Safety Specialists
Industrial Hygienists
Occupation Summary – Safety Specialists
Safety Specialists at VA manage comprehensive safety programs designed to provide a physical environment free of hazards in the health care environment. The VA safety program includes life safety, fire suppression, construction safety, vehicle safety, electrical safety, and emergency management elements designed to protect patients, personnel, visitors, and property. Safety Specialists manage a comprehensive fire safety and life safety program in support of the Joint Commission and other governing standards and regulations.
Safety Specialist Program Summary
The VA Technical Career Field (TCF) Program hires graduate Safety Specialists for two-year paid internships. The program provides the training that is necessary for the transition from school to the VA workplace, with many of the same benefits as other Federal employees.
These individuals receive one-on-one training and mentoring for the first year by preceptors who are seasoned Safety Specialists at many of VA's 150+ medical facilities throughout the country. For the second year, interns may stay at that facility if a permanent position is available or may relocate to another VA medical facility across the country, with relocation expenses paid by the program.
During the two-year training period, interns have the opportunity to attend national conferences and core training events, as well as network with other interns in the program as part of a wide variety of training experiences and continuing education activities that will enhance the prospect of upward mobility in VA.
At the completion of training, interns are converted to permanent positions in VA medical facilities. The professional experience provided in the training program, along with the vast numbers of VA 'Boomers' approaching retirement, increases the potential for rapid promotion in this career field into leadership positions within VA.
Funding
The TCF Program for Safety Specialists provides funding for tuition and travel expenses for approved events, such as national career-related conferences and continuing education courses in the job-related field. Funding occurs on a fiscal year basis and may change from one year to the next. The amount of funding available is determined each fiscal year and is contingent upon budget approval.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Graduate interns are eligible to apply for participation in the TCF Program if they meet the following minimum qualifications:
- At least a B.S. degree in occupational safety and health or a related science, such as biology or chemistry, from an accredited university (NIOSH, ERC, or ABET programs are preferred)
- A talent for communication and demonstrated potential for leadership
- U.S. citizenship
- A willingness to relocate to another VA site after the first year of training (if a permanent position in his/her field is not available at the training site). If relocation is necessary for permanent placement, VA pays for moving expenses.
- A willingness to work for VA after completing the two-year training.
Selection Process
Qualified applicants that are selected for the TCF Program are hired at the GS-5, GS-7, or GS-9 level, based on degree, GPA, and applicable related experience according to guidelines established by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
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Occupation Summary – Industrial Hygienists
Industrial Hygienists at VA identify, control, and eliminate environmental and occupational health hazards while working with an interesting mix of employees in VA medical centers, including physicians, nurses, and researchers. Health care industrial hygiene is a challenging specialty because it includes typical industrial hazards, as well as some that are specific to health care research. VA's industrial hygienists use sampling and analytical instruments to evaluate potential hazards to employees, patients, and the public, as well as conduct training and write policies, programs, and procedures. They perform investigations to determine causal factors and recommend procedures for elimination or reduction of a potential hazard.
Industrial Hygienist Program Summary
The VA Technical Career Field (TCF) Program hires graduate Industrial Hygienists for two-year paid internships. The program provides the training that is necessary for the transition from school to the VA workplace, with many of the same benefits as other Federal employees.
These individuals receive one-on-one training and mentoring for the first year by preceptors who are seasoned Industrial Hygienists at many of VA's 150+ medical facilities throughout the country. For the second year, interns may stay at that facility if a permanent position is available or may relocate to another VA medical facility across the country, with relocation expenses paid by the program.
During the two-year training period, interns have the opportunity to attend national conferences and core training events, as well as network with other interns in the program as part of a wide variety of training experiences and continuing education activities that will enhance the prospect of upward mobility in VA.
At the completion of training, interns are converted to permanent positions in VA medical facilities. The professional experience provided in the training program, along with the vast numbers of VA 'Boomers' approaching retirement, increases the potential for rapid promotion in this career field into leadership positions within VA.
Funding
The TCF Program for Industrial Hygienists provides funding for tuition and travel expenses for approved events, such as national career-related conferences and continuing education courses in the job-related field. Funding occurs on a fiscal year basis and may change from one year to the next. The amount of funding available is determined each fiscal year and is contingent upon budget approval.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Graduate interns are eligible to apply for participation in the TCF Program if they meet the following minimum qualifications:
- At least a B.S. degree in industrial hygiene or occupational safety and health-related field from an accredited program/university (NIOSH, ERC, or ABET programs are preferred)
- A talent for communication and demonstrated potential for leadership
- U.S. citizenship
- A willingness to relocate to another VA site after the first year of training (if a permanent position in his/her field is not available at the training site). If relocation is necessary for permanent placement, VA pays for moving expenses.
- A willingness to work for VA after completing the two-year training.
Selection Process
Qualified applicants that are selected for the TCF Program are hired at the GS-5, GS-7, or GS-9 level, based on degree, GPA, and applicable related experience according to guidelines established by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
