Senior Occupational Safety & Health Specialist
Bloodworks Northwest.com
Office
Seattle, WA, US
Full Time
Formerly Puget Sound Blood Center and Lane Blood Center, Bloodworks is backed by more than 70 years of Northwest history and 250,000 donors. A national leader in transfusion medicine, Bloodworks has been chosen to serve more than 90 hospitals in Washington, Oregon and Alaska – partnering closely with local hospitals to deliver the highest level of patient care. Patients with traumatic injuries, undergoing surgeries or organ transplantation, or receiving treatment for cancer and blood disorders all depend on our services, expertise, laboratories and research. We are local, nonprofit, independent, volunteer-supported and community-based.
POSITION PURPOSE: As a member of the Occupational Safety & Health, Facilities & Engineering, and Workforce Resources leadership team provide oversight to the day-to-day activities of the department or group that support achievement of departmental and organizational goals.
The Senior Occupational Safety & Health Specialist provides leadership in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of workplace health and safety programs that is central to building a resilient organization that prioritizes employee well-being, regulatory excellence, and sustainability. This role advances organizational safety strategy by ensuring regulatory compliance, driving risk prevention initiatives, and mentoring staff. The Senior Specialist serves as a trusted advisor to leadership, delivering expert guidance, training, and oversight to foster a culture of safety and sustainability across the organization.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES as SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH SPECIALIST:
• Lead and oversee workplace inspections and hazard assessments, ensuring systemic risk identification and the implementation of sustainable mitigation strategies.
• Design, deliver, and continuously improve organization-wide safety training programs and materials; mentor other staff in training development and delivery.
• Direct investigations of workplace incidents, near misses, and injuries, providing executive-level analysis of root causes and ensuring long-term corrective measures are embedded in practice.
• Guide the development, implementation, and periodic review of organizational safety policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and strategic goals.
• Partner with Facilities & Engineering, Human Resources, and organizational leadership to influence and enforce corrective and preventive measures across all levels of the organization.
• Oversee ergonomic assessment programs, ensuring timely solutions for repetitive stress and workforce hazards; advise facilities leadership on systemwide ergonomic standards and procurement practices.
• Provide senior oversight and coaching to Safety Committees, ensuring representation, accountability, and that meetings and outcomes meet organizational and regulatory expectations.
• Lead and support workers’ compensation management activities, including:
◦ Advising HR and supervisors on complex return-to-work cases, accommodations, and reintegration strategies.
◦ Managing and evaluating third-party vendors supporting post-injury workers’ compensation administration.
◦ Overseeing responses to Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) requests, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance.
• Champion a high-functioning safety culture through visible leadership, such as facilitating quarterly executive safety walkthroughs and promoting safety priorities in leadership and employee forums.
• Establish systems to track and ensure closure of corrective actions, providing reports and accountability updates to senior leadership.
• Ensure organizational compliance with OSHA, WISHA, Oregon OSHA, and other relevant regulations, serving as the senior subject matter expert.
• Evaluate and enhance the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), identifying trends and implementing improvements to meet evolving workplace risks.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the organization’s Emergency Housing practices, establishing policies, partnerships, and long-term strategies that ensure organizational readiness, regulatory alignment, and sustained support for employees supporting Bloodworks operations in times of inclement weather and other emergencies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to employees, managers, and executives on safety-related questions, concerns, and long-term strategies.
• Comply with all applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as written
• Perform other duties as assigned
REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Health and Safety or a related field; Master’s Degree or professional certification (e.g., CSP, CIH, CHMM) strongly preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience.
• 7 or more years of occupational safety & health experience, including direct responsibility for program development, implementation, and oversight.
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting and leading inspections, investigations, training, and compliance assessments with measurable organizational impact.
• Prior experience in healthcare, biomedical research, or similarly complex and regulated environments (preferred).
• Experience and proficiency in managing and optimizing Safety Indicators or other electronic EHS systems (highly desirable).
• Experience developing systemwide safety strategies, including needs assessment, program design, and enterprise-level training delivery.
• Proven ability to mentor, coach, and influence individuals at all levels of authority, including executives, managers, and frontline staff.
• Track record of building strong credibility and serving as a trusted advisor on occupational health and safety matters.
• Experience managing or advising volunteer or non-traditional workforce populations (desirable).
• Current First Aid / CPR / AED CPR Certification (desirable)
• Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician certification (desirable)
• Professional certifications (e.g., OSHA 30-Hour, CSP, ASP) preferred.
SPECIFIC JOB SKILLS:
• Functional knowledge of applicable safety-related oversight agency regulations. These include but are not limited to American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA), Washington Department of Labor & Industries, Washington Industrial Safety and Health (WISHA), Oregon OSHA, Washington Department of Ecology, Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Demonstrated customer service orientation.
• Demonstrated discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both written and verbally, as to communicate with employees, members of the leadership team, and in group presentations and meetings
• Ability to navigate cultural and business sensitivities to champion safety, employee engagement and inclusion
• Must have the ability to diagnose a problem and identify and drive appropriate solutions
• Strong business acumen, including problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and self-initiative
• Proven ability to influence for impact at all levels and develop an internal network to gain support for best safety practices
• To obtain access to some client facilities, incumbent may be required to apply for and obtain clearance to access the client property. This clearance process may require incumbent to undergo additional levels of screening beyond Bloodworks’ standard pre-employment screening
• Required mental activities involve continuous use of decision making, teamwork, creativity, customer service, discretion, problem analysis, interpersonal skills, mentoring, negotiations, reading, writing, speaking and comprehension of English. Mental activities used frequently include performing math, presentations.
• Required physical activities include frequent standing, walking, talking, reaching, feeling, hearing, handling and repetitive motions of hands/wrists. Required physical activities used less frequently include stooping, sitting, bending, and repetitive motions of feet (all used occasionally); and kneeling, crawling, and climbing (all used rarely).
• The ability to push, pull and lift an average of 5-10 pounds throughout the day is required, as is the ability to carry an average of 5-10 pounds throughout the day.
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Telecommuting, or virtual working, is the preferred primary working arrangement for this role. However, work on site at a Bloodworks location will be required from time-to-time, on a frequency basis that may vary dependent upon the nature of the work being performed, as well as other factors
• Job conditions to be expected include extensive, close work with computer screens.
• Position requires regular travel to Bloodworks sites, occasional extended hours and meetings outside of weekday daytime working hours.
• Incumbent will work with and provide supervision to volunteers.
• As this is an essential position with direct responsibility to workforce members, incumbent should be prepared to work extended and/or consecutive shifts and/or possibly at a different location during periods of inclement weather or other emergencies.
• This position has indirect exposure to blood borne pathogens.
Bloodworks Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
POSITION PURPOSE: As a member of the Occupational Safety & Health, Facilities & Engineering, and Workforce Resources leadership team provide oversight to the day-to-day activities of the department or group that support achievement of departmental and organizational goals.
The Senior Occupational Safety & Health Specialist provides leadership in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of workplace health and safety programs that is central to building a resilient organization that prioritizes employee well-being, regulatory excellence, and sustainability. This role advances organizational safety strategy by ensuring regulatory compliance, driving risk prevention initiatives, and mentoring staff. The Senior Specialist serves as a trusted advisor to leadership, delivering expert guidance, training, and oversight to foster a culture of safety and sustainability across the organization.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES as SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH SPECIALIST:
• Lead and oversee workplace inspections and hazard assessments, ensuring systemic risk identification and the implementation of sustainable mitigation strategies.
• Design, deliver, and continuously improve organization-wide safety training programs and materials; mentor other staff in training development and delivery.
• Direct investigations of workplace incidents, near misses, and injuries, providing executive-level analysis of root causes and ensuring long-term corrective measures are embedded in practice.
• Guide the development, implementation, and periodic review of organizational safety policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and strategic goals.
• Partner with Facilities & Engineering, Human Resources, and organizational leadership to influence and enforce corrective and preventive measures across all levels of the organization.
• Oversee ergonomic assessment programs, ensuring timely solutions for repetitive stress and workforce hazards; advise facilities leadership on systemwide ergonomic standards and procurement practices.
• Provide senior oversight and coaching to Safety Committees, ensuring representation, accountability, and that meetings and outcomes meet organizational and regulatory expectations.
• Lead and support workers’ compensation management activities, including:
◦ Advising HR and supervisors on complex return-to-work cases, accommodations, and reintegration strategies.
◦ Managing and evaluating third-party vendors supporting post-injury workers’ compensation administration.
◦ Overseeing responses to Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) requests, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance.
• Champion a high-functioning safety culture through visible leadership, such as facilitating quarterly executive safety walkthroughs and promoting safety priorities in leadership and employee forums.
• Establish systems to track and ensure closure of corrective actions, providing reports and accountability updates to senior leadership.
• Ensure organizational compliance with OSHA, WISHA, Oregon OSHA, and other relevant regulations, serving as the senior subject matter expert.
• Evaluate and enhance the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), identifying trends and implementing improvements to meet evolving workplace risks.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the organization’s Emergency Housing practices, establishing policies, partnerships, and long-term strategies that ensure organizational readiness, regulatory alignment, and sustained support for employees supporting Bloodworks operations in times of inclement weather and other emergencies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to employees, managers, and executives on safety-related questions, concerns, and long-term strategies.
• Comply with all applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as written
• Perform other duties as assigned
REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Health and Safety or a related field; Master’s Degree or professional certification (e.g., CSP, CIH, CHMM) strongly preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience.
• 7 or more years of occupational safety & health experience, including direct responsibility for program development, implementation, and oversight.
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting and leading inspections, investigations, training, and compliance assessments with measurable organizational impact.
• Prior experience in healthcare, biomedical research, or similarly complex and regulated environments (preferred).
• Experience and proficiency in managing and optimizing Safety Indicators or other electronic EHS systems (highly desirable).
• Experience developing systemwide safety strategies, including needs assessment, program design, and enterprise-level training delivery.
• Proven ability to mentor, coach, and influence individuals at all levels of authority, including executives, managers, and frontline staff.
• Track record of building strong credibility and serving as a trusted advisor on occupational health and safety matters.
• Experience managing or advising volunteer or non-traditional workforce populations (desirable).
• Current First Aid / CPR / AED CPR Certification (desirable)
• Occupational Hygiene and Safety Technician certification (desirable)
• Professional certifications (e.g., OSHA 30-Hour, CSP, ASP) preferred.
SPECIFIC JOB SKILLS:
• Functional knowledge of applicable safety-related oversight agency regulations. These include but are not limited to American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA), Washington Department of Labor & Industries, Washington Industrial Safety and Health (WISHA), Oregon OSHA, Washington Department of Ecology, Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Demonstrated customer service orientation.
• Demonstrated discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both written and verbally, as to communicate with employees, members of the leadership team, and in group presentations and meetings
• Ability to navigate cultural and business sensitivities to champion safety, employee engagement and inclusion
• Must have the ability to diagnose a problem and identify and drive appropriate solutions
• Strong business acumen, including problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and self-initiative
• Proven ability to influence for impact at all levels and develop an internal network to gain support for best safety practices
• To obtain access to some client facilities, incumbent may be required to apply for and obtain clearance to access the client property. This clearance process may require incumbent to undergo additional levels of screening beyond Bloodworks’ standard pre-employment screening
• Required mental activities involve continuous use of decision making, teamwork, creativity, customer service, discretion, problem analysis, interpersonal skills, mentoring, negotiations, reading, writing, speaking and comprehension of English. Mental activities used frequently include performing math, presentations.
• Required physical activities include frequent standing, walking, talking, reaching, feeling, hearing, handling and repetitive motions of hands/wrists. Required physical activities used less frequently include stooping, sitting, bending, and repetitive motions of feet (all used occasionally); and kneeling, crawling, and climbing (all used rarely).
• The ability to push, pull and lift an average of 5-10 pounds throughout the day is required, as is the ability to carry an average of 5-10 pounds throughout the day.
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Telecommuting, or virtual working, is the preferred primary working arrangement for this role. However, work on site at a Bloodworks location will be required from time-to-time, on a frequency basis that may vary dependent upon the nature of the work being performed, as well as other factors
• Job conditions to be expected include extensive, close work with computer screens.
• Position requires regular travel to Bloodworks sites, occasional extended hours and meetings outside of weekday daytime working hours.
• Incumbent will work with and provide supervision to volunteers.
• As this is an essential position with direct responsibility to workforce members, incumbent should be prepared to work extended and/or consecutive shifts and/or possibly at a different location during periods of inclement weather or other emergencies.
• This position has indirect exposure to blood borne pathogens.
Bloodworks Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Senior Occupational Safety & Health Specialist
Office
Seattle, WA, US
Full Time
August 21, 2025