Crossing / Safety Guard

City of New Haven•New Haven, CT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This is part time work, typically not more than 10 hours per week during school year, but may include additional assignments during special events such as parades, festivals, and concerts. Position offers paid holidays, attendance incentives, and uniforms & equipment PRIMARY FUNCTIONS This is highly responsible work in the Department of Transportation, Traffic, and Parking (TT&P) involving pedestrian safety, primarily of school children during their commute to and from school. This position involves a range of responsibilities centered around managing secure crossings for pedestrians, including students. at designated intersections. In addition to this, the Crossing / Safety Guard is tasked with managing the flow of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic in an efficient and safe manner. This includes the ability to respond effectively in emergency situations. The guard also works closely with school bus drivers and parents to ensure smooth operations without compromising safety standards. Additionally, they may assist in monitoring special events and actively engage with the community to promote traffic calming initiatives. This position demands a proactive approach, combining vigilance with effective communication skills. The Crossing/Safety Guard serves as a critical link between schools, students, parents, and the broader community, contributing to the overall safety and well-being of the school environment. Their duties include a full understanding of traffic regulations, overall situational awareness and alertness, the ability to use traffic control signage, and the capability to take assertive yet courteous action when necessary. This role is vital in creating a secure environment for students to travel to and from school, ensuring their well-being is prioritized at all times. Locations are as assigned by the Chief School Crossing Guard, who acts as supervisor. Work is performed with a degree of independence according to general or specific instructions. Work is reviewed by conferences, reports, and/or observation of results.

Requirements

High school education or equivalent, vocational training, or a minimum of 2 years work experience in public service or related work.
Familiarity with traffic rules and regulations, especially regulations requiring driver and pedestrian responsibility in relation to school crossings, parking, and intersections.
Understanding of principles behind the use of such traffic control devices as Stop Signs, Signals, and Street Markings.
Strong observation skills to identify motor vehicles by body style, color, and license plate numbers.
Ability to recall details of incidents, accidents, and other interactions.
Understanding of safety procedures, including emergency response protocols.
Ability to communicate with drivers and pedestrians in a clear and concise manner using hand signals, whistles, or traffic control devices.
Ability to assess situations quickly and make sound decisions to ensure pedestrian safety.
Ability to take control in an emergency situation.
Ability to complete oral and written reports.
Ability to be forceful and polite; capability to handle conflicts or non-compliant behavior assertively yet courteously.
Ability to work independently according to general or specific instructions.
Ability to work in various weather conditions, including rain, snow, or extreme temperatures.
Agility and physical fitness to be mobile and stand for extended periods of time.

Responsibilities

Assists and directs in crossing all children and pedestrians at their assigned intersection.
Commands vehicular and pedestrian traffic and advises children when and where they are to cross.
Maintains control of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic for the complete duration of their assignment, by walking and standing in crosswalks, using signage and hand signals.
Directs school bus drivers when and where their pick-ups should be staged so as not to conflict with a crossing point either by causing sight obstruction or other potentially dangerous interference.
Directs parents picking up or discharging their children to safe areas where it does not conflict with crossing points, traffic flow, or school bus loading areas.
Records details of non-compliant or erratically operated vehicles, and reports to appropriate authorities.
Remains alert in the event an emergency vehicle approaches the intersection and advises both pedestrians and vehicular traffic what they should do.
Notifies Supervisor when school signs or pavement are damaged or missing.
Helps manage traffic and ensure the safety of attendees during special events like school functions, parades, festivals, or community gatherings.
Engages constituents to promote traffic calming, pedestrian, and bike safety; provides assistance as needed to educate constituents on existing and or new regulations.
Assists during major inclement weather events such as snowstorms or hurricanes.
Performs related duties as assigned.