Public Safety Coordinator

The Public Safety Coordinator supports a safe environment for Clarke County Hospital by coordinating and performing activities related to safety and risk identification, evaluation, and mitigation. This position oversees safety inspections to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and to reduce hazards for patients, employees, and visitors. A key duty of the role is organizing and conducting monthly fire drills and other drills as appropriate such as tornado, etc., as well as completing the necessary documentation, including detailed reports and an annual fire drill summary.

The Public Safety Coordinator assists patients, visitors, and staff as needed and responds to both emergency and routine service requests. The coordinator documents relevant calls, conducts investigations as appropriate, and monitors safety-related systems and equipment as directed.

This role also includes responsibility for the hospitals and rural health clinic emergency preparedness programs. Key duties include coordinating emergency services activities such as Bio-terrorism response, EMS and Disaster programs, HICS compliance, internal hospital and clinic disaster planning, CCH HAZMAT response, preparing Emergency Preparedness grants, and actively participating in drills and training exercises with local and regional authorities, as well as during actual emergency events. This role will also be responsible for all after action reports. . The emergency preparedness program will also involve conducting an annual Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA) and Security Vulnerability Assessment (SVA), with drills based on the findings provided by the Public Safety Coordinator.

Additional responsibilities will involve leading the monthly Employee Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee, including preparing agendas, following up on documents, and ensuring the completion of action items.  Typical working hours for this position are within normal business hours Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional after-hours responsibilities as needed during emergency situations or scheduled drills.

Key Accountability

• Coordinates internal and external disaster planning, including maintaining and communicating current policies and procedures to staff, ensuring compliance with external regulations. In a disaster situation, works closely with hospital administrators to ensure appropriate response measures are taken.
• Collaborates with Emergency Services to develop policies, standards, orientation, and competencies of emergency staff regarding bioterrorism and disaster preparedness.
• Cooperates with local and state Human and Health departments and the local Emergency Management team.
• Must become NIMS certified, and possess knowledge of HAZMAT and management of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) incidents.
• Responsible for the timely submission of Iowa Health and Human Services Emergency Preparedness Grants and supporting documentation.
• Manages the Health Alert Network system.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of emergency standards and regulations
• Demonstrates initiative to improve safety by striving to exceed expectations; displays strong public relations skills, including listening, providing clear explanations, accurate directions, and maintaining a helpful, positive, and professional demeanor.
• Coordinates the Bio-Terrorism program at CCH and represents CCH at local and/or statewide meetings.
• Conducts the annual Hospital Vulnerability Assessment and Security Vulnerability Assessment
• Leads or assists with patient and employee safety training programs.
• Leads Employee Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee.
• Reviews and revises safety and emergency preparedness policies annually.
• Demonstrates that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents, and infections and promptly reporting potential or actual concerns.
• Practices and reflect knowledge of HIPAA, DIAL, DNV, OSHA and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.
• Leads Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) training to hospital employees
• Video surveillance, when a concern is expressed such as parking violations, etc. Must remain confidential with findings and only share with appropriate leaders.
• Other responsibilities and duties as assigned based upon Clarke County Hospital needs or requirements.

Key Accountability

• Works independently within departmental policies and procedures, referring issues outside the scope of the position to the appropriate leader.
• Balances team and individual responsibilities; is open and objective to others’ views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to positive team goals; and prioritizes team success over individual interests.
• Integrates and demonstrates Clarke County Hospital’s Standards of Behavior.
• Maintains a clean, professional appearance at all times. Adheres to business casual work attire unless job duties require otherwise.

Basic Clarke County Hospital (CCH) Performance Criteria     

• Demonstrates Clarke County Hospital Standards of Behaviors as well as adheres to hospital policies and procedures and safety guidelines.
• Demonstrates the ability to meet business needs of the department with regular, reliable attendance.
• Employees maintain current licenses and/or certifications required for the position.
• Practices and reflect knowledge of HIPAA, DIAL, DNV, OSHA and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.
• Completes all annual education and competency requirements within the calendar year.
• Is knowledgeable of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse. Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance with the immediate attention of hospital administrative staff.  Takes appropriate action on concerns reported by department staff related to compliance.

Education: High school education or equivalent required. Preferred: Certified Emergency Manager (CEM). Associate Emergency Manager (AEM).

Experience: Minimum of two years' experience in a related area of safety. Preferred: Knowledge of HAZMAT, managing Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) incidents.

License(s)/Certification(s): Valid driver's license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons. FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) &NIMS Training within 6 months of hire. Preferred: Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Professional Certification (HEPP-C). Certified Safety Professional (CSP). Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP).

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Basic aspects of research methodology, including study design, statistical concepts and methods of collecting and analyzing data. The ability to access, manipulate, organize and relay information in meaningful ways using email, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and data-base management. The ability to efficiently use Microsoft Office programs is a must. Principles of public speaking.  Ability to use personal computer and standard office software. Excellent reading comprehension, good writing skills, detailed oriented, as well as an ability to access and use information in meaningful ways. Must have good communication skills.