Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) has been a pioneer in mental health service, advocacy, innovation, and training for nearly a century, working to ensure that people with mental health needs achieve meaningful, healthy lives in their communities.

MHALA is among the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit mental health agencies in Los Angeles County. The agency supports over 19,000 low-income and no-income individuals annually with integrated services. MHALA achieves impact in the areas of mental and physical healthcare, homelessness and housing, supported employment, and wellness and financial services, with special programs for Veterans and transition-age youth.

MHALA also provides training programs for individuals joining the behavioral health workforce and for the larger community around mental health issues.

MHALA works to ensure that its employees are just as cared for as its members. Communication, collaboration, transparency and a healthy work/life balance are core components of the agency culture. Employees are encouraged to engage in self-care and can enjoy a 35-hour workweek.

MHALA fosters diversity at all levels of the organization. The agency promotes a team-oriented culture that offers opportunities for growth. We are proud to offer a competitive salary and full benefits package, including an employee assistance program, and generous paid time off.

Health and Safety Manager

$75,000 - $95,000 annualized

(The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.)

Summary: The Health and Safety Manager will partner with program leadership at all our sites to ensure a safe and consistent environment across all locations. This role will oversee safety committee and its meetings, drills, ensure a safe environment including emergency/first aid equipment. Ensure that all staff are informed and trained on emergency responses. Provide guidance and recommendations to ensure a safe and productive work environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities : This is not an exhaustive task list, and other duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate or necessary by the supervisor or program director. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to any qualified person with a medical or psychiatric disability, providing it will not change the essential nature of the position, nor cause undue hardship to the Agency’s operations. MHALA is an equal employer opportunity and service provider. The Agency will consider individuals with a criminal history.

• Develop, prepare, and implement safety and security policies and procedures and evaluates and ensures the effectiveness of MHALA safety and security programs, in conjunction with agency leadership.
• Identifies opportunities to minimize workplace injuries, accidents, and health problems.
• Develop and conduct competency based trainings for staff on health and safety practices, emergency practices, management of reporting of critical incidents, work place violence, reduction of physical risks, etc. and ensure that all staff complete the relevant trainings. Including effective demonstration of available safety equipment.
• Develop/maintain agency emergency procedures. Ensure all staff are effectively trained on emergency procedures.
• Conducts appropriate safety drills at each location. Keeps accurate records of participation and provides recommendations for improvements.
• Coordinate and run safety committee. Meetings should be held every other month. Maintain agendas and list of attendees.
• Ensure safety information is effectively distributed and understood by all employees within the agency.
• Conducts regular on-site reviews of each location to maintain a safe working environment. Conducts safety inspections and audits to assess employee compliance with safety regulations at least twice a year at each location.
• Coordinate with accessibility coordinator, facilities manager and/or VP of Real Estate Management on any observed building related safety issues or concerns. Collaborates with Facility Management to complete quarterly building inspections.
• Acquire and maintain first aid supplies at each site. Includes ongoing inventory of supplies and appropriate restocking of items.
• Inspects onsite safety equipment and recommends replacements, as needed.
• Acquire and maintain emergency supplies in case of shelter-in-place for each site depending on the needs of each site.
• Manage and maintain the agency IIPP, Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, Internal Heat Safety requirements and stays up to date on CAL/Osha requirements and changes.
• Identify opportunities to minimize workplace injuries, accidents, and health problems. Reviews accidents and incidents reported by employees and visitors to the facility. Completes assigned injury investigations, as identified by Human Resources from Worker’s Compensation claims.
• Partners with HR to create health related policies and in accordance with grant requirements, regarding general health and safety recommendations – TB requirements, flu vaccines and COVID vaccines, etc.
• Trains staff on CPR/first aid certification and ensures that training is up to date for all staff and in accordance with grant requirements.
• Coordinate with Medical staff to develop procedures, policies and drills for medication management.
• Participate in Safety De-escalation training and ensures compliance with workplace violence prevention plan.
• Provide immediate support for current emergencies, as needed.
• Coordinate with facilities manager and program leadership regarding maintenance of agency-owned vehicles.
• Ensures that safety equipment is present and in good order, first aid supplies are available, safety procedures are present, and insurance information available.
• Ensures that all staff members have first aid kits in the vehicles being used for transport. Be the contact person for any supplies needed to maintain kits.
• Partner with Cal-OSHA and Human Resources for any OSHA related issues or complaints and provide support, as needed, for resolution.
• Handle effectively tasks and assignments that may be sensitive and/or confidential.
• Shares environmental safety information with appropriate levels in the organization.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local safety laws, regulations, codes, and rules.
• Meets quarterly with HR, Facilities and Compliance/Contracts team to review and discuss issues and successes for the quarter and implement suggestions and recommendations.
• Conducts regular meetings with Program Directors at each site to review feedback and safety recommendations.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in Health and Safety, Environmental Health, or related field required or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of Five years of related experience required.
• Ability to drive to the various locations in Los Angeles County required.
• Health and safety certification preferred.
• Experience in non-profit setting preferred.
• CPR trainer certificate preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of company safety policies and applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to create and conduct effective safety training.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail and multi-task.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Follow office procedures accurately, timely and consistently.
• Must exhibit good personal judgment and discretion when dealing with individuals.
• Ability to interact with a diverse population in a dynamic work environment and to establish relationships with staff and external organizations and individuals.
• Must be self-directed and dedicated to fulfilling the demands of the position.
• Solid communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with all levels of staff, both verbally and in writing.
• Maintain high level of confidentiality on a variety of information.
• Excellent writing skills (i.e. prepare/review documents with correct grammar, spelling and presentation).
• Ability to interact with a diverse population in a dynamic work environment and to establish relationships with staff and external organizations and individuals.
• Driving with current class C driver’s license, a vehicle for transportation, proof of valid automobile insurance, the ability to be insured by MHALA liability insurance are conditions of employment.
• Flexible work schedule including occasional evenings, weekends and holidays.
• TB clearance and yearly re-testing are conditions of employment.
• COVID-19 vaccination is required for this position. Accommodations will be considered with proof of a legal exemption.