Elevate Your Career: Supervisory Safety and Occupational Health Specialist at the VA
Are you a safety professional with a passion for protecting others? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Safety and Occupational Health Specialist to join the team at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, Illinois. This leadership role is vital to maintaining a safe, compliant, and efficient healthcare environment. If you are ready to apply your expertise in hazard control and regulatory compliance to support our nation’s veterans, this could be the perfect career move for you.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will lead efforts to identify and eliminate hazardous operations. Key duties include:
- Advising management on the status of safety programs and recommending improvements.
- Conducting independent surveys of hospital buildings to evaluate risks.
- Directing accident investigations and analyzing cause data to prevent recurrences.
- Training employees and staff on complex safety, chemical, and biological topics.
- Serving as a key member of the Safety, Accident Incident Review Board (AIRB), and Environment of Care (EOC) committees.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet several Federal standards, including:
- U.S. Citizenship status.
- Meeting time-in-grade requirements if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Maintaining a valid, REAL ID-compliant form of identification.
- Agreeing to the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Grade | GS-12 |
| Salary Range | $100,059 - $130,080 per year |
| Work Schedule | Full-time (7:00am - 3:30pm) |
| Location | Hines, Illinois |
Working with the VA offers more than just a paycheck. Federal employees enjoy comprehensive medical coverage, generous leave policies, and a robust retirement plan through the Thrift Savings Plan.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of selection, keep your resume concise. The VA now strictly enforces a two-page limit. Focus on your most recent and relevant experience, using result-driven language that mirrors the competencies listed in the job description. Always save your resume as a PDF to ensure it maintains formatting when opened by hiring managers.
This position offers a rare opportunity to influence the safety culture at a major medical facility. If you meet the qualifications and are driven by a commitment to public service, submit your application before the November 4, 2026, deadline.
Why This Supervisory Safety And Occupational Health Specialist Job Matters
Advance your career in safety management with the Veterans Health Administration, where your leadership directly protects those who have served our nation.
Supervisory Safety And Occupational Health Specialist Job Overview
The Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, Illinois, is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Safety and Occupational Health Specialist to lead critical safety initiatives. In this pivotal role, you will collaborate with hospital leadership, union representatives, and specialized committees to identify, analyze, and mitigate workplace hazards, ensuring a secure environment for veterans, staff, and visitors within a high-complexity Level 1a facility.
Requirements for Supervisory Safety And Occupational Health Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation
- Successful completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period
- Annual seasonal influenza vaccination or authorized medical/religious exemption
- Possession of a REAL ID compliant form of identification
- Current Federal employees must meet 52-week time-in-grade requirements at the GS-11 level
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Safety And Occupational Health Specialist
- Demonstrated experience managing comprehensive safety or occupational health programs
- Strong proficiency in applying safety laws, regulations, and industrial hygiene principles
- Experience in accident investigation and developing prevention strategies
- Ability to design and deliver specialized training programs for diverse staff levels
- Advanced education in safety, industrial hygiene, occupational medicine, or engineering disciplines
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and pay schedule
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style investment account)
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave accrual
- ✓Federal holiday pay
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Safety And Occupational Health Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Safety And Occupational Health Specialist Job
- Create or log into your account on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Review your resume to ensure it complies with the two-page limit requirement.
- Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary documentation, including your most recent SF-50 and relevant transcripts.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of 11/04/2026.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your submission meets all formatting standards.
- Highlight results-focused language and specific achievements in your safety-related roles.
- Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates 52 weeks of time-in-grade eligibility.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and page count limits.
- Double-check that all required supporting documents are attached before hitting submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the page limit for resumes in this application?
Per the Merit Hiring Plan, resumes must be strictly limited to two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will not be considered.
Is telework available for this position?
No, this is not a virtual position and requires on-site presence at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital.
Is the influenza vaccination mandatory?
Yes, participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for all VHA health care personnel, unless an approved exemption is granted.
Is there an age limit for this position?
No, but you must be a U.S. citizen and register with the Selective Service if applicable.
How do I submit my SF-50?
You can upload your SF-50 directly to your USAJOBS account profile and attach it during the application process.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to providing world-class care to those who have served our country. The VA Great Lakes Health Care System (VISN 12) maintains a network of facilities that prioritize the well-being of veterans. Working at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital means becoming part of a Level 1a complexity facility, where high standards of medical care are matched only by our commitment to staff and patient safety.