Director, Safety and Security

University of Iowa

  • Iowa City, IA
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
This position provides leadership and oversight for all administrative and operational aspects of the Safety and Security Department at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center on the University Campus (MCU) to direct daily operations and plan, develop, implement, and evaluate programs to ensure the environmental safety of patients, visitors, staff, and others.Job Duties:Strategic Leadership and Culture Building· Provide vision, direction, and leadership to develop and maintain a robust, responsive, and trusted safety and security program.· Design, implement, and evaluate policies and initiatives to establish a secure and welcoming environment for patients, staff, and visitors.· Foster and promote a culture of integrity, respect, trust, and accountability within the Safety and Security Department and across the organization. Promote strong collaborative interdepartmental relationships.· Develop and implement policies and practices of a culture that supports staff engagement in the workplace. Establish, maintain, and assess engagement initiatives within the department to align with the mission and values of University of Iowa Health Care. Identify and create opportunities to enhance employee development and morale.· Develop a culture of accountability within the Safety and Security Department. Practice leadership that mentors and develops supervisors with regular feedback and coaching.· Partner with Human Resources to develop a strategic talent framework that includes staffing strategies, maintenance of talent pathways, contribution to the review of applications to open positions, and evaluate various performance metrics.Operational Oversight· Oversee all operational and administrative aspects of the Safety and Security Department including workforce organization, reporting structures, staffing, budget approval, training, emergency response, and performance management.· Oversee the development of comprehensive safety and security trainings, both at department and enterprise levels. Review and optimize training programs to ensure satisfaction of objectives, policy, and regulatory requirements.· Periodically review and refine training content based on feedback, outcomes, and evolving needs.· Provide oversight and accountability for all Safety and Security investigation activities. Lead investigations of significance.· Direct analyses of complex data and prepare reports on department activities to identify trends, inform strategy, and improve operations. Prepare detailed reports and recommendations tailored for various stakeholders as necessary.· Review and approve the departmental budget to support strategic and operational objectives.· Provide expert advice on safety programs, compliance matters, and regulation interpretation including hazard management in departments and operations.· Assist University of Iowa Health Care legal counsel on security and occupational safety and health matters as required.Policy, Compliance, and Emergency Response· Develop, review, execute, and direct implementation of policies and programs to establish and maintain an environment of safety for patients, visitors, and staff. Review, monitor, and evaluate Safety and Security emergency response and associated protocols. Ensure that all staff are appropriately trained and equipped.· Direct the response to workplace violence concerns and emergency events (e.g., physical, chemical, biohazard, and fire hazard threats to security). Develop and implement evidence-based prevention and response strategies.· Maintain ongoing compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements and adapt policies to address evolving requirements. Develop and implement programs in response to new standards.· Maintain knowledge and compliance with policy, various state and federal safety laws and regulations, and other accreditation requirements. Maintain comprehensive and ongoing awareness of pertinent internal and external developments, trends, changes to laws and regulations, etc. particularly in relation to security, training, access control, and equipment.Inspection, Prevention, and Collaboration· Conduct unscheduled inspections to assure compliance with policies and procedures. Engage regular audits of documentation and conduct security event simulations.· Establish, supervise, and evaluate ongoing crime prevention initiatives.Serve on various committees and work groups concerning policy review, response to emergent threats, maintenance of compliance with various regulatory and accrediting agencies and environment of safety considerations.· Manage Environment of Care Subcommittee activities and serve as the contact for environmental safety, fire safety and security issues. Partner closely with UI Public Safety and local and state law enforcement, fire, and other agencies to ensure integrated and effective safety activities and strategies.Universal Competencies:Collaboration and Positive ImpactAbility to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and civil manner and utilize existing resources and learning to achieve or exceed desired outcomes of current and future organizational goals/needs.· Creates and champions initiatives that foster respectful communication, learning and a spirit of cooperation.· Regularly shares information and effectively influences to gain common commitment in achieving objectives.· Shapes unit/department, college/division, or university governance so as to reinforce collaboration, accountability, and responsibility.· Promotes a climate that recognizes, celebrates, and rewards collaboration.· Works to create a climate that values and rewards initiative, excellence, continual learning, and achievement of results.· Deals effectively with ambiguity and change; coaches others in behaviors and prepares others through development for ongoing effectiveness.Service Excellence/Customer FocusAbility to meet or exceed customer service needs and expectations and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner. Ability to effectively transmit and interpret information through appropriate communication with internal and external customers.· Effectively uses a broad range of methods in communicating complex ideas to different audiences.· Monitors profession/field/discipline for trends and implements innovative solutions to enhance service.· Builds successful track record of superior personal and organizational service delivery across various settings.· Promotes excellence achieved through reports or other media for distribution to internal and/or external constituents and the professional community.Welcoming and Respectful EnvironmentAbility to foster a welcoming and respectful workplace environment while recognizing personal differences. Ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and respectful manner.Education Requirement:Four-year college degree in a safety, security, law enforcement or other applicable degree or equivalent combination of education and leadership experience in a healthcare setting.Experience Requirement:7-10 years of experience in workplace safety / security in a supervisory / leadership capacity.Experience with regulatory interaction and interpretation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), The Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and security standards.Demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff at all levels of an organization.Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.Reasonable experience (1-3 years) in public speaking and instructing/training development and delivery.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Desired Qualifications:Experience in workplace safety and security within a healthcare setting.Reasonable experience (1-3 years) process improvement.A safety /security professional certification.Experience in OSHA and TJC surveys.Law enforcement experience as a commissioned officer.Master’s degree in a related field.Position and Application Details:In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as required to the submission:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.Please contact rebecca-schwertfeger@uiowa.edu with any questions.Additional Information
  • Classification Title: Director, Safety and Security
  • Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
  • Schedule: Full-time
Compensation
  • Pay Level: 6A
Contact Information
  • Organization: Healthcare
  • Contact Name: Rebecca Schwertfeger
  • Contact Email: rebecca-schwertfeger@uiowa.edu

University of Iowa