Program Coordinator I-Health, Safety & Risk (NY HELPS)

Occupational Health and Safety Advisor

The work involves responsibility for advising, training and providing technical assistance to component school districts and/or municipalities supported by a BOCES on matters related to compliance with federal, state and local regulations affecting occupational health and safety and the environment. The incumbent may provide on-site and/or centralized service to one or more schools or municipalities on a day-to-day basis. The work is performed under the direct supervision of the Managing Program Coordinator I (Health, Safety & Risk) with some latitude for planning and administering the work. The incumbent exercises no supervision. Does related work as required.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts training workshops and provides hazard assessments for school district and/or municipality personnel on health, safety and risk management topics such as: Right-to-Know, Hazard Communications, Blood-borne Pathogens, Emergency Preparedness, Lockout/Tagout, Respiratory Use, Personal Protective Equipment, Ergonomics, Asbestos Awareness, etc..
• Advises school district and/or municipality administration and employees on matters related to compliance with various regulatory agencies such as the: NYS Department of Education, Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Agency, New York State Department of Labor, New York State Department of Health, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and New York State Occupational Safety and Health Agency.
• Identifies and inventories chemicals located within school district and/or municipal buildings, and maintains and distributes material safety data sheet handbooks throughout the school districts and/or municipalities.
• Assists and updates school district and/or municipality safety data sheets for chemicals located in buildings within the school district and/or municipality.
• Tests the water quality in school district and/or municipality buildings with wells.
• Provides educational and technical support to the school district and/or municipality inspector-management planner during inspections.
• Provides technical assistance to school districts and/or municipalities regarding compliance with asbestos regulations.
• Assists and updates the school district's or municipality's asbestos management plan and coordinates and implements all minor asbestos-related projects.
• Maintains and updates school district and/or municipality's emergency management plan and coordinates and implements emergency management meetings and table-top exercises.
• Operates a variety of testing equipment and devices in school and municipal buildings.
• Organizes and leads monthly or quarterly school district and/or municipal safety committee meetings.
• Performs, documents and implements school district and/or municipal fire safety inspections and programs.
• Performs related duties, as required.
• Good knowledge of federal, state and local regulations/codes pertaining to hazardous materials, safety, personal protective equipment and other OSHA/Public Employee Safety and Health regulations related to educational and municipal environments.
• Good knowledge of asbestos and other hazardous material handling and containment procedures.
• Good knowledge of safety testing equipment and the proper use of protective gear.
• Ability to prepare and conduct training sessions and meetings.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work closely with school district and/or municipality personnel to assess safety hazards and the need for training in these areas.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and utilize common office software programs including word processing, spreadsheet and databases.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.