Law Enforcement Officer III/ Fire Safety Officer (OMH Public Safety Columbia)

Job Responsibilities

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the Office of Mental Health where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking a Fire Safety Lieutenant, who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness. If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply.

This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) - Office of Mental Health (OMH), Public Safety Division, 7901 Farrow Road, Columbia SC 29203.

Responsibilities for the Fire Safety Lieutenant:

• Inspect and conduct assessments of agency facilities to ensure minimizing of risk of equipment, building and facilities with OMH.
• Ensure agency is in compliance with DHEC, IFC, IBC, JCAH, OSHA and NFPA codes and BHDD Safety regulations. Prepares detailed reports of non-compliance and recommended actions.
• Develop and implement fire prevention safety measures to assist in meeting codes, regulations and compliance. Assist investigating officers with incident reports related to fires and safety issues and other related concerns.
• Perform the duties of a certified law enforcement officer as needed or directed by superiors.
• Conduct quarterly fire drills for all three shifts and coordinate with OMH safety management team regarding fire drills and spot inspections.
• Develop and implement emergency evacuations and employee recall in the event of hazardous weather, fire, hazardous materials or other safety related matters.
• Coordinate with manager of facilities to ensure that any cited violations are corrected within the set timelines and document files are maintained as needed.
• Serve as OMH representative as a member of the OMH team to correspond, maintain, update and execute the implementation of action plans with OMH coordinator of Disaster Management and State Coordinator for any disaster and state emergency as dictated and declared.
• Conduct New Employees Orientation sessions twice monthly on the rules, regulations and procedures as it relates to fire, safety and preventive actions for employees of the agency.
• Maintain reference library on all related materials and inspections performed, ensure reference materials are updated as changes occur.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A high school diploma and direct work experience in fire, safety and law enforcement.
• A bachelor's degree may be substituted for a portion of experience, however, at least two (2) years of direct work is required.
• Class I Certification by the Law Enforcement Training Council in accordance with Section 23-23-40 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976.
• Must be a State Certified Fire Marshal or NFRA Inspector I.

• Must pass pre-employment drug test, a psychological assessment, background screening and a physical to meet employment requirements.
• Meet all requirements to obtain State Fire Marshal Certification in accordance with SC LLR, regulations and standards
• Must meet the 20/20 vision standards or no more than 20/100 corrected to 20/20. Candidates must also be capable of distinguishing, without corrections three colors: green, yellow and red.
• Excellent judgement and ability to be non-bias in the decision-making process.
• Considerable knowledge of state, federal, fire, safety codes and standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of five (5) years of direct work experience in fire, code enforcement, safety and/or law enforcement in a human service organization.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus

Additional Comments

Some out of state travel and occasional overnight travel may be necessary. Must be able to lift 50 or more pounds.

Post Hire, employee must:

• Be able to complete MANDT training
• Have considerable knowledge of State Laws, rules, and regulations of the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) pertaining to employment, ombudsmen and IA guidelines.
• Have the ability to effectively coordinate as a leader and consultant in Quarterly Fire Drills for all shifts within OMH.
• Be skilled in identifying OSHA violations and offer solutions and corrective measures.
• Have strong communication skills with equal skills in presentations.
• Be able to prepare reports, conduct periodic inspections and report findings to the proper individuals.
• Be able to conduct training sessions.
• Be proficient in all aspects of SC codes and regulations in accordance with Fire, Safety, and law enforcement.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

• Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.