Risk and Safety Leader

We are seeking a knowledgeable Risk & Safety Specialist. The Risk & Safety Specialist provides enterprise-wide leadership across operational risk, aquatics safety, youth protection, and regulatory compliance for all YMCA of Northwest North Carolina branches, programs, and camp facilities. This role is the Association’s primary architect of a prevention-first safety culture—ensuring aquatics safety systems, Praesidium abuse prevention standards, and OSHA compliance frameworks are effectively implemented.

This is a high-visibility, high-accountability position that demands equal strength in operational execution and people leadership—protecting members, staff, volunteers, and youth while enabling mission delivery across all program areas.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Aquatics Safety 

• Maintain and annually update the Aquatics Safety Plan in alignment with YMCA standards and state regulations in conjunction with the Executive Director of Aquatics
• Maintain real-time visibility into lifeguard certification status, expirations, and compliance gaps across all sites in conjunction with the Executive Director of Aquatics

Youth Protection & Praesidium Compliance

• Serve as the association’s Praesidium administrator, overseeing accreditation, audits, and recertification with the VP of Youth Development.
• Ensure compliance with background checks, reference verification, and required staff/volunteer training.
• Oversee adherence to supervision standards, including the two-adult rule and appropriate interactions.
• Review youth-related incidents within 24 hours and coordinate escalation procedures with the VP of Youth Development.
•  Ensure mandated reporter compliance and staff understanding of reporting procedures.

OSHA Compliance & Workplace Safety

• Maintain, audit, and submit OSHA 300, 300A, and 301 logs while ensuring compliance with federal/state regulations, SDS, bloodborne pathogen, and PPE standards
• Conduct periodic safety inspections, investigate injuries and near-miss incidents, and implement corrective action and prevention strategies
• Deliver OSHA-aligned training on workplace safety and emergency response while tracking and reducing injury rates through data-driven initiatives

 Workers’ Compensation & Claims Management

• Manage workers’ compensation claims from intake through return-to-work and case closure while coordinating with medical providers, insurance carriers, HR, and supervisors
• Design and oversee return-to-work and light-duty programs to minimize lost-time exposure and support employee recovery
• Track workers’ compensation, general liability, auto, and property claims, maintaining complete documentation while analyzing trends to implement proactive prevention strategies

Incident Management & Investigation for members

• Manage a centralized incident reporting system across all branches, ensuring accurate reporting and coordination with medical providers, insurance carriers, HR, and supervisors
• Lead root cause investigations for staff, facility, aquatics, youth, and program-related incidents while implementing corrective action plans and post-incident debriefs
• Analyze incident trends and deliver weekly/monthly reports with actionable insights to reduce systemic risks and improve safety outcomes

Safety Training & Staff Readiness

• Develop and manage multi-branch safety and compliance training programs, including CPR/AED, First Aid, aquatics emergency response, Praesidium abuse prevention, and OSHA standards
• Coordinate and deliver training across all sites while tracking completion rates and enforcing compliance accountability
• Evaluate training effectiveness through drills, skills testing, and observation, while integrating safety and risk management into new hire onboarding

 Emergency Preparedness & Crisis Response

• Partner with Branch Executive Directors to develop and maintain Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for fire, active threat, aquatic emergencies, and severe weather
• Lead organization-wide emergency drills and ensure staff understand roles, communication protocols, and escalation procedures
• Oversee emergency preparedness audits and crisis response readiness while coordinating with communications teams on crisis messaging and stakeholder management

 Program & Branch Safety Oversight

• Conduct scheduled and unannounced safety audits across all branches, programs, and activities including youth, sports, aquatics, wellness, and camps
• Ensure safety protocols are integrated into program design and verify staff-to-participant ratios meet or exceed standards
• Inspect equipment for safety, maintenance, and appropriate use across all operational areas

Facilities & Security

• Conduct facility risk assessments addressing access control, visibility blind spots, physical hazards, and environmental risks
• Support safety planning and execution for large-scale events across all locations

Education & Experience

• Bachelor degree in Risk Management, Recreation and Facilities Operations, or equivalent
• Preferred 3 years of experience
• Develop and implement safety policies
• Manage OSHA compliance programs and workers’ compensation claims portfolios
• Conduct audits, lead investigations, and oversee complex multi-site training programs

Physical Requirements

The YMCA Risk and Safety Specialist is a highly active, field-based role requiring regular on-site presence across multiple facilities. Responsibilities include conducting safety inspections, responding to emergencies, supporting safety interventions, and completing incident documentation. The role requires the ability to walk, stand, bend, kneel, lift 20–50 lbs., operate equipment, and work in varied environments such as aquatic centers, gyms, childcare, and camps. Visual and auditory awareness, along with the ability to provide CPR/First Aid support, is essential. Current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications are required or must be obtained within 90 days of employment.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Our Mission Helping all people reach their God-given potential in spirit, mind, and body.