Director of Safety-Oregon State Hospital; Occupational Health & Safety Manager

Director of Safety – Oregon State Hospital

The Oregon State Hospital (OSH) is seeking a Director of Safety, a highly experienced Occupational Health & Environmental Safety leader responsible for ensuring 24/7 operational continuity, emergency management, and safety protocols in a locked psychiatric hospital environment serving approximately 700 patients.

As Director of Safety, you will provide strategic leadership across OSH’s occupational and environmental safety programs, aligning with Joint Commission, CMS, OSHA, and state regulatory requirements. You will develop and implement trauma‑informed, culturally responsive safety systems, lead emergency management, and oversee workplace violence prevention, property management, driver compliance, and environmental suicide risk assessment.

• Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership on occupational health and safety matters, providing expert guidance and strategic recommendations.
• Lead and oversee OSH’s Occupational Health and Environmental Safety programs, ensuring compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate in leading, developing, and continuously improving the OSH Emergency Management Program.
• Maintain consistent occupational health and safety practices across both campuses.
• Coordinate occupational health and safety initiatives with external agencies.
• Supervise the Safety Department team of eight caregivers and one Occupational Safety & Investigations Manager.
• Act as liaison with fire, emergency response, and government agencies.
• Lead and strengthen the Workplace Violence Prevention Program, developing training and system‑level improvements.
• Provide strategic leadership for patient property management and Product Risk Assessment processes.
• Lead compliance with the approved driver program, including DMV checks and eligibility standards.
• Ensure compliance with Joint Commission Environmental Suicide Risk Assessment requirements.
• Advise on OSH safety departments occupational health programs, developing data‑driven interventions, monitoring metrics, and reporting to executive leadership.
• Collaborate with SAIF Corporation to manage high‑cost Workers’ Compensation claims.

Experience in advancing health equity, addressing systemic health inequities, and collaborating with diverse communities most harmed by social injustice.

• 6 years of supervisory, management, or progressively related experience; or
• 3 years of related experience and a bachelor’s degree.

• Skill to evaluate hazards and determine resolutions.
• Demonstrated leadership success in managing safety teams and fostering inclusive, trauma‑informed workplace culture.
• Experience developing emergency management plans and programs.
• Ability to write executive‑level presentations and reports.
• Knowledge of Joint Commission requirements and Oregon OSHA laws.
• Experience in workplace violence prevention program oversight.
• Root cause analysis skills with oral and written communication.
• Incident Command System certifications.
• 6+ years managing high‑performance Occupational Health and Safety teams.

• Medical, vision, and dental coverage for employee and family.
• Optional benefits such as life insurance, disability coverage, deferred compensation, and FSA options.
• Paid time off: 11 holidays, 3 personal days, monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 10 hours/month.
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Retirement security through PERS/OPSRP.
• Training and development opportunities.

• 1 full‑time, permanent management service position, location in Salem, Oregon.
• On‑campus position with public psychiatric hospital.
• Employment contingent upon criminal background, drug, and driving record checks.
• Salary range: $7,537 – $11,657, with potential increase for PERS qualification.
• OHA does not require age, date of birth, or education institution details during application.
• No visa sponsorship available; I‑9 and work authorization verification required.
• Applicants are evaluated solely on skills and experience; AI tools are not permitted.

The Oregon Health Authority is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to fair employment practices and pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate based on protected class—including race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientation—and do not screen applicants based on current or past compensation. Salary is determined through a fair review of education, experience, and training related to the position.

OHA is an anti‑racist organization working to eliminate health inequities and dismantle structural barriers that impact underserved communities. Join us in advancing our Strategic Plan and building a more equitable Oregon.