Employee Safety and Wellness Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Employee Safety and Wellness Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Human Resources
LOCATION: Longview WA
REPORTS TO: Employee Development Manager
FLSA STATUS: Exempt fulltime
SALARY RANGE: $79976.00 - $95888.00 per year DOE

Closing Date: June 3 2025

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered preference in hiring please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

As the designated Safety Officer leads the Employee Safety and Wellness program goals and objectives by implementing and coordinating policies procedures training drills and resources that establish and promote a safe accident free and healthy work environment for Cowlitz Indian Tribe (CIT) employees. Proactively addresses workplace hazards develops wellness initiatives monitors and tracks workplace safety incident reports recommending changes to management to prevent reoccurrence. Maintains confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions with internal and external customers. Honors and represents the mission vision values of CIT and of the HR department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Designated Safety Officer: Ensures compliance with and reporting on all OSHA and employee safety program requirements.
• Provides directions necessary resources and actions to ensure employees work safely and do not experience injury illness and/or violence and abuse.
• Manages the emergency alert system.
• Partners with Public Safetys Emergency Manager in the management planning writing and development of department and tribal facilities emergency management response plans under FEMA regulation requirements as necessary.
• Responsible for CIT Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA) compliance completing posting and submitting all required reports on time. CIT expert in OSHA requirements.
• Analyzes and responds to incident reports. Conducts post-incident reviews with affected employees. Creates written reports debriefings and post-incident summary reports to leadership tracks incidents near misses and reasonable suspicions in monthly quarterly and annual reports.
• Develops and implements plans to minimize workplace safety hazards and risks.
• Develops and delivers safety orientations monthly safety/wellness topics for supervisors to share at team meetings and annual and unannounced drills.
• Selects schedules implements and monitors safety trainings; oversees the implementation of training plans and/or exercises; ensures requirements are met and recorded to fulfill mandated grant requirements.
• Creates and maintains culture of Employee Safety.
• Keep managers and employees alerted as to the hazards of working with toxic fumes dangerous chemicals and any other hazardous substances; develops a hazard identification and evaluation program through facility inspections and procedural reviews.
• Establishes and coordinates hazard abatement protocol for the identification of hazards through departmental supervisors or safety coordinators.
• Coordinates with Public Works and/or vendors on fire detection systems alarms safety devices plans and training to identify hazards and risk; recommends measures to correct.
• Responds to safety and risk-related situations until emergency responders arrive; assists in situations where life health or the environment is immediately threatened.
• Works with building/department Safety Coordinators for consistent program delivery.
• Develops and maintains an Employee Safety Manual (or policies).
• Oversees and reviews the implementation of the overall CIT Safety Guidelines and conducts recurring building checks.
• Works closely with Public Safety Emergency Management Employee Development Health & Human Services and Public Works on safety related issues concerns and needs; Offers staff and supervisor consultation relating to safety issues.
• Supports and facilitates the Safety Committee in reviewing and updating incident reports and emergency and department fire plans.
• Provides expert recommendations to executive leaders during inclement weather/disasters.
• Researches and analyzes workplace accidents or incidents; workers compensation claims; background checks; drug screens; Covid-19 related policies and all workplace safety policies procedures and resources.
• Designated Wellness Coordinator. Primary liaison with Washington State Health Care Authority and other benefit partners (Columbia/Adidas/Nike etc.) on wellness initiatives.
• Leads Wellness Program that focuses and incentivizes employee health and wellness. Develops and delivers robust wellness activities incentives and programs.
• Provide expert guidance to local Safety coordinators to develop comprehensive location-specific safety plans.
• Facilitates the tribes Employee Wellness Program including the recommendation of new policies development of initiatives and programs
• Supports and facilitates monthly Employee Wellness Representative meetings.
• Develops monthly Safety/Wellness newsletters for all employees that provides timely information and topics to discuss.
• Manages Employee Wellness program and budget.
• Complete annual Zo8 roadmap and application.
• Maintains a resource library center; provides safety and wellness information and/or orientation to all new employees and oversees continuing safety education for all employees throughout the year.
• Provides overview of Employee Safety & Wellness at new employee orientation.
• Ensures required safety and risk related certifications are held by required staff and supports staff and leadership with obtaining certifications as needed.
• Locates researches develops and submits federal and state grant applications that support funding Employee Safety or Wellness initiatives.
• Serves on committees and act as liaison on behalf of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe in occupational health safety and Wellness topics and/or issues.
• Participates on or coordinates Safety Committees Covid-19 Committee.
• Conducts ergonomic assessments for CIT staff making recommendations for improved ergonomics in the workplace.
• Develops strategies to achieve position department and organizational Employee Safety & Wellness goals.
• Manages special projects as directed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of occupational health safety concepts and principles.
• Knowledge of Federal State and local employee safety standards and guidelines including best practices that come from other agencies such as OSHA and the CDC.
• Knowledge and understanding of emergency management concepts and principles.
• Knowledge of the current regulations of the Washington Emergency Management Division (WEMD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
• Ability to develop and deliver policy awareness and training related to workplace safety and wellness.
• Knowledge of the general principles of grant writing.
• Skill in operating various word-processing spreadsheet and database software programs in a Windows environment.
• Skill in creating dynamic programs that keep employee safety in the forefront of all activities.
• Skill in public speaking including concise effective and non-emotive communication with the public other stakeholders staff and contractors.
• Ability to manage projects and create detailed action plans.
• Skill in prioritizing time management planning and problem-solving.
• Skill in researching writing and analytical thinking with the ability to convey complex ideas and to coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Skill in evaluating risk and making effective decisions in emergency situations.
• Skill in the safe operation and handling of motor vehicles.
• Ability to exercise initiative and judgment.
• Ability to quickly assess and take charge of situations relating to occupational hazards or safety concerns.
• Ability to ensure compliance with and follow standard safety practices and procedures common to emergency management work.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion when dealing with sensitive information.
• Ability to analyze complex problems including statistical analysis of trends and occupational health safety and/or risk information draw logical conclusions and make sound decisions.
• Ability to demonstrate moral character honesty tact fairness lack of prejudice and desire to help when dealing with people.
• Ability to prepare accurate complete and legible reports and present detailed accurate and objective oral presentations and responses to questions.
• Ability to effectively deliver in person and virtual training.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to interpret applicable federal state county and local laws regulations and requirements.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks be flexible and meet deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A combination of relevant work experience and post-high school education may be considered.
• Five years of experience in the development and coordination of occupational health safety or employee wellness activities.
• First Aid and CPR certifications required within first three months of employment.
• Bachelors degree in related field is preferred.
• Valid drivers license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.
• Must successfully pass Security Awareness Training.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CITs established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Personal reference check and employment verification.
• Federal state and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job the employee frequently is required to utilize computer equipment for extended periods of time. Must be able to give and receive communication effectively in person over computer or in front of groups of people. The employee is required to move through various worksites to inspect for safety hazards. The position requires occasional lifting up to 40 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is frequently performed in a typical interior/office setting and occasionally in an outdoor environment. May be required to utilize personal protective equipment when workplace hazards arise. Will be exposed to dirt dust pollen inclement weather temperature extremes traffic hazards body fluids hazardous chemicals flames or burning items and unpleasant odors. Exposure to hazardous uncontrollable and life-threatening situations may occur. Noise level is usually low to moderate. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common. Evening weekend and/or holiday work may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required. Identified as essential staff for workplace emergencies.