Safety Officer

Job Summary

The role of the Safety Officer is to ensure the safety of the premises and personnel by patrolling the property, monitoring surveillance equipment, and investigating security breaches or incidents. This position also ensures that reports are completed of observations, information, occurrences, and surveillance activities in a timely manner. The Safety Officer will advise on safety measures, conduct risk assessments, and enforce preventative measures.  This role involves promoting a safe workplace, providing training, and investigating incidents to improve overall safety.

Role and Responsibilities

• Monitors and analyzes CCTV.
• Monitors and responds to door alarms and suspected security breaches.
• Conducts interior and exterior checks of property to ensure there are no safety hazards or issues.
• Monitors and responds to various alarms and acts appropriately.
• Patrols the interior and exterior of the facility regularly to maintain order and establish presence.
• Responds to emergency situations, providing direction to staff and patients in evaluation procedures.
• Assists with medical emergencies by providing basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from the nursing/medical team or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
• Helps provide de-escalation techniques, as needed with patients.
• Documents any incidents that occur and ensures they are brought to Director of Operations or Operations Lead’s attention.
• Interacts with patients, staff, and visitors.
• Monitors and/or authorizes the entrance and departure of visitors and other persons to guard the safety of patients and staff.
• Assists with facilities maintenance, as needed.
• Assists with hospitality, as needed.
• Assists with the transportation of patients, as needed.
• Assists with Residential Support Staff, as needed.
• Makes badges for new staff members.
• Conducts training in various drills (fire, weather, critical incident, etc.)
• Conducts monthly checks of life safety systems.
• Adheres to all HIPAA regulations, requirements, and guidelines.
• Assists in other units/departments when there are changes in census or staffing, as needed.
• Adheres to the established Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, Patient Centered Philosophy, and employee handbook.
• Conducts belonging searches, removes unapproved belongings, and then safely stores patient property.
• Conducts searches of patient rooms, as needed.
• Assists with patient intakes, discharges, and transfers, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, required
• Valid driver’s license, required
• CPR/1st Aid/AED certification, preferred
• Criminal background check, required.
• Law Enforcement/first responder experience, preferred.

Knowledge/skills/abilities

• Excellent communication skills, self-motivated, organizational skills, critical thinking, and good decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work independently with little to no supervision.
• Knowledge of substance use disorder; mental health illnesses and the recovery modality is preferred.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality on all client records and business-related records, as required under HIPAA guidelines.
• Attention to detail and efficient time-management skills.
• Experience with conflict resolution.
• Medication administration experience and proficiency. Effective communication skills, self-motivation, and good decision-making ability.
• Ability to adhere to and knowledge of all HIPAA guidelines.
• Knowledge of electronic medical records (EMR).
• Ability to use various computer programs regularly (i.e., email, SharePoint, KIPU, etc.).
• Ability to identify own strengths and areas of improvement and communicate needs to supervisor.
• Demonstrates professional behavior reflective of Sanford’s Mission Statement, Philosophy, and Values.
• Must be able to relate well to all kinds of people both inside and outside the organization; build appropriate rapport; build constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; can diffuse even high-tension situations comfortably.
• Must possess positive attitude to enhance a cooperative and energetic work environment.

Physical Requirements

• Periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer (2+ hours).
• Prolonged periods of walking or standing (3+ hours).
• Must be able to move quickly through the building to assist with emergency situations (walk fast to run).
• Must be able to lift or drag 75 to 200 lbs., with assistance.
• Must be able to adapt to the physical demands of lifting clients, bending, stooping, and stretching.
• Must be able to lift prone patients with assistance or use of equipment.
• Must be able to safely handle biohazardous materials, i.e., blood and urine, etc.
• Must be able to clearly express and exchange ideas by means of spoken words to impart oral information to employees or others accurately or quickly, engaging in sometimes lengthy conversations or presentations.
• Must be able to ascend and descend stairs daily.
• Must be able to seize, hold, grasp, turn or otherwise work with your hand or hands.
• Must be able to perceive sound by ear to interpret oral information from employees or others accurately or quickly.
• Work will be performed in an office environment with fluctuating temperatures.

ADA Disclaimer

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position adequately.  If requested, reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. All requests must be made to the Human Resource Department in writing.

Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice and employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions or assignments.  All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements, which are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  I understand that my signature below indicates my understanding of the requirements, essential functions, and the duties of this position.

Sanford Behavioral Health is an equal opportunity employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.