MHLFN Safety Advisor - Aviation - St. Vincent Medical Center

Thank you for considering a career at Mercy Health!

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Work Shift:

Days (United States of America)

Primary Function/General Purpose of Position

The MHLFN Safety Advisor serves as the primary safety leader for the organization’s Part 135 Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) program, providing comprehensive safety oversight across flight bases and ground units. This role functions as the designated management personnel responsible for coordinating, integrating, and administering the Safety Management System (SMS) in full compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 5 requirements. The MHLFN Safety Advisor drives proactive hazard identification, risk mitigation, safety assurance, and a strong just culture while ensuring alignment with FAA, hospital leadership, and Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) policies, procedures, and standards.  The position will also hold the FAA Part 135 position of Designated Employer Representative (DER) for the Drug and Alcohol program.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Organization’s SMS, ensuring timely and ongoing compliance with 14 CFR Part 5 and applicable FAA requirements.
• Serve as the primary FAA point of contact for SMS-related matters and coordinate with the Principal Operations Inspector (POI) as needed. Ensure organization-wide and associate compliance with all applicable FAA regulations, hospital partner requirements, and CAMTS accreditation standards.
• Oversee the development, delivery, and recurrent training of Air Medical Resource Management (AMRM) programs tailored to Part 135 HEMS multi-disciplinary crews (pilots, medical personnel, communications specialists).
• Promote effective CRM/AMRM principles to enhance teamwork, communication, situational awareness, and decision-making in high-risk emergency medical operations.
• Monitor and report on all SMS flight and ground safety reports submitted through voluntary and mandatory channels. Analyze trends, identify emerging risks, and provide regular ongoing and proactive safety performance updates to senior leadership.
• Monitor the performance of site safety advisors at each flight base and mobile MICU unit. Report any performance issues, gaps, or concerns directly to appropriate leadership for timely resolution.
• Coordinate and assign safety investigations for incidents, accidents, and potential hazards. Lead or oversee root-cause analysis, recommend corrective and preventive actions, and ensure timely implementation and follow-up.
• Utilize and maintain the organization’s SMS software platform for data collection, tracking, reporting, and analysis. Function as the primary technical resource for all personnel regarding the use and maintenance of the SMS software, providing training, troubleshooting, and best-practice guidance.
• Conduct regular safety audits, observations, and on-site visits across the flight bases and mobile MICU units. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and leadership to integrate safety into every aspect of operations. Contribute to updates of the General Operations Manual (GOM), training syllabi, emergency response plans, and other safety-critical documentation.
• Carry out the duties and responsibilities of 49 CFR Part 40 DER safety sensitive position for the Drug and Alcohol Program. 

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Licensing/Certification

Valid driver’s license and ability to pass background checks.

Education

High School Diploma or GED (required)

Bachelor’s degree in related field (preferred)

Work Experience

5 years of experience in aviation operations, with strong preference for helicopter/HEMS/Part 135 experience (required)

1 year of demonstrated experience implementing or managing an SMS in a regulated aviation environment. (preferred)

Training

Computer Training Systems (CTS) Safety Management System (SMS) Course (required- or must obtain within 1 year of hire)

Safety Manager Certification- i.e. National Business Aviation Association or equivalent (required or must obtain within 1 year of hire)

National Incident Management System (Federal Emergency Management Agency NIMS) Courses- IS-100, 200, 700 (required or must obtain within 1 year)

Language

N/A

Skills

• In-depth understanding of FAA Part 135, Part 5 (SMS), HEMS-specific risks, AMRM/CRM principles, and CAMTS standards
• Proficiency with SMS software platforms (e.g., data entry, reporting, trend analysis)
• Attention to detail
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Communication
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Conflict resolution
• Active listening
• Relationship building
• Commitment to a just, non-punitive safety culture

Mercy Health is an equal opportunity employer.

As a Mercy Health associate, you’re part of a Misson that matters. We support your well-being – personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way. 

What we offer
•    Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
•    Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HAS/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
•    Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
•    Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.
 

Department:

Aviation - Life Flight Network

It is our policy to abide by all Federal and State laws, as well as, the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). Accordingly, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you’d like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health– Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, please email [email protected]. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected].