Class Code: PP109
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Safety and Training Program Specialist I

Bargaining Unit: SEA

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, a Safety and Training Program Specialist I performs a limited range of professional administrative duties related to implementing and maintaining workplace safety programs in compliance with Cal-OSHA requirements as well as Santa Cruz METRO policies and procedures; collects and analyzes data and produces reports; investigates workplace accidents/incidents and claims filed against Santa Cruz METRO; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Safety Program Specialist I is the entry/first working level class in the series.  An incumbent in this class performs a limited range of professional program administrative duties while learning to perform the full scope of journey-level work.  This class may be distinguished from the higher level class of Safety Program Specialist II because an incumbent in the latter class performs the full scope of journey-level professional administrative work.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

  • Implements workplace safety programs in compliance with Cal-OSHA requirements as well as Santa Cruz METRO policies and procedures.  
  • Implements the System Safety Program Plan and other Santa Cruz METRO safety programs; reviews and conducts inspections of facilities and hazardous materials; evaluates workplace chemical usage; maintains compliance data; conducts hazard assessments and compliance audits; discusses procedural changes and requirements with departments, and addresses recurring issues.  
  • Provides information to the Safety, Security and Risk Manager regarding injury and property damage claims to assist in the determination of Santa Cruz METRO liability; collects accident/incident information; verifies medical treatment expenses and lost wages; compiles value of property damage. 
  • Investigates accidents/incidents for both internal Santa Cruz METRO incidents and external incidents; interviews and takes statements of claimants, employees, and witnesses; visits accident/incident scenes and takes pictures and measurements; analyzes events; examines property damage; obtains injury information; interprets management practices; assesses findings in order to make recommendations regarding cause, severity, and action; and generates a final written report. 
  • Maintains and tracks records; prepares reports on status of claims; organizes materials and documents claim files; maintains accurate records and files. 
  • Researches changes in Federal and State health and safety laws and codes, including occupational safety and health regulations at both the State and Federal levels. 
  • Makes recommendations to the Safety, Security and Risk Manager of policy changes needed to maintain compliance.
  • Assists Santa Cruz METRO departments with the implementation of emergency response planning; coordinates drills implementing emergency plans; makes recommendations on areas of improvement and efficiency; responds to various emergencies.  
  • Identifies and processes recovery actions for damages Santa Cruz METRO sustained from vehicle accidents, tenant lease agreements, and other related expenses. 
  • Implements and facilitates workplace safety and environmental training programs; produces and schedules monthly safety awareness topics; assists team members in other safety areas; maintains training records.  
  • Determines workplace safety training needs; recommends, develops and conducts training of employees regarding safety related issues such as safety awareness, ergonomics, Cal-OSHA requirements, and proper use of safety equipment. 
  • Assists with workplace safety regulatory compliance; submits compliance related reports, inspection forms, and other records; evaluates corrective action issues and regulatory changes/interpretations; obtains samples for analytical analysis. 
  • Develops various workplace safety analysis tools such as key performance indicators, dashboards, and scorecards to track and analyze trends and monthly outcomes; reviews all workplace injuries and performs focused training to help other employees avoid such injuries; performs field safety observations to assess safely on buses and at Santa Cruz METRO facilities.  
  • Prepares and provides appropriate information and required documentation as needed for small claims court hearings. 
  • Provides information to employees and the public. 
  • Operates standard office and photography equipment; utilizes computer software in performing job tasks.  
  • Drive a Santa Cruz METRO vehicle to perform assignments. 
  •  Performs related work as required.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

  • Cal-OSHA regulations.
  • Applicable Federal, State and local safety regulations, laws and standards.
  • Proper presentation of safety regulatory compliance regulations such as legal placement of warning signs.
  • Industry workplace safety standards and best management practices.
  • Effective presentation methods.
  • Hazard analysis and implications throughout the system life cycle.
  • Tools and techniques of data collection, on scene evidence collection and interviewing witnesses.   
  • Applied preventative/predictive failure analysis, risk assessment and deductive reasoning.
  • Accident investigation and hazard analysis.
  • Claims investigation methods, techniques and settlement negotiations.
  • Methods of legal and factual research.
  • Basic discovery requirements.
  • Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
  • Business correspondence, formatting and report writing.       
  • Manual and automated record-keeping and filing systems.
  • Methods of maintaining information in computerized or hard copy files.
  • Professional methods of researching, gathering, organizing and reporting data.
  • Methods of prioritizing, planning and organizing work.
  • Advanced time management techniques.
  • Customer service techniques.
  • Intermediate mathematics, including percentages and intermediate statistics. 
  • The effective use of modern office equipment, personal computers, and standard business software, including audio/visual equipment. 

Ability to:

  • Interpret safety laws and regulations and resolve conflicting regulations.
  • Ensure compliance from employees and supervisors regarding issues with Santa Cruz METRO’s safety programs.
  • Procure required documentation from vendors to ensure compliance.
  • Perform timely notification of incidents in accordance with safety and risk management program requirements.
  • Use tools and equipment for incident/accident investigations and hazard assessments.
  • Understand and apply laws and administrative policies and procedures in the evaluation of routine property and liability insurance claims.
  • Investigate accident scenes, analyze events, and draw sound conclusions.
  • Develop and write correspondence, plans, procedures, reports, and forms. 
  • Conduct field investigations to identify patterns and problem areas and make recommendations.   
  • Adhere to established work schedules and timelines.
  • Work independently using good judgment, tact and discretion.
  • Balance multiple assignments simultaneously and effectively.
  • Utilize standard office equipment and computer software and learn to use specialized Santa Cruz METRO software if assigned.
  • Maintain confidentiality of materials, records, files and other privileged information.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written form.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department and with other divisions, departments, agencies, suppliers, vendors, and the public. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 

Education, Training, and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental health/safety, occupational health/safety or a related field.

AND

One (1) year of professional experience in system safety program planning, industrial hygiene, environmental health/safety or occupational health/safety.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

A valid California Driver’s License will be required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a current, valid California Class “C” Driver’s License.

AND

Ability to obtain a Cal-OSHA Safety and Health certificate is required at the time of appointment.  

Ability to obtain a Cal-OSHA Advanced Safety and Health certificate is desirable.  

Additional OSHA coursework related to risk management and claims resolution is desirable.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must participate in professional development activities. 
  • Fluency in both English and Spanish is required.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms; walk, sit and stand; use finger dexterity; talk and hear, and use a keyboard.  Work often requires the repetitive use of both hands to grasp and feel objects; stooping at the waist, and standing.   Work may require lifting up to 20 pounds unaided.  Specific visual abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, the ability to see colors and shades, and the ability to perceive depth. 

Mental Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.

Work Environment: 

The employee typically works in a standard office environment where the noise level is usually moderate.  

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Must pass requisite background check.
  • May occasionally work extended hours or hours outside of regular schedule.

*Adopted: 12-11-18

*BOD Approved: 08-23-19

*Revised: 00-00-00

*Job Family: Administrative Professional

*Job Series: Safety and Training Program Specialist

*Job Series Level: Entry/First working

*Confidential: No