Safety Officer - 61009053

Careers at

DPH:

Work that makes a difference! Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is a statewide leader committed to protecting and improving the health and quality of life of every resident and visitor in South Carolina. With nearly 2,200 passionate public health professionals working across all regions of the state, DPH delivers innovative, community-driven services that make a lasting impact. The Employee Health and Safety Department is located on the State Health Campus in Cayce, SC—our central hub for collaboration, preparedness, and statewide operations. The Safety Officer serves as a vital contributor to DPH's mission by fostering a safe, compliant, and forward-thinking work environment. This role leads the planning, implementation, and oversight of workplace safety initiatives that support employee well-being, uphold regulatory standards, and strengthen operational resilience across the agency. Ideal candidates bring strong knowledge of federal and state workplace safety regulations; excellent judgment; and a keen attention to detail. Success also requires the ability to analyze risk trends, conduct thorough safety assessments, and translate technical safety principles into clear, actionable guidance for staff at all levels. In addition, the Safety Officer must be comfortable leveraging emerging technologies and data-driven tools to enhance safety programs, streamline reporting, and support innovative approaches to hazard prevention. Strong communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and project-management skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and build trusted partnerships with leadership and employees. Through this work, the Safety Officer helps cultivate a proactive, innovative culture where safety and technology work hand-in-hand to support high-quality public health services statewide. Key Responsibilities Safety Program Management & Compliance The Safety Officer leads the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of workplace safety programs aligned with OSHA standards and South Carolina regulations. This includes incorporating innovative approaches to strengthen program effectiveness and ensure consistent safety practices across the organization. The role monitors compliance, identifies gaps, and recommends practical corrective actions, while ensuring timely and accurate reporting of all required safety documentation. The Safety Officer also leads a forward-thinking and responsive safety committee dedicated to continuous improvement and collaborative problem-solving. Inspections & Risk Assessment The Safety Officer conducts comprehensive safety inspections across facilities and operations, identifying hazards, assessing risk levels, and guiding appropriate mitigation strategies. Traditional inspection methods remain central to the role, with basic digital resources used to support documentation and tracking. The Safety Officer also investigates workplace incidents, injuries, and near misses using established investigative techniques and sound judgment. By assessing risks and recommending practical preventive measures, the role supports a proactive, prevention-focused safety environment. Digital resources help maintain organized, accurate, and compliant records that strengthen long-term safety practices. Emergency Preparedness The Safety Officer plays an active role in emergency planning and response, contributing expertise to preparedness initiatives and organizational readiness efforts. This includes participating in emergency drills, supporting coordinated response activities, and applying technology-enhanced tools that improve communication, situational awareness, and response capabilities. Training & Safety Culture To strengthen a highly engaged and informed workforce, the Safety Officer develops and delivers training on critical safety topics such as hazard communication, infection control, and emergency response. Training methods incorporate modern platforms, digital content, and interactive tools that enhance learning. In partnership with leadership, the Safety Officer analyzes safety trends, applies data-driven insights, and champions innovative approaches that reinforce a strong, technology-forward culture of safety across the department.

State Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma and experience in occupational safety, industrial hygiene, or related programs or Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., public health, environmental health, safety, engineering) may substitute for experience.

Agency Additional Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in occupational safety, environmental health, public health, or related field with a minimum of three (3) +years of experience in workplace safety, risk management, or occupational health. Experienced in developing and delivering safety training programs. Ability to provide training to small and large groups. Possess a valid, unrestricted driver's license and the ability to operate both personal and state vehicles. Public health or government environment experience Professional certification such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or OSHA certifications

EEO:

The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

STATE DISASTER PLAN

In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

DRIVING RECORD

: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record. The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes: 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year 15 days Sick Leave per year 13 Paid Holidays Paid Parental Leave Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information. S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation) Retirement benefit choices • State Retirement Plan ( SCRS ) State Optional Retirement Program ( State ORP ) •Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

HYBRID WORK

The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.