Safety Coordinator

Open positions at Cara•Chicago, IL

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The Safety Coordinator ensures a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for participants, staff, and visitors across all Cara Program locations. This role centers on non-violent crisis intervention, trauma-informed practices, and restorative justice principles. The Safety Coordinator is responsible for monitoring facility safety systems, responding to emergencies, and maintaining a secure environment aligned with our mission.

Requirements

A valid Permanent Employee Registration Card (PERC)
Experience in de-escalation, safety, security, crisis intervention, or a related field.
Strong communication and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to remain calm and think clearly in high-stress situations.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed care.
Flexibility to work varied hours and travel between sites as needed.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Work may include evenings or weekends based on program needs.
Must complete required safety and crisis intervention training within the first 90 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

Conduct full walkthroughs of the facility throughout the day and at the end of each shift.
Perform metal detection screening of all visitors and guests (excluding staff) upon entry; all non-staff individuals are subject to search for weapons.
Monitor security systems, including surveillance cameras, electric doors, emergency panic alarm systems, and the MS Teams Emergency Chat group.
Enforce facility guidelines and behavioral expectations for participants and visitors.
Protect organizational assets from theft, fire, or other safety risks.
Follow fire prevention, property patrol, incident investigations, and emergency response procedures.
Complete and submit incident reports for all incidents on the same day to management.
During breaks, enforce the no-smoking policy in front of the building.
Support staff in verbal and physical de-escalation of participants using approved crisis prevention and intervention techniques.
Respond immediately to crises and emergencies, providing direction and leadership to participants and staff.
Call law enforcement and emergency medical services when necessary.
Report all emergencies via radio to management and leadership.
Escorting staff and participants to and from vehicles or public transit stops upon request.
Provide Breathalyzers and Drug Test as requested
Escort "Barred" Participants from the property as requested
Maintain daily safety logs and report all incidents to site leadership and the Safety Manager.
Communicate openly about conflicts, emergencies, and safety concerns.
Collaborate with other departments to ensure a coordinated response to safety issues.
Provide empathetic, respectful, and professional support to participants and staff.
Promote a safe and inclusive environment aligned with The Cara Program’s mission and values.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and restorative justice practices.