Safety & Security Specialist

POSITION DESCRIPTION

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide exceptional library service through the library’s core values of providing a welcoming environment, inclusivity, access for all, and respect for intellectual freedom.
• Monitor and secure public areas of the facility for safety and well-being.
• Build rapport and relationships with customers, library staff, and local law enforcement to promote a safe environment and appropriately respond to disturbances in the library.
• Explain and, when needed, apply the library’s Behavior Policy to maintain appropriate customer conduct and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Work to defuse and mediate confrontations, reduce tensions, and promote peaceful, equitable library use through active listening and trauma-informed practices. Escort customers who have been asked to leave the building, calling for necessary back-up as needed.
• Create and modify incident reports, including documenting behaviors and adding details to each report.
• Communicate to Library leadership regarding incidents and safety concerns, and report on any noticed patterns or frequent issues.
• Communicate with library staff in person, on the phone, using Microsoft Teams, email, or other technology including security camera software, taking and attaching screenshots, using discreet communication and confidentiality.
• Perform routine library tasks such as straightening shelves and displays and showing customers how to navigate the library and connect them with the appropriate library staff.

• Miscellaneous

• Serve on library wide committees as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• ESSENTIAL DUTIES

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience
A high school diploma or equivalent and two years of customer service experience.
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job may also be considered.
Desirable Qualifications:
Experience in fields such as social work, psychology, counseling, street outreach, human services, security or law enforcement.
Ability to speak and/or read a language other than English.
Familiarity with working with a variety of cultures.
Position Competencies:
Instills Trust – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity
Manages Conflict – Smooth handling of conflict situations
Interpersonal Savvy – Relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people
Being Resilient – Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations
Situational Adaptability – Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match shifting demands of different situations
Builds Networks – Effectively building formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: security principles in public facilities; complex social issues like mental illness, poverty, trauma, substance abuse and addiction, and experiencing homelessness.
Skills in: customer service with a diverse population of library users; using computers and various software applications; organization, multi-tasking, and time management; and oral and written communication skills.
Ability to: work pleasantly and effectively with co-workers and diverse library patrons; follow written and verbal instructions; correctly and efficiently provide prompt, objective, confidential, and knowledgeable responses to requests for information or assistance; explain Library policies to customers; recognize and manage safety hazards; direct customers to the appropriate library division; move throughout the library frequently; problem solve and handle stressful situations; work in a busy environment with constant public contact.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.
In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.
Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:
Continuous demands: walking/ambulatory movement, auditory, visual, and verbal functions.
Frequent demands: simultaneous use and repetitive movements of the hands, wrists, and fingers.
Occasional demands: balancing, stooping, kneeling, twisting, bending, climbing, crouching, or reaching; lifting, carrying pushing or pulling materials that range from 10 to 50 pounds.
Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing, touch.
Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of the essential functions of this job include:
NONE (not substantially exposed to environmental conditions)