditions found, takes further actions if necessary to return the hospital environment to normal, and informs and updates the personnel-in-charge of the condition status.


• Serves as the hospital person-in-charge during "Code Red" emergencies or hazardous materials incidents or remains on-call.


• Serves as the Environmental and Safety Officer during disaster response emergencies and specifically directs the actions necessary to protect staff from exposure to hazardous materials.


• Designs and implements appropriate quality control program and develops processes and procedures whereby the Safety staff and others follow-up to ensure effectiveness. Develops, modifies and maintains Environmental Safety standards to support approved organization goals and comply with outside agency regulations. Coordinates and regulates department Safety Programs to ensure effectiveness. Develops/revised programs and recommends procedural changes as necessary. Conducts inspections and environmental sampling to ensure accident prevention, fire protection, and safety from hazards. Initiates corrective actions as required.


• Manages, coordinates, and monitors administrative activities of Environmental Health and Safety to ensure safe and efficient operations in accordance with established procedures and compliance with regulatory agencies. Manages and oversees department staff, provides work direction, and conducts on-the-job training to ensure the department has a trained knowledge base in the functional areas of Joint Commission Environment of Care. Completes performance evaluations and takes appropriate personnel actions. Monitors activities of staff to ensure effective completion of projects and assignments. Interprets and implements Hospital personnel and department policies and procedures.


• Takes a leadership role in construction-related safety. Ensure there are policies, procedures, and resources to support the Hospital's construction efforts to include issuing penetration permits, doing pre and post inspections, attending appropriate project meetings, giving design guidance, and eventual signed approval relative to interim and permanent life and general safety measures. Participates in the ICRA (Infection Control Risk Assessment) aspects related to construction.


• Prepares HUMC for upcoming surveys for all regulatory activities. Takes a leadership role for preparation of Joint Commission PPR for Environment of Care, in identifying areas for improvement and for monitoring on-going improvement of preparation efforts. Works directly with surveyors as needed and directly by the VP of Hospitality Services. Researches and prepares strong arguments for HUMC's compliance, if needed.


• Maintains effective communication with departments and services to ensure compliance with policies and procedures as they impact Environmental and Safety functions. Interprets codes, laws, etc. and provides guidance to departments as necessary. Develops and conducts appropriate training programs and drills. Designs and distributes instructional or informational materials. Partners with Learning and Performance and other areas of the Hospital to devise the best, most comprehensive training programs that will meet regulatory requirements and enhance the safety of our employees.


• Performs all duties inherent in managerial role. Participates in hiring, training, evaluation, and termination of assigned staff according to Hospital policies and procedures.


• Performs other special projects and duties as assigned by the Vice-President of Hospitality Services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in either Safety Engineering, Environmental Health science or a related area, or at least 6 years full-time experience in Hospital Safety in a supervisory or managerial capacity, or at least 7 years full time experience in Hospital Safety in any capacity.


• At least 8 years full time experience in the safety profession if no hospital experience is evident


• Master's Degree in Environmental Health Science or related field is preferred

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