Safety Communications Spec (9231)

OVERALL DESCRIPTION

The Safety Communications Specialist will interface with internal and external stakeholders for the successful implementation of both employee and public communication programs. The Safety Communications Specialist will serve as the System Safety Division’s principal point of contact with SEPTA’s Communications and Media Relations Departments working to ensure messages are consistent with the overall brand and meeting Authority standards to maintain and promote safety throughout and on behalf of the organization.

The Safety Communications Specialist manages SEPTA’s Operation Lifesaver Program and serves as the direct liaison with members of Operation Lifesaver, Inc (OLI), freight and commuter rail safety partners and the State Coordinators in states where SEPTA operates service.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Serves as System Safety’s principle liaison to SEPTA’s Communications and Media Relations Departments.
2. Plans, develops and conducts safety awareness campaigns for employees including bi-annual employee safety awareness days.
3. Oversees all aspects of Operation Lifesaver activities for SEPTA including soliciting and managing volunteer involvement in the program, Authorized Volunteer training, educational
4. Partners with OLI and State Coordinators to actively involve SEPTA in the various state program coordination, and serves as an ad hoc committee member with OLI, PAOL and other partners to reduce the number of grade crossing and trespassing incidents.
5. Partners with OLI and State Coordinators to actively involve SEPTA in the various state programs throughout the region to promote rail safety.
6. Serves as SEPTA’s Safety internal and external liaison with various governmental agencies, outside industries, and the public, and internal departments/divisions to ensure maximum communication and cooperation to support Authority safety principles/programs.
7. Participates in ad hoc grade crossing/trespassing committees and activities.
8. Plans, schedules and participates in SEPTA’s System-wide Community Safety Day, Operation Lifesaver events, Safety Blitzes and other activities that are designed to reduce the number of highway-rail grade crossing, trespasser incidents, pedestrian collisions and other
9. public safety incidents.
10. Develops awareness campaigns to foster SEPTA volunteer involvement and incentive programs to encourage and reward volunteerism.
11. Represents SEPTA at OLI meetings, including OL Board meetings, and other committee meetings as necessary.
12. Analyzes highway-rail grade crossing and trespassing incidents and works with SEPTA departments, OL State Coordinators, and external stakeholders to develop programs and campaigns designed to reduce incidents, especially the development of national, regional and/or local trends.
13. Responsible for the training of trainers and Authorized Volunteers in accordance with established guidelines and monitoring activities to ensure maximum utilization.
14. Provides necessary statistical reports for awareness campaigns and increased participation.
15. Coordinates with SEPTA Operations, EMC and Communications departments to develop employee safety information using a variety of platforms including printed literature, web, and social media aimed at increasing safety awareness and performance.
16. Answers media inquiries and provides interviews regarding SEPTA’s public safety programs.
17. Maintains professional currency in safety and communications disciplines - particularly subjects related to the transit industry, by regular review of safety publications; membership in appropriate professional organizations; and attendance at appropriate seminars. Develops a communication network with professionals at other transportation agencies.
18. Promotes and Authority’s Safety Policy and Safety Plans.
19. Maintains all records and data in all related areas and manages files in accordance with department filing system.
20. Performs any other duties as assigned by the AGM System Safety and/or the Director Operational Safety.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in related health & safety, communications, education, hospitality or engineering disciplines required, plus one (1) to two (2) years’ Transportation Industry experience required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience (one year of formal education equating to two years of work experience) may be considered in lieu of the above requirement.
• Experience in Public Transportation Operations preferred.
• Operation Lifesaver Authorized Volunteer or willing and able to attain authorization within 30 days required.
• Demonstrated computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 including word processing, spreadsheets and presentation software required.
• Familiarity with Safety Management Systems regulation under FTA/SSOA 49 CFR part 673, FRA 49 CFR part 270 highly preferred.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills including writing, presentation, meeting and interview facilitation along with extensive experience communicating verbally and in writing within and outside of an organization preferred.
• Must be able to satisfy rigorous and demanding work schedules, which include non-traditional working hours (nights and weekends), and short term deadlines as required.
• Exhibited knowledge of social media communication methods preference.
• Ability to effectively facilitate change including development of innovative approaches designed to address chronic issues and concerns while garnering support and acceptance of change effort preferred.
• Able to review and analyze data and participate in the development of Action Plans to resolve complex issues preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to pursue/perform multiple tasks simultaneously preferred.
• A strong understanding of union and management environment and demonstrate the ability to properly and appropriately communicate directly with union employees preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to lift and transport materials for program use (up to 50 lbs.), set up booths both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, staff booths requiring standing for long periods of time communicating with customers and/or Authority employees required.