Safety Support Officer

The Safety Support Officer provides a visible and proactive presence across Yarram and District Health Service (YDHS) to support the safety and wellbeing of staff, patients, residents, visitors and contractors.

The role focuses on assisting clinical and care staff in managing occupational violence and aggression (OVA) risks, supporting de-escalation strategies, responding to duress alarms, conducting safety checks, monitoring security systems, escorting staff after hours and contributing to a safe and respectful environment across all YDHS sites.

The Safety Support Officer works collaboratively with all departments to promote a culture of safety, support emergency responses and assist in the implementation of workplace violence prevention initiatives.

Safety and OVA Support

• Provide a visible presence throughout YDHS facilities to promote a safe and welcoming environment.
• Respond to requests from staff for assistance with patients, residents or visitors displaying challenging behaviours.
• Support staff in implementing de-escalation strategies during incidents of occupational violence and aggression.
• Attend and assist with Code Grey and other behavioural emergency responses as directed.
• Assist clinical teams in maintaining safe therapeutic environments.
• Observe, identify and report safety concerns, hazards and emerging risks.
• Participate in post-incident reviews and continuous improvement activities where required.

Duress Alarm and Emergency Response

• Respond promptly to staff duress alarm activations in accordance with organisational procedures.
• Provide immediate support to staff during actual or potential safety incidents.
• Assist in coordinating responses during emergency situations.
• Participate in emergency management activities including Code Grey, Code Black, Fire and Evacuation responses.
• Support emergency preparedness activities, drills and training exercises.
• Assist emergency services personnel when attending YDHS sites.

Staff Safety and Support

• Escort staff to vehicles and between facilities when requested, particularly after hours.
• Conduct after-hours safety patrols of buildings, grounds and car parking areas.
• Assist managers and staff in identifying opportunities to improve workplace safety.
• Promote a culture where staff feel safe to report hazards, incidents and concerns.

CCTV and Security Systems Monitoring

• Monitor CCTV systems and report suspicious, unsafe or concerning activity.
• Review CCTV footage as authorised to support incident investigations.
• Monitor and respond to building alarms, access control notifications and safety system alerts.
• Report faults or deficiencies in security and safety systems.
• Assist with routine testing of duress systems and security infrastructure.

Facility and Environmental Safety

• Conduct routine facility security and safety inspections.
• Undertake after-hours building lock-up and security checks as required.
• Identify and report maintenance, safety and environmental hazards.
• Assist with securing buildings, assets and equipment in accordance with organisational procedures.
• Monitor external areas including entrances, grounds and car parks for safety concerns.

Contractor and Visitor Management

• Support contractor sign-in and induction processes.
• Monitor contractor compliance with site safety requirements.
• Assist visitors and contractors to navigate facilities safely.
• Escalate concerns relating to unauthorised access or unsafe contractor activities.

Workplace Violence Prevention

• Support the implementation of the YDHS Workplace Violence Prevention Program.
• Assist with staff education and awareness activities relating to personal safety and OVA prevention.
• Contribute to the identification of environmental and operational risks associated with occupational violence and aggression.
• Participate in initiatives aimed at improving staff perceptions of safety and wellbeing.

Patient and Resident Support

• Assist with observation of patients or residents as directed by clinical staff.
• Provide reassurance and support to patients, residents and visitors during periods of distress.
• Support clinical staff in maintaining safe and therapeutic care environments.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Complete incident reports and documentation accurately and promptly.
• Maintain records of safety rounds, duress responses and identified risks.
• Escalate concerns to managers and clinical leaders as appropriate.
• Assist with the collection of data relating to safety incidents and trends.

General Duties

• Promote YDHS values and behavioural expectations.
• Participate in mandatory training and professional development.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Undertake other duties reasonably required within the scope of the role.

Key Selection Criteria

Mandatory:

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of people.
• Experience working in healthcare, aged care, disability, emergency services, community services or a similar environment.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution and de-escalation skills.
• Strong situational awareness and observational skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace health and safety.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Current Victorian Driver License.
• Current National Police Check and other checks as required.

Desirable:

• Occupational Violence and Aggression Management training.
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Experience in healthcare, aged care or emergency service environments.
• Experience using CCTV, access control or duress alarm systems.
• Knowledge of emergency management principles.

YDHS is responsible for employing and contracting to employees who meet stringent community and public sector expectations. Applicants shall be required to provide and maintain:

• An original National Police Record Check completed within the last 12 months prior to commencement.
• An employee Working with Children Check. 
• Relevant professional registrations.
• Complete a Pre-existing injury declaration form
• Undergo any other relevant checks, education or licencing as directed at own cost.