Library Safety Specialist

Portland Public Library is seeking a Library Safety Specialist.

Reporting to the Library Safety Manager, this position works with the Library staff in various
departments and patrons to ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all. The Library Safety
Specialist serves the Library’s patrons and staff by watching over their safety and addressing emergent
security situations. The Specialist consults and coordinates with other Library staff as needed and
exercises independent judgement to determine the appropriate course of action. The Specialist also
works closely with the Community Resource Coordinator(s), the Facilities staff, and lends support
when needed. As a member of the Library Safety team, this position reports to the Library Safety
Manager.

This is a full-time, 37.5 hour per week onsite position. This position is Tuesday to Saturday. Pay range
begins at $21.08/hr. Excellent benefits include health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid leave.

Nature & Scope

1. Assists all Library staff in maintaining a safe and welcoming atmosphere in and around Library

property.

2. Closely monitors the Library’s safety through regular walking rounds throughout the open

spaces, interacting with patrons, checking in with service desks, and monitoring public

bathrooms.

3. Exercises excellent judgement, self-control, and clear and respectful communication in

assessing situations and determining appropriate intervention measures which may include de-

escalation, conflict management, referrals to community resources, removal, and/or seeking

the assistance of the Police when necessary.

4. The Specialist also monitors and utilizes the Library’s security camera system and two-way radio

to communicate with designated Safety Team.

5. Acts independently and in coordination with the Director of Finance or other Library staff to

assure patron’s follow the Library’s Rules of Conduct.

6. Writes incident reports with accuracy and attention to detail, provides daily incident reporting

in the Library Safety blog, and keeps appropriate staff informed about safety issues.

7. Responsible for the performance of routine Library operations such as operating the alarms

and public speaker system. May assist Facilities staff with routine duties such as event set-up,

opening and closing the building, moving equipment, and deliveries.

8. Acts as extended-hours staff for receptions and special events.

9. Performs as a safety leader during emergencies such as building evacuations and safety drills.

10. Follows the procedures outlined in the Library’s Emergency Procedures Manual and coordinates

with emergency personnel to help patrons and staff during medical or other safety

emergencies.

11. Meets with police and social service agency personnel as needed to coordinate on issues and

responses related to patrons.

12. Seeks opportunities for personal and professional development.

13. The incumbent may be responsible for managing and participating in special projects.

14. Performs other related duties or tasks as required

Basic Qualifications

• Strong commitment to serve the community, ability to assess difficult situations, exceptional

interpersonal and relationship-building skills, high level of self-awareness, and multi-cultural

competency

• Experience in safety, strong de-escalation skills, and maintaining security

• Comfortable to work independently and maintain a schedule of safety monitoring with

minimal supervision

• Comfort communicating both verbally and in writing with all members of the public

• Comfort using computers, Microsoft Office, and email, and open to learning new software

• Conversational ability in English and additional language(s) preferred

• Experience working with differently-abled individuals and mental health challenges preferred

Physical Demands

This position requires regular use of computers, security Cameras and other Library Safety Tools. This
position requires regularly moving through the service areas and lifting.

Work environment

• This position is performed in a busy and diverse public library environment. The library hours

• This position requires some lifting, extensive walking, and good physical stamina to perform

• Requires regular use of a computer.

• Public interaction sometimes involves working with people with physical or cognitive challenges,

• This position is union-represented.

Compensation & Benefits

Hours & Pay: This is a union-represented, full-time, 37.5 hours per week onsite position, normally

scheduled to work Tuesday-Saturday. Pay begins at $21.08/hour at the entry level.

Benefits & Other Details: Excellent benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance,

retirement options (in lieu of Social Security), and paid leave.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your resume, letter of interest, and three professional references via email at

careers@portlib.org.

Mailed applications may be sent to: Human Resources, Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square,

Portland, ME 04101.

About PPL

Portland Public Library is an equal-opportunity employer dedicated to creating a culture that fosters
continuous staff development and engagement to reflect the learning role we play for our patrons. We
value self-directed growth as well as sharing knowledge and experience, working collaboratively, and
communicating openly.

PPL promotes professional engagement with colleagues, with community efforts, and with others in
the library field. Every employee of the Portland Public Library strives to offer the highest quality
service – externally to library patrons and internally to colleagues.

We are committed to hiring and maintaining a diverse workforce of highly qualified staff to broaden
perspectives, promote equity and inclusion, and connect to the breadth of our community. Applicants
with racially, ethnically, or culturally diverse identities or backgrounds are encouraged to apply.