Overview

At Houston Methodist, the Safety Representative position is responsible for maintaining a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors by applying knowledge associated with federal, state and local safety regulations. This position identifies safety risks and takes initiative for timely resolution of potential concerns, minimizing the hospital's liability by managing compliance, establishing best practices, developing/maintaining training, and ensuring the proper recordkeeping associated with safety regulations.

Houston Methodist Standard

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVEDRefer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience.

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Displays cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

Responsibilities

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains high customer satisfaction while providing the highest level of safety to patients, visitors, staff and assets.

• Communicates effectively with management and coworkers on tasks, processes and procedures while discussing safety requirements. Utilizes professional telephone etiquette.

• Establish timely goals with customers and/or management on projects and effectively communicate any updates or changes.

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides guidance to Houston Methodist staff, contractors and vendors regarding safe processes, best practices and regulatory compliance.

• Develop and implement safety-related training for staff and contractors.

• Maintains a safe environment, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous material. Reports accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Accurately presents and/or generates and completes reports, in conjunction with the Chair of the Intuitional Safety Committee to Houston Methodist Hospital Board of Directors, by recording occurrences, information and observations.

• Creates, maintains, and/or implements required safety-related documentation (e.g., permits, inspections, plans, etc.).

• Effectively communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Balances cost/spending, determined by management or policy, as appropriate.

• Prevents loss and damage by reporting irregularities, informing violators of policy and procedures.

• Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks. Uses resources effectively and efficiently; does not waste supplies, optimizing efficiency in all areas according to department specifications. Utilizes and maintains HM and department equipment according to manufacturer specifications.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Remains current with safety-related technology and regulations. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual process improvements for the department. Assists with the implementation of new safety initiatives and implements actions that promote workplace safety culture.

• Supports hospital and department goals and offers innovative solutions through participation in department projects. Assumes responsibility for self-growth and development by participating in in-services programs and continuing education.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

• College degree(s) in a science or engineering field preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Three years' experience in a safety-related field

• Healthcare experience preferred

License/Certification

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - PREFERRED

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or
• Associate Safety Professional (ASP) and
• Certified Hazardous Materials Manager(CHMM) and
• CSHO - Certified Safety and Health Official (OSHA)

KSA/ Supplemental Data

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Has working knowledge of current federal, state, and local health, safety, and environmental regulations

• Demonstrates experience in any of the following areas: Life Safety Systems; Incident Command; Indoor Air Quality; Safety Training; Ergonomics; Emergency Response; Accident Investigations or EHS regulatory compliance

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional No
• Other (department approved) Yes

ON-CALL**Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL****Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Company Profile

Since its founding in 1919, Houston Methodist Hospital has earned worldwide recognition. Houston Methodist Hospital is affiliated with the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the nation's leading centers for medical education and research. In 2020, U.S. News & World Report named Houston Methodist Hospital to its top ranked Honor Roll for the fourth time and second consecutive year. 2020 also marked the ninth year in a row Houston Methodist Hospital has been named the No. 1 hospital in Texas. Houston Methodist Hospital directs millions of research dollars into patient care and offers the latest innovations in medical, surgical and diagnostic techniques. With 952 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and over 8,000 employees, Houston Methodist offers complete care for patients from around the world.

The same high-quality care for which Houston Methodist is known is available at several Emergency Care Centers in Houston and the surrounding areas. These Emergency Care Centers house exam rooms, full digital radiography suite, low radiation dose 16-slice CT scan, ultrasound and a full on-site stat chemistry lab.