Health And Safety Officer* - Rpd Wellness

The Richmond Police Department is currently seeking a Health and Safety Officer – RPD Wellness who will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing wellness programs and initiatives to enhance the overall health, mental resilience, and job satisfaction of police officers, support staff, and their families. This role focuses on promoting physical fitness, mental health, stress management, suicide prevention, and other well-being aspects. The position will facilitate the offering of a continuum of holistic services spanning from hiring to retiring, customized for the Richmond Police Department employees and their unique needs.

This is a non-sworn, professional staff position.

• Develop and implement comprehensive wellness programs aimed at improving the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of police employees.
• Collaborate with internal units and external providers to organize and coordinate wellness events, workshops, and activities.
• Collaborate with department leadership and health professionals to design sustainable comprehensive wellness programs and strategies.
• Identify the unique needs and challenges faced by law enforcement personnel, support staff, and their families in terms of physical and mental health and complete well-being.
• Schedule and manage wellness-related appointments with outside vendors such as psychological appointments, annual employee physicals, mental wellness appointments, fit-for-duty appointments, critical incident appointments, and others.
• Facilitate fitness activities, including specialty position standardized testing, applicant testing, and fitness challenges.
• Provide guidance on nutrition, weight management, injury prevention, sleep, substance abuse prevention, suicide prevention, and work-life balance.
• Promote regular physical fitness assessments and health screenings.
• Develop and facilitate mental health awareness and stress management programs.
• Help to create and maintain an environment where officers and support staff can openly discuss their mental health concerns and seek assistance without stigma and in a supportive and confidential environment.
• Coordinate resources for confidential counseling and mental health services.
• Enhance an already existing peer support program for all personnel.
• Establish partnerships with community organizations and services that can support the wellness needs of all personnel and their families.
• Monitor program effectiveness through data analysis and employee feedback, making recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Adjust programs as needed to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the department.
• Ensure all activities comply with OSHA standards and City Safety policies.

Successful completion of an interview and thorough background investigation is required. Please note that the Police Department background process may take up to 45-60 days. An applicant disqualified from the Police background process may reapply a year after disqualification.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in health education, wellness, fitness, psychology, social work, counseling, health promotion, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in coordinating wellness programs, including program development, monitoring, evaluation, communication, and reporting.
• CPR and First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain both within the first 12 months of employment.
• Knowledge of mental health issues, substance use prevention, suicide prevention and wellness strategies.
• Flexibility to work non-standard hours for scheduled events.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• A valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.
• Certification for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC), State Board, National Wellness Institute (NWI), or other related certification in the area of focus is preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge (some combination of the following):

• Health and wellness principles, processes, and procedures
• Budgeting basics
• Promotion/Advertising techniques
• Human Resources
• Employee benefits
• Event planning
• Microsoft Office Suite

Skills (some combination of the following):

• Diplomacy
• Oral and written communication
• Interpersonal communication
• Public speaking/presenting to a diverse population
• Training
• Research and analysis
• Project management

Abilities (some combination of the following):

• Multi-task
• Encourage and motivating others
• Track and maintain multiple projects
• Function independently with minimal supervision
• Problem-solve
• Listen attentively
• Manage time effectively
• Pay attention to detail
• Manage timelines and deadlines

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

ENVIRONM…