At Houston Methodist Research Institute, the Safety Representative position is responsible for providing specialized research environment safety support, including biosafety and chemical safety guidance to laboratory scientists and staff.  This position works closely with the HMRI Biosafety Officer, HMRI Chemical Hygiene Officer and HMH Environmental Health and Safety to ensure operational needs/capabilities, provide staff training, ensure appropriate compliance with important safety policies and procedures (System, HMH and HMRI), and accrediting agency regulations. 

Knowledge and experience of the research environment is vital.

Knowledge of NIH biosafety regulations and CDC biosafety guidance is required.  Chemical Hygiene/Safety certification and HazWOPER training is a plus.  Ability to work with a team of safety professionals, flexibility and ability to work within Houston Methodist safety structure is also required. Work site will include TMC Houston Methodist Research Institute laboratories and the TMC3 Houston Methodist Research Institute laboratories (15 minute “walk” from TMC site).

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains high customer satisfaction while providing the highest level of safety to patients, visitors, staff and assets.

• Communicates effectively with management and coworkers on tasks, processes and procedures while discussing safety requirements. Utilizes professional telephone etiquette.

• Establish timely goals with customers and/or management on projects and effectively communicate any updates or changes.

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides guidance to Houston Methodist staff, contractors and vendors regarding safe processes, best practices and regulatory compliance.

• Develop and implement safety-related training for staff and contractors.

• Maintains a safe environment, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous material. Reports accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Accurately presents and/or generates and completes reports, in conjunction with the Chair of the Intuitional Safety Committee to Houston Methodist Hospital Board of Directors, by recording occurrences, information and observations.

• Creates, maintains, and/or implements required safety-related documentation (e.g., permits, inspections, plans, etc.).

• Effectively communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Balances cost/spending, determined by management or policy, as appropriate.

• Prevents loss and damage by reporting irregularities, informing violators of policy and procedures.

• Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks. Uses resources effectively and efficiently; does not waste supplies, optimizing efficiency in all areas according to department specifications. Utilizes and maintains HM and department equipment according to manufacturer specifications.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Remains current with safety-related technology and regulations. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual process improvements for the department. Assists with the implementation of new safety initiatives and implements actions that promote workplace safety culture.

• Supports hospital and department goals and offers innovative solutions through participation in department projects. Assumes responsibility for self-growth and development by participating in in-services programs and continuing education.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

• College degree(s) in a science or engineering field preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Three years' experience in a safety-related field

• Healthcare experience preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - PREFERRED

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) OR
• ASP - Associate Safety Professional (BCSP) AND
• CHMM - Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (IHMM) AND
• CSHO - Certified Safety and Health Official (OSHA)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Has working knowledge of current federal, state, and local health, safety, and environmental regulations

• Demonstrates experience in any of the following areas: Life Safety Systems; Incident Command; Indoor Air Quality; Safety Training; Ergonomics; Emergency Response; Accident Investigations or EHS regulatory compliance

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional No
• Other (department approved) Yes

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Houston Methodist Research Institute was formed in 2004 to rapidly and efficiently translate discoveries made in the laboratory and the clinic into new diagnostics, therapies, and treatments. The research institute was created to provide the infrastructure and support for these endeavors, and to house the technology and resources needed to make innovative breakthroughs in important areas of human disease. A 540,000 square foot building dedicated to research, the research institute houses over 1,500 staff and trainees, 284 principal investigators and has more than 570 ongoing clinical trials.