Safety Specialist (part-time)

Skokie Public Library•Skokie, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Safety Supervisor, performs duties related to creating a safe and secure environment for patrons and staff. This is a part-time position requiring 20 hours per week, with a schedule typically falling between Monday and Friday, 5pm-9pm. The role involves proactive collaboration with library staff and external agencies to prevent and respond to safety and security incidents, provide support and referrals to individuals facing challenges, and ensure the overall safety of the library facilities and its users.

Requirements

Minimum of one year of recent experience in social services position or relevant experience.
Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral).
Exceptional organizational skills.
Ability to collaborate with others, and to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a culturally diverse workforce and community.
Ability to thrive in a working environment with constant public contact with people from all backgrounds and age groups.
Broad cultural competency knowledge and skills, and ability to work effectively with a culturally diverse workforce and community.
Commitment to and demonstrated success discussing, integrating, and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Outstanding customer service skills.
Ability to exercise reasonable and professional judgment.
Ability to anticipate and creatively solve problems with a flexible mindset and handle stressful situations in a positive manner.
Ability to fairly and consistently apply library’s policies, including Appropriate Library Use policy and Enforcement of Library Use Rules and Notification of Suspension policy.
Ability to attain CPR/AED certification and deliver basic first-aid.
Ability to work independently and handle multiple initiatives in a prompt and effective manner.
Ability to handle a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion.
Ability to learn state and local laws related to library safety.
Ability to use extensive workplace technology including email, internet, intranet, hands-free communication devices (Vocera), CCTV surveillance software, and mobile smartphone.
Ability to positively adjust to change.

Nice To Haves

Experience with and knowledge of social work and social services available in Skokie area.
CPI certified or equivalent crisis prevention training.
Experience with mental health first aid, trauma-informed practices.
Experience working in or with public libraries.
Multilingual skills in English plus another language(s) relevant to the Skokie community.
Deep personal dedication to public service.

Responsibilities

Proactively collaborates with library staff and outside agencies, such as social workers, mental health professionals, and law enforcement and emergency responders, to anticipate, prevent, and respond to serious or emergency situations.
Works with library staff to prevent and manage incidents occurring on library property, including preparing and reviewing written incident reports and completing necessary follow-up on incidents.
Works with staff to provide information, support, referrals, and assistance to people who are experiencing mental health issues, addiction, homelessness, or issues of general exclusion or disengagement.
Facilitates and participates in daily safety meetings with library staff.
Issues and manages suspensions of individuals in collaboration with other library staff as needed based on the library’s policy on the enforcement of library use rules and notice of suspension.
Performs a total security check of library facilities after closing.
Provides crowd control at special events.
Circulates continuously among public service areas of the library.
At a minimum of once per shift, performs a security check of all staff spaces within the library.
At a minimum of once per shift, performs a security check of the exterior of the library checking for unauthorized activities, graffiti, building damage, and/or maintenance concerns.
Makes suggestions for improving library safety.
Provides support to the maintenance staff as needed.
Performs other related duties as assigned.