EMS Safety, Health & Training Officer

JOB CODE: 1957

PAY GRADE: 2200

SALARY RANGE: $39,157 - $66,662

LOCATION OF WORK
Emergency Medical Services

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of the EMS Administrator, performs responsible professional and administrative work planning, developing, and implementing a comprehensive safety and infectious disease program for the department performing emergency medical services to the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish. Work involves responsibility for managing a safety program designed to eliminate potential hazards or dangerous conditions affecting employees, the public, and property. Responsible for the effective direction, management, and operation of the infection prevention and control for EMS. This includes education of employees and consultation with the medical director, CDC, and Louisiana Department of Health. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Assists in planning and developing the safety program and recommends applicable directives and regulations concerning accident prevention. Assesses on-site vehicle accidents that involve EMS units to evaluate safety issues. Plans, develops, and implements vaccination programs at EMS. This includes vaccinations such as influenza, tetanus, hepatitis, and COVID-19. Administers vaccinations to employees and citizens as needed. Identifies and reduces exposure through educational safety programs concentrating on areas with the highest exposure level; presents safety training programs to employees and their supervisors. Monitors infectious disease/infectious control programs for the Department of EMS. Performs periodic inspections of facilities, equipment, and job sites to identify and prevent safety hazards; performs field audits of employees engaged in equipment operation to ensure safety and procedural compliance; has the authority to implement work stoppages for safety and environmental violations; if necessary, submits reports of findings with recommendations for corrective action to the department head or other administrative officials. Processes worker compensation claims for employees. Assists in investigating unsafe working conditions and practices generated by possible illegal use or abuse of drugs and/or alcohol by employees; schedules drug and/or alcohol testing if deemed necessary. Analyzes work practices and assignments to determine conformance to established safety codes, practices, and principles. Supervises and participates in the investigation of incidents involving property, equipment, or personnel to determine the cause and possible corrective action. Assists employees with Employee Assistance Program (EAP) referrals; works with administrative officials and supervisors in determining employee impairment and orders fitness for duty, clearance for duty, and other special medical examinations needed to determine an employee's medical or other functional restrictions in the work environment. Assists employees and their supervisors in matters dealing with the employee's health and in maintaining a healthy work environment. Coordinates and instructs the training for all EMS employees who drive an emergency vehicle. Monitors health and safety plans to ensure compliance with the department's accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of principles and practices utilized in administering comprehensive safety, loss prevention, and occupational health programs. Knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to local government agencies in the area of safety. Knowledge of the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) standards. Knowledge of investigative procedures and methods. Knowledge of the various types of medical equipment and medical vehicles. Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, to groups, and to individuals. Ability to perform moderately complex mathematical calculations, especially in the area of statistical analysis. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, superiors, and the public. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS