Safety Coordinator

About Vocational Visions

Vocational Visions is a mission‑driven nonprofit organization in Mission Viejo, CA, dedicated to empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) through supported employment, community inclusion, and meaningful lifelong learning. If you're seeking a human services career that makes a real impact, this role offers purpose, stability, and growth.

Make a Difference Every Day

Vocational Visions is seeking a compassionate, reliable, and motivated Safety Coordinator to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in supported employment, paid internships, and community-based job placements. This is a hands-on, meaningful role ideal for candidates who want long-term impact, stability, and growth in the human services field.

Position Summary

The Safety Coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing safety programs and policies to ensure a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for clients, staff, and visitors. This role integrates traditional occupational health and safety standards with trauma-informed care principles, proactively identifying risks and managing incidents in a social service environment. The Safety Coordinator serves as the primary liaison between staff and management regarding safety concerns and regulatory compliance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties represent the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Site Safety & Security: Conduct regular safety sweeps, audits, and facility inspections to identify hazards. Oversee security vendor performance and manage emergency preparedness plans (fire drills, active threat response, medical emergencies, water temperature, fire extinguishers, & AED’s).
• Policy Development: Develop and enforce agency-wide safety policies, procedures, and trauma-informed safety practices.
• Incident Management: Respond to and investigate accidents, incidents, or behavioral concerns, determining root causes and recommending corrective actions. Maintain accurate records of all incidents and near-misses.
• Training: Design and deliver safety training sessions for staff, including CPR/First Aid, crisis de-escalation, vehicle safety, and emergency protocols.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local safety laws (OSHA), particularly in congregate living or shelter settings.
• Risk Assessment: Evaluate potential hazards within the facility or during off-site programs and implement preventive measures.
• Liaison: Act as the main point of contact for safety-related issues, collaborating with facilities teams, HR, and external partners (police, fire, EMS).

Additional Duties

• Facility/maintenance support
• Transportation/vehicle support
• Licensing support.
• OSHA log compliance
• Organization safety program support and updating

Required Skills

• Crisis Response: Ability to respond calmly and professionally to crisis or emergency situations involving vulnerable populations.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead trainings and write detailed reports.
• Detail-Oriented: Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and capability to learn safety management software.
• Trauma-Informed Approach: Ability to use de-escalation techniques and support a culture of respect for clients, visitors, and staff.

Required Knowledge and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent (Required); Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Social Work, or related field (Preferred).
• 1 years of work experience in a social services or non-profit setting.
• Experience in hazard identification and risk assessment.
• OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour General Industry Certification (Preferred).
• Current CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire).
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and maintain confidentiality.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and resourceful approach to problem solving.
• High ethical standards and professional integrity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Proficiency in English, including speaking, reading, and writing.
• Valid California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record, as required for the position.
• Ability to pass required pre-employment screenings, which may include a criminal background check, physical examination, drug screening, and TB test, consistent with applicable law.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification.
• May be required to operate a company vehicle in support of organizational operations.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

The physical demands and working conditions described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job.

• Work is primarily performed in a climate-controlled office environment.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor elements, including heat and cold.
• May be exposed to loud noises and odors associated with program environments.
• Requires manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment and perform tasks such as moving tables and chairs.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Work is performed primarily in a residential, shelter, or office setting, with regular on-site presence.
• Frequent interaction with residents, including individuals experiencing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, or acute stress.
• Moderate physical activity, including standing, walking throughout the facility, and occasional lifting of supplies.
• Potential exposure to contagious diseases, requiring adherence to infection control protocols.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Vocational Visions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under federal or California law.