Injury Prevention Specialist

UC San Diego Health is a leading academic health system located in San Diego, California, known for its commitment to excellence in patient care, biomedical research, education, and community service. It encompasses a range of facilities including two university hospitals, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, specialized institutes such as the Shiley Eye Institute and Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, the only Burn Center in the county, as well as numerous outpatient clinics. This extensive health system serves a diverse patient population and supports innovative healthcare practices through its academic and clinical integration. UC San Diego Health values diversity, inclusiveness, and professional growth, providing a supportive environment for its employees and encouraging applicants from all backgrounds to join its team.

The Injury Prevention Specialist role at UC San Diego Health presents a unique opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to the safety and well-being of healthcare staff across multiple locations. This full-time, career appointment offers a competitive salary range of $120,000 to $132,000 per year and requires working day shifts from Monday through Friday. The specialist will be primarily based at Greenwich Drive but will provide support systemwide, reflecting the dynamic and widespread reach of UC San Diego Health. The position requires a strong operational focus with substantial fieldwork, direct interaction with frontline staff, and active participation in the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) on-call rotation.

This role is pivotal in supporting systemwide injury prevention programs aimed at minimizing employee injury risks. The specialist will be involved in multiple initiatives such as ergonomics, safe patient handling, sharps safety, exposure reduction, respiratory protection, and compliance with general safety regulations. The position requires coordination with different departments and sites to ensure standardization, gap closure, and consistent execution of injury prevention practices. The specialist's work will include program rollout assistance, conducting workplace observations and rounding, identifying hazards, tracking injury trends, and facilitating timely corrective actions.

The Injury Prevention Specialist will function as a resource across the entire health system, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to translate regulatory requirements into effective workplace processes. Given the nature of the healthcare environment, the role demands flexibility with variable work hours according to operational needs and the capacity to travel between multiple sites, including hospitals and outpatient centers. The hands-on approach of this role emphasizes training frontline employees on safe work techniques and equipment usage, further reinforcing a culture of safety throughout the organization.

UC San Diego Health supports continuous professional development and expects the Injury Prevention Specialist to attain certifications such as Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) within six months of hire. Additionally, candidates must possess OSHA 30-Hour General Industry certification and at least five years of relevant experience in injury prevention, occupational health, or healthcare safety. Preferred qualifications include experience with Cal/OSHA compliance, large multi-site organizations, and professional certifications like CSP or CIH.

In summary, the Injury Prevention Specialist at UC San Diego Health plays a critical role in enhancing workplace safety, reducing injuries, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations across a comprehensive healthcare system. This position suits professionals dedicated to occupational health and safety who thrive in collaborative, change-oriented environments and are committed to protecting healthcare workers through proactive injury prevention strategies.