Safety Specialist

The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) is the fourth largest school board in Ontario and a major employer in one of Canada’s fastest growing regions. Our inclusive and diverse board serves 83,000 students and employs nearly 12,000 staff across the City of London, Elgin, Middlesex and Oxford Counties, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Munsee-Delaware Nation and Oneida Nation of the Thames. We offer competitive benefits including a pension program (OMERS) and comprehensive mental health and well-being support. Best of all, every role at TVDSB directly supports the success of children and families in YOUR community. Join TVDSB to build each student's tomorrow, every day! 

SAFETY SPECIALIST

JOB TITLE:                         Safety Specialist
HIRING RANGE:               $79,594 - $101,589
SALARY RANGE:              $79,594 - $105,260
DATE OF VACANCY:       As soon as possible
DEADLINE:                       2025 September 24

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Safety Specialist supports the educational system by providing advice and taking action on the development, coordination, implementation and administration of policies, procedures and guidelines in compliance with occupational health and safety and other applicable legislation. The Safety Specialist is responsible for leading the system and implementation of best safety practices, and keeps their Supervisor, Manager, and Superintendent updated on important issues including Ministry of Labour visits and other urgent matters.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support and partner with all schools and TVDSB locations to proactively address ongoing Health and Safety needs
• Respond to Senior Administration and Schools Administrator regarding Health and Safety inquiries and emergencies
• Monitor Incident and Accident reports, and ensure that the Ministry of Labour receives proper documentation
• Participates and manages the operation of the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JH&SC), Labour certified members and Site JH&SC’s
• Consultation and development of sensitive safety plans regarding risks from domestic issue’s community members, students and parents
• Conduct Health and Safety training

WORK PERFORMED:

• Investigate health and safety concerns and violations. Recommend and/or implement necessary corrective and preventive action
• Working in collaboration with Supervisors in addressing workplace violence and harassment concerns in relation to students and staff
• Plan and develop strategies to resolve health and safety issues, including the development and implementation of related policies, procedures and guidelines
• Foster relationships with unions and federations to provide for effective cooperation on the resolution of health and safety issues
• Assess potential violence which may pose a risk to staff or students and develop safety plans for staff, students and sites that have been identified as at risk
• Provide direction on escalated or serious health and safety issues, and regular advice and counsel to senior administrators and superintendents, school administrators and supervisors
• Provide advice and counsel to the Joint Health and Safety Committee regarding health and safety, building code, fire code and related standards, acts and regulations
• Address regulatory agencies, ministries and municipalities regarding inquiries, inspections, investigations and other issues as required
• Liaise between municipal emergency response officials and agencies and senior administrators of the Board
• Research and provide information, data and recommendations regarding health and safety related issues
• Develop, coordinate, monitor and evaluate the feasibility and impact of programs, procedures and new initiatives
• Work in conjunction with Abilities and Wellness staff on return to work programs and ergonomic assessments
• Coordinates industrial hygiene testing, for example air quality, asbestos, mould and noise
• Demonstrate current knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of health and safety legislation, approaches and trends
• Ability to travel to school locations is a requirement

QUALITIES/SKILLS/SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE:

• Interpret, communicate, and apply various legislation language, policies and procedures
• Ability to quickly recognize hazards or potential hazards
• Ability to breakdown complex concepts into simple and understandable terms
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, personal influence and the demonstration of safety knowledge with effective communication skills, both orally and in writing
• Proficient in computer systems such as Office 365, etc. or equivalent
• Ability to work both independently and part of a team
• Conflict management, union relations
• Some after-hours work may be required depending on business needs and emergencies

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of a three (3) year post-secondary program in a related discipline 
• Three (3) years of related work experience is required
• Working in a unionized environment is preferred
• First Aid Train the Trainer is preferred
• Joint Health & Safety Committee certification training Part 1 and 2 is preferred

This position requires frequent use of the employee’s personal vehicle for travel to Board sites. All applicable travel is reimbursed according to Board policy and procedures using the Board’s posted mileage rate.

The recruitment process requires a criminal background check for work with vulnerable persons.

Please note it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is received by Human Resources on or before the deadline date.

The Thames Valley District School Board is committed to equity and inclusion in the recruitment of qualified staff who reflect and support the diverse perspectives, experiences and needs of our students and school communities. The Thames Valley District School Board seeks to ensure that all recruiting processes are non-discriminatory and barrier-free and will provide accommodations to applicants in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please inform the Human Resources team member indicated below of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you require.

If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas or degrees assessed against Canadian education standards. This will enable you to provide proof of Canadian equivalency when applying for a job. The Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada is a membership organization that offers fair and credible academic credential assessment services in Canada. (NOTE: This is different from translating credentials into English).

Please use the "APPLY FOR THIS POSITION" link below to submit your electronic application.  Only applications submitted using this link will be considered.

A. Torchia, Staffing Specialist, Human Resources

We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.