Director of Fire Safety and Emergency Response

Drives the continuous improvement of safety standards, including fire safety, across agency programs and services. Serves as a key advocate for the mission, vision, and values of Heritage Christian Services, fostering a culture of excellence, safety, and unwavering dedication to individuals served.

Pay for this position:  $74857 / yr - $84186 / yr

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above range represents the organization's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting

Fire Safety Operations:

• Lead the oversight and monitoring of fire safety agency policy and procedures in collaboration with other stakeholders.
• Evaluate evacuation plans to support the development of acceptable fire safety. Assist in the development and oversight to ensure that all plans are implemented with the consideration of the capabilities of the persons receiving services, staff, and the physical plant.
• Responsible for the oversight and monitoring of fire drill report compliance. Provide guidance on remediation of fire drill deficiencies. Communicate findings to operational and QA leadership.
• Assist with follow up to survey outcomes and on matters of fire safety as outlined in regulatory requirements.
• In partnership with operational leadership and facility team members participate in the annual OFPC fire safety reviews, and assists with remediation if necessary.
• Be an active member of the internal Fire Safety Committee.
• Stay current on quality and fire safety regulations from OPWDD, NFPA, and OFPC. Ensure agency policies and procedures comply with regulatory expectations, our Compass Plan, and industry best practices

Enterprise-wide Emergency Response:

• Provide emergency preparedness education to agency staff.
• Serve as a positive role model for direct support staff and individuals served. Interact with others in a way which will assist direct support staff in developing behaviors, skills, and attitudes necessary for success.
• Develop, implement, and maintain agency-wide emergency preparedness and response plans, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct risk assessments and vulnerability analyses to identify potential threats and hazards.
• Work closely with agency leadership to identify systemic trends, aid in the development of plans of correction action, and help remediate issues.
• Participate in the development of applications and systems that enhance compliance with safety protocols.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure compliance with emergency response regulations.

Education and Certification:

• A minimum of a two-year degree is required with a four-year degree preferred, ideally in Emergency Management or a related field.
• Certification in Fire Safety, Emergency Management, or Disaster Preparedness preferred.

Experience:

• 3 to 5 years of experience in fire safety, emergency preparedness, or building safety compliance required, preferably in human services or healthcare settings.
• 3 to 5 years of experience developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive evacuation plans, emergency preparedness programs, and safety protocols required.
• Background in conducting and overseeing fire drills and regulatory surveys preferred.

Technical and Regulatory Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of fire and life safety principles and regulatory requirements including OPWDD, OFPC, and NFPA required.
• Knowledge of emergency planning best practices and industry standards related to safety in human services environments preferred.

Crisis Management & Decision Making

• Proven ability to respond to emergencies and implement emergency preparedness plans across multiple facilities required.
• Capable of making timely and informed decisions under pressure, especially during fire emergencies or critical incidents required.
• Skilled in conducting vulnerability and risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards preferred.

Analytical and Compliance Oversight:

• Demonstrated ability to review fire drill documentation and identify compliance issues or deficiencies required.
• Skilled in interpreting regulatory survey results and assisting in remediation planning and execution required.
• Experience in developing and monitoring corrective action plans to address fire safety and emergency preparedness gaps preferred.
• Ability to track and report compliance data to leadership, ensuring continuous improvement and readiness preferred.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including facilities, operations, and QA departments required.
• Strong communication skills for delivering training, coaching staff, and reporting findings to leadership required.
• Ability to serve as a positive role model, promoting a culture of preparedness and professional behavior among staff required.
• Experience working with internal committees and external regulatory bodies to ensure coordinated safety practices preferred.

Our Commitment to Equity and Justice

We believe that people are entitled to dignity, respect, equity and justice. We champion a society that removes barriers. We reject racism and discrimination of any kind. We protest systemic and political inequities that marginalize people, recognizing that there is a history of structural racism in the United States. We will continue to learn and change to achieve justice. We know that strength comes from unity.