Health & Safety Manager in Hermiston, Oregon at UMATILLA-MORROW COUNTY HEAD START INC

Job Goal:

The Health and Safety Manager ensures compliance with health, safety, and licensing standards as outlined by the Head Start Program Performance Standards, Oregon Child Care Licensing, and Oregon’s SPARK Quality Rating. This role oversees staff training and compliance, safety audits, emergency preparedness, the Car Seat Program, incident reporting, and supervision of the Health and Safety Coordinator, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for children, families, and staff.

 Key Responsibilities:

Supervision of the Health and Safety Coordinator

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and professional development for the Health & Safety Coordinator
• Ensure the Health and Safety Coordinator supports program-wide safety initiatives, compliance monitoring, and staff training efforts. 
• Conduct regular check-ins and performance evaluations to assess progress and address any concerns. 
• Assign tasks and responsibilities related to inspections, incident reporting, training coordination, monitoring, and documentation management. 

Safe & Welcoming Environments

• Ensure sites are clutter free, organized, accessible, and free of safety hazards inside and outside. 
• Work with site staff to create welcoming environments where staff, children, and families feel safe, respected, and comfortable. 

Health & Safety Compliance

• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local health, safety, and licensing regulations, including Oregon Department of Early Learning & Care (DELC) licensing standards, SPARK, and Head Start Performance Standards. 
• Coordinate sanitation and fire marshal inspections. 
• Conduct health and safety inspections of classrooms, facilities, and playgrounds, identifying, and addressing hazards. 
• Develop and implement emergency preparedness plans, including fire drills, evacuation procedures, and first-aid protocols. 
• Oversee and enforce compliance with safe sleep practices, sanitation, and injury prevention policies. 
• Maintain Integrated Pest Management certification.  
• Ensure pest control at all centers, utilizing Integrated Pest Management approaches. 

• Manage Material Safety Data Sheets. 
• Assistin documentation, self-assessments, and continuous quality improvement efforts related to health, safety, and wellness. 

Oregon SPARK (QRIS) Compliance & Quality Improvement  

• Support Early Childhood centers in achieving and maintaining a high Oregon SPARK rating by aligning health and safety practices with SPARK quality standards. 
• Assist in documentation, self-assessments, and continuous quality improvement efforts related to health, safety, and wellness. 
• Work with site supervisors to implement environmental safety improvements that support positive child outcomes. 
• Oversight of Child & Staff Safety Incident Reports 
• Monitor, track, and analyze all child and staff safety incident reports, ensuring compliance with Head Start and state reporting requirements. 
• Work with site supervisors to review incidents, identify trends, and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences. 
• Provide guidance on proper reporting procedures, ensuring incidents are documented accurately and in a timely manner. 
• Conduct follow-up investigations as needed and coordinate with regulatory agencies when required. 

Staff Training & Compliance  

• Ensure that all staff meet training requirements outlined by Oregon Child Care Licensing, Oregon SPARK, and Head Start Performance Standards. 
• Work in collaboration with the Professional Learning and Health Manager and Human Resources to track, coordinate, and support staff training in required Oregon Child Care Licensing required trainings: 
• CPR & First Aid certification, including the coordination of monthly CPR & First Aid classes
• Emergency preparedness 
• Child Abuse and Neglect 
• Oregon Registry Online (ORO) training compliance 
• Food Handlers 
• BloodbornePathogens 

• Safety Sets  
• Other required trainings 
• Provide ongoing coaching and technicalassistanceto staffregardingHealthandSafety best practices. 

Car Seat Program Oversight  

• Oversee the Car Seat Program, ensuring compliance with state laws and safety regulations. 
• Secure and manage funding for car seats through grants, community partnerships, and budget planning. 
• Ensure the proper distribution, use, and maintenance of car seats for families in need. 
• Ensure all car seat technicians maintain their certification annually.  
• Ensure care seat technicians provide training for staff and families on proper car seat installation and usage as needed. 
• Track program impact, maintain accurate documentation and reporting, and ensure timely funding renewals. 

Documentation & Reporting  

• Maintain accurate training records, health and safety reports, and other records as identified.  
• Submit required reports to Head Start, Oregon SPARK, licensing agencies, documentation, incident, and other regulatory bodies. 
• Assist in preparing for state licensing visits, Oregon SPARK evaluations, and Head Start monitors. 

Qualifications:

• Education:

• Minimum of an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant work experience will be considered.
• Bachelor's degree preferred, in Health & Safety Management, or a related field

• Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in health and safety management, preferably in an early childhood education or Head Start setting. Experience working with children with disabilities or special needs. (Preferred)
• Head Start experience (preferred)
• Community service experience (preferred)

• Skills& Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of health and safety regulations for early childhood programs. 
• Experience with Oregon SPARK Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) and Oregon Licensing training requirements. 
• Ability to develop and conduct training sessions for staff and families. 
• Experience in program management, grant writing, or securing funding for safety initiatives. 
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data management systems. 

• Certifications:

• First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

• General:

• Ability to drive a private or Agency vehicle; must possess a valid driver's license and personal automobile or provide a plan that will allow fulfillment of position requirements.

General Staff Responsibilities:

• Participate in staff meetings, conferences, training sessions and workshops as assigned.
• Demonstrate familiarity with employment policies, performance standards, work plan and objectives of agency.

• Maintain congenial and respectful relations with staff, children, families, and community.
• Keep current and accurate records and file reports on time.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding staff and family information.
• Maintain objectives and professional standards.
• Improve self-skills and education.
• Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in Child Abuse and Neglect Policy
• Be present at work in order to provide consistency of services.
• Be a contributory team member in a positive/productive manner.
• Demonstrate commitment to mission, values, and policies in the performance of daily duties.
• And or any other duties deemed necessary by your supervisor.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Sit forlong periodsof time with daily use of computerscreen.
• Do tasks involving repetitive arm and hand movements, such as heavy word processing/keyboarding, using various office tools to collate, punch, cut, or stamp paper and other repetitive or high-volume tasks such as bulk mailings, filing projects, etc.
• Occasional filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bending as necessary.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment/Conditions:

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.Job tasks are performed in close physical proximity to otherpeople.

Safety:

Apply safe practices in the performance of duties.

• Reporting of unsafe or hazardous working conditions and/or any injury immediately
• Complying with Agency safety standards
• Participate in emergency drills.
• Promote a culture of safe environments in the workplace.

Organizational Requirements:

• Current enrollment in the Childcare Division’s Central Background Registry
• Current physical examination, drug screen, and TB screen documentation prior to hire
• Ability to drive a private or Agency vehicle; must possess a valid driver's license and personal automobile or provide a plan that will allow fulfillment of position requirements. A DMV Record check will be conducted prior to hire.
• Desireto work with low-income children and their families.
• Communicate effectively with staff, families, children, and the public using the telephone and in face-to- face, one-to-one, and in group settings.
• Fluent in English both verbally and written.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Umatilla-Morrow Head Start, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals in all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, job assignments, promotions, career advancement opportunities, working conditions, scheduling, disciplinary action, termination of employment, compensation, and access to benefits and training. We recruit, hire, and promote into all job levels the most qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.