Job Summary
The Chief Engineering Officer is responsible for administering and directing programs to manage clinical engineering, plant operations, environmental services, buildings & grounds, safety & security, environment of care, transportation, parking and fleet management for all Cook County Health (CCH) facilities and premises. The Chief Engineering Officer leads all CCH programs in a manner that creates an overall culture of safety for all CCH employees, patients and visitors ensuring all CCH buildings and facilities operate within the environment of care standards and are in compliance with federal, state, county and city regulatory agency requirements. The Chief Engineering Officer will be responsible for CCH’ Disaster Management program.
This position is exempt from Career Service under the CCH Personnel Rules.
General Administrative Responsibilities
Collective Bargaining
Review applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements and consult with Labor Relations to generate management proposals
Participate in collective bargaining negotiations, caucus discussions and working meetings
Discipline
Document, recommend and effectuate discipline at all levels
Work closely with labor relations and/or labor counsel to effectuate and enforce applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements
Initiate, authorize and complete disciplinary action pursuant to CCH system rules, policies, procedures and provision of applicable collective bargaining agreements
Supervision
Direct and effectuate CCH management policies and practices
Access and proficiently navigate CCH records system to obtain and review information necessary to execute provisions of applicable collective bargaining agreements
Management
Contribute to the management of CCH staff and CCH’ systemic development and success
Discuss and develop CCH system policy and procedure
General Administrative Responsibilities continued
Consistently use independent judgment to identify operational staffing issues and needs and perform the following functions as necessary; hire, transfer, suspend, layoff, recall, promote, discharge, assign, direct or discipline employees pursuant to applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements
Work with Labor Relations to discern past practice when necessary
Typical Duties
Reviews and evaluates existing programs, services, policies and procedures and identifies and addresses areas for quality improvement
Determines appropriate distribution of work assignments and adequate personnel to ensure services are provided in a timely and efficient manner
Develops both long and short term objectives consistent with CCH goals
Prepares operational and capital budgets and assures expenses are within annual budget
Confers with and accompanies regulatory agency surveyors during inspections, when necessary
Attends and participates in labor disputes and union negotiations as requested by CCH Human Resources and Labor Relations
Creates a culture of service and excellence to provide the highest quality of healthcare to the patients of CCH
Develops an effective leadership team and success plan for all senior positions
Creates an environment that values and seeks excellence
Oversees and guides Directors and staff in the areas of Clinical Engineering, Plant Operations, Environmental Services, Buildings & Grounds, Safety and Security, Environment of Care, Life Safety, Environment of Care, Transportation, Parking and Fleet Management in performing their leadership duties.
Provides direction and implementation of all aspects of clinical engineering, building operations, housekeeping, maintenance, remodeling, construction and other assigned departments, areas or functions in Clinical Engineering, Plant Operations, Environmental Services, Building and Grounds
Keep medical equipment, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems operating by establishing and enforcing operating and preventive maintenance rules and arranging for repairs to ensure operational efficiency
Leads planning and implement of building improvements and expansions
Work with CCH Leadership and staff to meet the needs of the facility
Works with the Cook County Office of Capital Planning and Policy and assists in the supervision of facility and building construction projects
Provides direction to hospital security personnel and members of law enforcement staff across the health system to ensure all staff, visitors, and patients act in accordance with professional standards and protocols of safety with respect to incident prevention, investigations, emergency response actions, and all related standards of public and patient safety
Coordinates with federal, state, county and city law enforcement officers where activities of public peace and safety are involved
Conducts surveillance such as periodic walks or rounds of core areas throughoutr CCH to ensure compliance with environmental standards, sanitation, security and comfort
Plans, organizes and directs a comprehensive public safety and security operation and ensures public safety objectives are met in accordance with CCHS goals
Typical Duties continued
Prepares and review plans of correction in response to identified or cited safety deficiencies
Prepares CCH for emergency response activities by overseeing and training life safety and emergency response teams, coordinating drills and exercises for emergency response and evacuation in cooperation with site Leadership and site specific emergency response teams, establishing and maintaining emergency supplies and equipment and conducting emergency response program compliance and effectiveness audits
Oversees the development, implementation and monitoring of CCH life safety policies and procedures to ensure all CCH building and facilities provide a safe environment for patients, employees, vendors and visitors
Prepares reports on life safety activities including, hazard surveillance rounds, fire drill performance, complaint investigation and summary of corrective actions
Leads the development and implementation of life safety training programs for current and new employees and directs the implementation of life safety plans during emergency occurrences
Handles in-house emergencies such as floods, shortages, utility failures, lockouts and utilizing the available resources and manpower to maintain normalcy and continued patient care and delivery of vital services
Assists with pedestrian traffic flow planning
Assists students, faculty, staff, patient and visitors in maintaining compliance with parking rules and regulations
Oversees Parking Standard Operating Procedures in relation to System parking locations, occupancy and revenue
Oversees the inventory and management, including maintenance and operation, of CCH vehicles
Performs other duties as assigned
Reporting Relationship
Reports to the Chief Executive Officer
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Seven (7) years of facilities operations and/or plant operations work experience in a large multi-site organization
Three (3) years of management and/or supervisory experience
One (1) year of experience with a unionized workforce
Prior project management experience
Current experience with Life Safety Codes
Proficient using Microsoft Office
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s or advanced degree from an accredited college or university
Five (5) years of supervisory/management experience
Licensed as an Engineer or licensed in a hospital-related trade
Current hospital and/or healthcare system experience
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics
Ability to balance competing priorities and agendas
Effective communication skills
Strong analytical skills
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics continued
Ability to use sound judgment and make sound decisions
Effective interpersonal and negotiating skills
Strong delegation skills and the ability to hold subordinates accountable
Credibility and high integrity
Ability to build effective teams and to lead, mentor and develop management
Ability to work with health system governing body, community organizations, and the media
Creative problem solver, who can manage conflict effectively and in an objective manner, is energized by challenges and change and can conceive of solutions that are within the financial constraints of the organization
Knowledge of applicable Federal and State laws and regulations related to the healthcare industry
Sensitivity and respect in caring for patients and in dealing with clients of diverse backgrounds
Knowledge and experience with hospital accreditation and regulatory requirements
Experience supervising hospital building projects and strong leadership skills
Excellent conflict resolution and negotiation skills
Excellent communication skills to prepare materials and to correspond with CCHHS personnel and the general public
Conflict management skills and demonstrated ability to handle incidents in a manner that is focused on deescalating problems
Strong decision making skills and demonstrated ability to make decisions in an emergency situation
Experience working with emergency response and life safety initiatives
Ability to build relationships within the organization and to represent CCHHS with appropriate regulatory agencies
Knowledge of applicable National Incident Management System (NIMS) requirements and implementation standards
General office environment where work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require standing and walking for up to 80% of the time. Environment is fast paced and some stress may occur. Visual acumen and manual dexterity for working with computer and keyboards is required.
Physical and Environmental Demands
This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.
Applicants may apply for this position by submitting a resume/ CV to the following email address: mgmtrecruit@cookcountyhhs.org
When submitting a resume/CV by email, you must include the job title and posting number in the subject line of your email.
COOK COUNTY HEALTH AND HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER