Public Safety Manager

The St. Joe County Public Library is a connective hub to the community. The library system serves approximately 170,799 people with ten locations throughout St. Joseph County.

With thousands of innovative events , programs and resources , the Library is a welcoming place for all members of our diverse community to flourish.

Essential Job Duties

The Public Safety Manager connects with library patrons and staff to build ongoing relationships that create a safe and inviting library environment for all.

The Public Safety Manager models effective techniques for working with patrons experiencing mental health issues, substance abuse, unstable housing, or other social needs.

Working under the direct supervision of the Chief Public Service Officer, and with an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Public Safety Manager will :

Lead department in creating positive relationships to establish trust with Library patrons in order to maintain a peaceful environment.

Proactively address patron behaviors that do not align with SJCPL’s Code of Conduct in a trauma informed manner, providing appropriate redirection and de-escalation techniques.

Provide direct support to patrons in crisis. Act as a point of contact for patrons experiencing trauma or in crisis situations.

Offer immediate support, connect them with appropriate resources, and ensure follow-up to support their ongoing safety and well-being.

Collaborate with the Staff Development Coordinator to provide training in best practices to working with vulnerable populations, de-escalation, and incident reporting.

Establish, implement, and train on consistent safety procedures, methods, and trauma informed approaches to public safety for systemwide staff to resolve difficult situations and emergencies.

Manage departmental staff. Hire, train, schedule, enforce library policies, resolve difficulties, recommend changes to employment status, establish performance standards and evaluate employee performance of department staff.

In close collaboration with Public Service, Facilities, and Human Resources, develop and implement Emergency Manual and policies that prioritize the safety and emotional well-being of patrons and staff.

This includes procedures for handling disruptive behavior in a way that is sensitive to underlying trauma, as well as clear protocols for reporting and addressing incidents of violence or harassment.

Participate in special Library initiatives and teams.

Monitor incident reports; follow up with staff involved with incidents to debrief, coach, and support for continuous improvement in the management of escalated situations.

Initiate security risk assessments and advise the Library on security and safety changes and enhancements.

Serve as liaison with police, fire and other emergency services as needed.

Keep staff and stakeholders informed about departmental initiatives and projects.

Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience :

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Four years experience working in social services or public safety related fields with at least two years in a supervisory capacity.

Hours :

Normal workweek is 40 hours.

Required to be on-call for emergency situations.

Night, evening and weekend work as required.

Wages :

Starting / Hiring Range : $2,102.74 - $2,523.28, Biweekly

Total Salary Range : $2,102.74-$2,943.83, Biweekly

Requirements :

Broad knowledge of trauma-informed approaches to security and safety practices and procedures.

Experience de-escalating elevated situations and modeling / coaching de-escalation techniques.

Public service orientation and commitment to excellent and genuine customer service.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as strong organizational skills.

Working knowledge of personal security and safety methods, including a variety of security elements (locking and alarm systems, evacuation and emergency action plans, training plans etc.).

Experience working with and proficiency with computers, including Internet, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Windows and Mac OS and communication technologies.

Experience working with security camera systems and incident reporting systems preferred.

Strong management skills and the ability to supervise, coach, mentor and empower staff.

Demonstration of character and integrity in all situations while upholding SJCPL’s ethical standards.

Reliable personal transportation and a valid driver’s license.

Sufficient physical agility and strength to perform the physical activities inherent in security patrol duties, such as walking, running, standing, rapidly ascending and descending stairs in a hi-rise building and in emergency situations for the duration of a typical shift.

Spanish language skills are preferred.

Ability to :

Form and maintain excellent working relationships with staff at all levels.

Model excellent customer service.

Work patiently and creatively with all patrons and staff.

Plan, prioritize and delegate. Make decisions and work independently and interdependently.

Problem solve in a professional manner with Library patrons, co-workers, and Leadership.

Display high standards of ethical conduct, honesty and integrity. Lead by example.

Accept and manage change. Maintain composure and overcome stress in any situation.

Network and partner with appropriate community organizations.

Understand, endorse and communicate SJCPL’s philosophy of service as contained in the Strategic Plan, Public Service Policies, Personnel Policies and other related documents.

Maintain patron and staff confidentiality.

Exercise initiative, be enthusiastic, creative, flexible, energetic, value diversity, and possess a sense of humor.