Launch Your Career as a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist at the VA
Are you a safety professional with a passion for protecting others? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the Loma Linda VA Healthcare System is currently recruiting a dedicated Safety & Occupational Health Specialist. This is an exceptional opportunity to serve those who have served our country by ensuring a secure and compliant healthcare environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist, your work directly impacts the daily lives of Veterans and staff. Key duties include:
- Regulatory Compliance: Developing and implementing technical safety standards and guidelines across all facilities.
- Environment of Care: Managing the comprehensive Environment of Care (CEOC) program to ensure all clinics and warehouses meet Joint Commission and VHA standards.
- Construction Oversight: Analyzing blueprints for new builds and renovations to ensure fire and safety compliance.
- Training & Reporting: Conducting safety training, documenting EOC metrics, and providing corrective action reports to medical center leadership.
Comparison: Standard vs. Specialist Focus
| Feature | General Safety Officer | VA Safety & Occupational Health Specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | General Industry | Healthcare-specific (TJC/VHA standards) |
| Primary Focus | Injury Prevention | Patient/Employee safety & environment of care |
| Regulatory Body | OSHA | OSHA, VHA, Joint Commission, NFPA |
Requirements
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Possess the required educational background in safety or related sciences, or equivalent specialized experience.
- Successfully complete the USA Hire competency-based assessments.
- Meet time-in-grade requirements if you are a current or former federal employee.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $87,061 to $113,185 per year. Beyond the paycheck, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous retirement savings through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Ample paid leave, including vacation and sick days.
- Potential for service credit related to non-federal career experience.
Application Tips
- Resume Length: Keep it under two pages. Focus on high-impact results.
- Be Specific: Include start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Support Documents: Always include your most recent SF-50 to verify time-in-grade.
Working as a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist in the VA system is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety of our heroes. If you meet the qualifications, apply today via the USAJOBS portal to help shape the future of safety at the Loma Linda VA Healthcare System.
Why This Safety & Occupational Health Specialist Job Matters
Join the VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network as a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist and play a critical role in safeguarding those who serve our nation’s Veterans.
Safety & Occupational Health Specialist Job Overview
The VA Loma Linda Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a Safety & Occupational Health Specialist. In this vital role, you will champion a culture of safety by implementing comprehensive occupational health standards, conducting facility inspections, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements across medical centers and clinics. You will be instrumental in protecting employees and visitors, managing the Environment of Care program, and fostering a secure, high-quality environment for compassionate patient care.
Requirements for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must meet basic educational requirements in safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene, or related fields (or possess equivalent specialized experience).
- Must complete an online assessment.
- Must be eligible for Federal appointment; current federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements (GS-9 experience).
- Subject to a background and security investigation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period may be required.
Preferred Qualifications for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist
- Proven experience in developing and implementing occupational safety policies.
- Expertise in inspecting construction projects and reviewing blueprints for fire and life safety compliance.
- Demonstrated ability to manage a Comprehensive Environment of Care (CEOC) program.
- Strong technical skills in data tracking, generating corrective action plans, and reporting compliance metrics to leadership.
- Advanced education (Ph.D. or equivalent) in a relevant field of study.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth within the VHA.
- ✓Service credit for non-federal experience or military service for leave calculation.
💡 How to Apply Safety & Occupational Health Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Safety & Occupational Health Specialist Job
- Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less and clearly details relevant experience, including hours worked per week.
- Collect necessary supporting documents: SF-50 (for current/former federal employees), transcripts, and DD214 (if claiming Veterans preference).
- Complete the online application and mandatory questionnaire by the closing date.
- Await notification to complete the USA Hire online competency-based assessment.
💡 General Tips
- Focus on results-oriented language in your resume to showcase how your past actions impacted safety outcomes.
- Ensure your resume includes month/year start and end dates for all positions.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting meets the two-page requirement.
- Check your USAJOBS status page frequently for updates on your assessment and application progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary responsibility of this role?
The role involves planning and implementing safety standards, conducting site inspections, managing the Environment of Care program, and ensuring the facility meets all regulatory and patient safety requirements.
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
Yes, applicants can qualify based on specific education (Ph.D. or 3 years of graduate study), specialized experience, or a combination of both.
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this is an onsite position based at the VA Loma Linda Medical Center; telework is not available.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to providing world-class healthcare to America’s Veterans. The VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network emphasizes a "Whole Health" system, fostering environments that empower both patients and staff. Joining the Loma Linda team means becoming part of a community that values safety, integrity, and exceptional service.