Environmental Health & Safety Officer

Job Responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE:

Under limited supervision of the Director of Administrative Operations, the Environmental Health & Safety Officer (EHSO) serves as the primary authority at the facility for environmental health, occupational safety, institutional safety programs, and the radiological screening systems, i.e. body scanners are functioning properly within a secure correctional facility. This position is responsible for coordinating, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive safety and environmental programs that protect employees, youth, visitors, and state property while supporting the safe and secure operation of the institution. The EHSO provides technical guidance and subject matter expertise to facility leadership, security personnel, health services, food services, and contracted services providers to ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations, and South Carolina laws and agency policies and procedures. The position plays a critical role in risk management by identifying hazardous conditions, recommending corrective actions, monitoring compliance, and promoting a culture of safety and accountability throughout the facility. The EHSO supports emergency preparedness and response activities, assists with inspections, and audits, and serves as a liaison with regulatory agencies and oversight bodies.

Conducts routine inspections of facilities housing units, kitchens, medical areas, maintenance spaces, and program areas to identify and correct hazards according to policies, codes, and standards.

Conducts monthly security equipment audits of all secured facilities.

Ensures facilities have equipment that is fully operational and the needs are met.

Coordinates the repair of radios through Safety & Law Enforcement Services.

Performs inspections, testing, and daily operations of SCDJJ radiology screening systems i.e. body scanners.

Supports daily security screening at X-Ray Body scanner locations.

Oversees and monitors the operational function and maintenance of staff usage to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with regulations.

Reviews safety related incidents involving staff injuries, youth injuries, and environmental hazards and other events.

Identifies the root cause, recommends corrective and preventative actions, and ensures they are properly documented within the Event Report System (ERS).

Reviews incidents trends and workers compensation data to identify risk areas and improve safety performance.

Develops and oversees programs related to radiation safety, infection control, sanitation, water safety, food safety, and coordinates with medical, food services, and maintenance to ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines.

Provides staff with radiation and environmental health and safety training and coordinates emergency preparedness and response planning.

Performs scheduled and unannounced safety inspections to assess risk related to sanitation, fire safety, air quality, hazardous materials, equipment usage, and overall facility conditions.

Maintains accurate records of inspections, incident investigations, training sessions, corrective actions, and regulatory compliance activities.

Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

STATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Substantial knowledge of state law secured facility rules, regulations, requirements for youth control, and compliance with SC Child Abuse Statutes.

Substantial knowledge of the purpose, methods, and operational practices of DJJ facilities.

Substantial knowledge of various methods of instructing/handling/supervising youth in various activities.

Ability to exercise good judgment/initiative in a variety of situations.

Ability to build healthy relationships with youth and effectively communicate with them in order to promote respect and trust with them and manage challenging behaviors maturely and professionally and in accordance with training.

Lead and develop new officer's ability to complete required reports, including daily ERS Reports.

Ability to establish working relationships with employees.

Ability to maintain a valid state driver's license and ability to operate a state vehicle.

Knowledge of environmental health, occupational health, occupational safety, and sanitation standards applicable to correctional facilities.

Ability to conduct inspections, investigations, and risk assessments in a secure environment.

Work is performed in a high-risk, secure environment requiring sound judgment, effective communication, and the ability to balance safety requirements with institutional security needs.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Comments

• 
  Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health, dental, and life insurance
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days of sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• State retirement plans and deferred compensation programs
• Discount Programs such as TicketatWork and WeSave