Library Safety Associate

Job Title: Library Safety Associate
Department: Library
Hiring Range: 19.09 - 22.30
Compensation Grade: 2003
Compensation Pay Range: $19.09 - $26.72
Posted Internally and Externally
Job Posting End Date: January 07, 2024
Purpose of the position:
The primary purpose of this position is to promote safety and security of library premises, property, customers, and staff for the Buncombe County Library System
Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire):
High School or equivalent and two (2) years of experience in security and/or law enforcement or social work related work; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Essential Functions of the position:

• Patrol all interior and exterior grounds to protect premises, property, and equipment; Circulate among visitors, customers, and employees to preserve order and protect property while ensuring a positive customer experience; Greet customers, answer directional questions, and escort customers with disabilities.
• Proactively engage with customers to address issues and quickly diffuse situations and minimize disruption. Discuss infractions or violations with customers, assesses appropriate actions, and escort customers from premises if necessary.
• Assist customers and staff in emergency situations relating to safety and security; Respond quickly to requests for security presence during unusual incidents (e.g. assisting staff in deescalating situations with customers, being a presence in the event of threats against staff).
• Interpret, communicate, and enforce library policies, procedures, and rules with customers, security workers, and other staff.
• Maintain appropriate security reports and records.
• Collaborate with library staff and community partners to assess and address patron needs and provide guidance to patrons as applicable.
• Observe and report matters pertaining to library building condition and maintenance.
• Provide security to other Library locations and special events, as needed.
• Actively support the needs of the library, including completion of opening and closing procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to proactively diffuse and deescalate situations.
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to prepare meaningful, concise and accurate reports.
• Knowledge of loss prevention and life safety issues.
• Knowledge of computers and software such as Microsoft Office, as well as the ability to operate and monitor surveillance software.
• Knowledge of library routine and procedures.
• Ability to define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships and deal tactfully and courteously with library staff and the public.
• Able to respond to and effectively address significant incidents, recognizing and referring situations best handled by law enforcement.
• Must possess excellent observation skills, focus, and attention to detail to identify threats quickly.
• Excellent interpersonal skills (professional, friendly, helpful) including building and enhancing diverse relationships.
• Knowledge of resources and organizations that provide assistance to the community
• Ability to be empathetic and to speak comfortably with individuals from all walks of life.
• Ability to acknowledge negative behavior through redirection and provide positive choices for customers therefore ensuring customers continue to have a successful library experience.
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods.

In order to uphold internal pay parity and equity, salaries are non-negotiable for new and current Buncombe County employees. All new employees are paid according to their years of relevant education and experience above minimum requirements for the position and employees have the opportunity to obtain pay increases via cost of living increases and promotions.
Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.
It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. In addition, Buncombe County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.
Applicants for employment are invited to participate in the affirmative action program by reporting their status as a protected veteran or other minority. In extending this invitation, we advise you that: (a) workers (applicants) are under no obligation to respond but may do so in the future if they choose; (b) responses will remain confidential within the human resource department; and (c) responses will be used only for the necessary information to include in our affirmative action program. We are a company that values diversity. We actively encourage women, minorities, veterans and disabled employees to apply. Refusal to provide this information will have no bearing on your application and will not subject you to any adverse treatment.