State of South Carolina
Cayce or Lexington County

Employee Health & Safety Director - 61051750

Onsite$79,600 - $95,000/yrPosted yesterday

Job details

Location
Cayce or Lexington County
Work type
Onsite
Compensation
$79,600 - $95,000/yr
Posted
yesterday
Apply on
governmentjobs.com

About this role

About the Department

Careers at DPH: Work that makes a difference!

Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity


The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is a statewide leader committed to protecting and improving the health and quality of life of every resident and visitor in South Carolina. With nearly 2,200 passionate public health professionals working across all regions of the state, DPH delivers innovative, community-driven services that make a lasting impact. The Employee Health and Safety Department is located on the State Health Campus in Cayce, SC—our central hub for collaboration, preparedness, and statewide operations. From this flagship location, the Employee Health & Safety Director plays a vital role in supporting all DPH employees as they serve the people of South Carolina and advance the department’s mission to build healthier, safer, and more resilient communities. 

In this role, you will apply deep expertise in occupational health, regulatory compliance, and risk management to lead programs that protect and strengthen a complex, public-facing workforce. This position is critical to enhancing employee well-being, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting the department’s public health–related readiness and response capabilities. You will serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership while championing a proactive, prevention-focused culture of safety—empowering the DPH workforce and helping shape a healthier future for South Carolina.

Key Position Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight

  • Lead and manage comprehensive employee health and workplace safety programs across the agency 
  • Supervise, develop, and mentor staff while collaborating with senior leadership 
  • Serve as a key participant in emergency management operations 

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

  • Ensure compliance with OSHA and all workplace safety regulations 
  • Oversee inspections, audits, incident investigations, and corrective actions 
  • Maintain oversight of employee medical credentials and vaccination records 

Policy Development & Safety Culture

  • Develop and implement safety policies, procedures, and training programs 
  • Promote a proactive, organization-wide culture of safety and risk prevention 

Occupational Health Oversight

  • Oversee exposure management, medical surveillance, and workplace injury response 
  • Partner with leadership to implement preventative strategies and reduce incidents 

Data Analysis & Executive Advisement

  • Analyze safety metrics, trends, and compliance data 
  • Provide actionable recommendations to executive leadership to mitigate risk

Position Duties

State Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and relevant professional experience. 

Agency Additional Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in occupational health, safety management, environmental health, public health, nursing, or related field with a minimum of five (5) years of progressive occupational health and safety leadership experience.  At least two (2) years of supervisory experience. 

Experience managing immunization and vaccination compliance programs, strong knowledge of OSHA and workplace safety regulations, demonstrated experience in risk management and program development and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook).

Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications, subject to approval by the DPH Chief Human Resources Officer, or their delegate.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiringInstitutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Minimum Qualifications

Licensed Registered Nurse (RN)  

Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN), or similar credential

Other Qualifications

EEO: The Department of Public Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation.  A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others. 

STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster. 

DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

  • 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
  • 15 days Sick Leave per year
  • 13 Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
  • S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
  • Retirement benefit choices *

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

Benefits

Benefits for State Employees
 
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.
 

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.
 
Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.
 
Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.
 
Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

Supplemental Questions

01
Employment Authorization and Visa Sponsorship Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must maintain valid work authorization throughout the duration of their employment. This agency does not sponsor employment-based visas, including but not limited to H-1B visas, nor does it provide sponsorship for permanent residency or other employment-based immigration benefits now or in the future. Individuals who are authorized to work in the United States under Optional Practical Training (OPT) through a valid F-1 student visa may apply, provided they possess current employment authorization and do not require employer sponsorship to continue working in the United States at any point during employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon verification of identity and eligibility to work in the United States in accordance with federal law. This agency complies with all applicable federal employment eligibility verification requirements. By submitting this application, I certify that I am legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require employer sponsorship for a work visa now or at any time during employment.
  • Yes
  • No
02
How many years have you directly supervised employees? How many employees? Years ____ # of employees __________
03
How many years of experience do you have leading occupational health, employee safety, or EHS programs?
04
What is your experience with incident command, continuity of operations (COOP), or public health emergency preparedness?
05
Share an example of how you advanced a proactive, prevention-focused safety culture across multiple divisions or sites.
06
Have you previously led an OSHA compliance program for a large, geographically dispersed workforce?
  • Yes
  • No
07
If you answered, "Yes" to question #6, please describe the size and scope.
08
Are you familiar with South Carolina OSHA (SC OSHA) regulations and enforcement procedures?
  • Yes
  • No
09
If you answered, "Yes" to question #8, please describe your experience.
10
How would you rate your working knowledge of OSHA General Industry standards (29 CFR 1910)?
  • Basic
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
  • Expert
11
Which of the following professional certifications do you currently hold? (Select all that apply.)
  • CSP – Certified Safety Professional
  • CPH – Certified in Public Health
  • ASP – Associate Safety Professional
  • COSS – Certified Occupational Safety Specialist
  • Other relevant certification (please specify)
  • I do not currently hold any relevant certifications
12
Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.
  • Yes
  • No
13
Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. The application and not an attached resume will be reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.
  • Yes
  • No
14
Which of the following best describes your relevant work experience?
  • No relevant experience
  • 1 - 2 Years
  • 3 - 5 Years
  • 5+ Years
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience
15
Would you be willing to accept a salary within the hiring range of $79,600 - $95,000?
  • Yes
  • No
16
Are you currently working for or have ever worked for South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) or South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH)?
  • Yes
  • No
17
If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver’s license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record. I have read and understand this statement.
  • Yes
  • No
18
How did you hear about this position?
  • State NEOGOV Website (www.careers.sc.gov)
  • LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook
  • Employee Referral/Agency Recruiter
  • College Job Board
  • Job Fair
  • External Job Board (SC Works, Indeed, Association)
  • Other

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of South CarolinaAgency Department of Public Health Address 400 Otarre Parkway

Cayce, South Carolina, 29033 Phone803-898-7308

About State of South Carolina

State of South Carolina
Cayce or Lexington County