Hospital Safety Specialist

Job Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Safety & Security, and working in collaboration and alongside the LMHS Police Department, the Safety Specialist is responsible for measurably improving and closely monitoring staff, visitor, and patient safety within the environment of care. The Safety Specialist will also assist in maintaining hospital compliance with The Joint Commission, DNV, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and other regulatory agencies regarding life safety and care standards. 

Responsibilities:

• Address safety concerns brought to the attention of the Safety Department.
• Assist with Emergency Department throughput by completing blood draws and patient transports as needed.
• Visually check the main floors of the hospital for safety hazards and correct if noted.
• Round in behavioral health units, the Emergency Department, and other assigned areas, engaging patients, and promoting a safe environment while working in collaboration with department clinical staff.
• Identify patients at risk and provide necessary clinical and security notifications or interventions.
• Attend to escalating incidents. Identify issues and act appropriately to eliminate safety hazards. Assist in re-direction and de-escalation of patient situations. Work to prevent aggressive behavior, seclusion, and restraint by utilizing the least restrictive methods.
• Intervene in patient, visitor and/or staff confrontations as appropriate using least restrictive methods.
• Provide a visible deterrence to crime, prohibited activities, or suspicious activities in public and non-public areas, which may include but are not limited to areas such as the main campus, off campus buildings, grounds, parking areas, stairways, mechanical areas, or patient treatment areas.
• Act as intermediary between clinical staff and the LMHS Police when responding to agitated or known violent patients. Maintain the ability to physically intervene during crises. This includes the functional ability to physically restrain people and meet significant physical demands including those of a struggle with someone physically larger and heavier, while making all possible efforts not to inflict injury. It includes the ability to continue to request or direct compliance from people while they are being restrained.
• Respond quickly and effectively to emergency and non-emergency situations. Verbally and/or physically intervene during crisis. Possess the ability to quickly develop rapport with emotionally disturbed people, and understand when people are or are not processing information, and be supportive or directive as needed.
• When responding to unsafe situations, conduct an initial assessment of the incident, determine an appropriate course of action, and remedy the situation in accordance with established training and regulatory standards.
• Research “best practices” in safety, hazardous materials, and emergency management to maintain compliance with regulatory agencies such as OSHA, OEPA, TJC, and others.
• Conduct weekly or monthly inspections, which may include, but is not limited to, pharmaceutical waste collection areas, powered air purifying respirators, “Code Green” supply bags, and oxygen tank storage areas.
• Conduct follow-up investigation of occurrence and/or employee injury reports as requested/assigned.
• Assist in maintaining Safety Data Sheets and conducting chemical inventories per the OHSA Hazard Communication standard and LMH policies.
• Respond to appropriate Codes as announced within the hospital and assist in ensuring a safe response.
• Will serve as instructor of the health system's workplace violence program

Requirements:

• Minimum Education Requirement: High School diploma or equivalent
• Associate’s Degree or 1 to 2 years of related experience preferred
• Behavioral health intervention training, knowledge, or education preferred
• Have knowledge of emergency response protocols and the Incident Command System so to assist in guiding hospital and personnel response during an emergency disaster situation.
• This position may require extensive walking, standing, sitting, talking, listening, and documenting when directing or investigating concerns/incidents.
• Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and support the hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, and customer service standards.

Licking Memorial Health Systems is an equal opportunity employer and maintains compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations. Licking Memorial Health Systems does not discriminate against applicants because of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors protected by law.