What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employee Health & Safety Director - 61051750 position at State of South Carolina?
Careers at DPH: Work that makes a difference!
Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is a statewide leader committed to protecting and improving the health and quality of life of every resident and visitor in South Carolina. With nearly 2,200 passionate public health professionals working across all regions of the state, DPH delivers innovative, community-driven services that make a lasting impact. The Employee Health and Safety Department is located on the State Health Campus in Cayce, SC—our central hub for collaboration, preparedness, and statewide operations. From this flagship location, the Employee Health & Safety Director plays a vital role in supporting all DPH employees as they serve the people of South Carolina and advance the department’s mission to build healthier, safer, and more resilient communities.
In this role, you will apply deep expertise in occupational health, regulatory compliance, and risk management to lead programs that protect and strengthen a complex, public-facing workforce. This position is critical to enhancing employee well-being, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting the department’s public health–related readiness and response capabilities. You will serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership while championing a proactive, prevention-focused culture of safety—empowering the DPH workforce and helping shape a healthier future for South Carolina.
Key Position Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight
- Lead and manage comprehensive employee health and workplace safety programs across the agency
- Supervise, develop, and mentor staff while collaborating with senior leadership
- Serve as a key participant in emergency management operations
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with OSHA and all workplace safety regulations
- Oversee inspections, audits, incident investigations, and corrective actions
- Maintain oversight of employee medical credentials and vaccination records
Policy Development & Safety Culture
- Develop and implement safety policies, procedures, and training programs
- Promote a proactive, organization-wide culture of safety and risk prevention
Occupational Health Oversight
- Oversee exposure management, medical surveillance, and workplace injury response
- Partner with leadership to implement preventative strategies and reduce incidents
Data Analysis & Executive Advisement
- Analyze safety metrics, trends, and compliance data
- Provide actionable recommendations to executive leadership to mitigate risk
Agency Additional Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety management, environmental health, public health, nursing, or related field with a minimum of five (5) years of progressive occupational health and safety leadership experience. At least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Experience managing immunization and vaccination compliance programs, strong knowledge of OSHA and workplace safety regulations, demonstrated experience in risk management and program development and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook).
Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN), or similar credential
EEO: The Department of Public Health 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.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.
DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:
- 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
- 15 days Sick Leave per year
- 13 Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
- 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.
Salary : $79,600 - $95,000