Campus Safety Specialist

The Centers; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent community center in Cleveland is seeking a dedicated Security Specialist to enhance the safety of youth, staff, and visitors at their H.O.P.E. Campus. The role focuses on vigilant monitoring, incident response, and maintaining a secure environment, ensuring the well-being of all campus occupants.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; additional training in security or criminal justice is a plus.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in security, law enforcement, or related field preferred.
• Experience working in environments serving youth or vulnerable populations is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Monitor movement and activity across campus grounds to identify potential safety risks.
• Respond promptly to emergencies, disturbances and conflicts, ensuring safety.
• Conduct regular patrols of both interior and exterior areas to detect and report security concerns.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Conflict resolution

Observation skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Additional training in security or criminal justice

Job description

Job Summary

The Security specialist is responsible for promoting the safety and well-being of youth, staff, and visitors, while protecting the property and assets of The Centers’ H.O.P.E. Campus. This role involves monitoring activity on campus grounds, responding to incidents, and maintaining a secure environment through vigilance, communication, and proactive engagement.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

Campus Safety & Surveillance

• Monitor movement and activity across campus grounds to identify and address potential safety risks.

• Conduct regular patrols of both interior and exterior areas to detect and report security concerns.

• Actively observe CCTV and security systems to identify suspicious behavior or unauthorized access.

• Ensure all entrances and exits are secure and accessible only to authorized individuals.

• Control entry through the use of a metal detector and wand.

• Disable key cards.

Incident Response & Reporting

• Respond promptly to emergencies, disturbances, and conflicts, taking appropriate action to ensure safety.

• Document incidents, suspicious activities, and safety concerns in detailed written reports.

• Participate in emergency drills and maintain up-to-date knowledge of evacuation and emergency procedures.

Communication & Collaboration

• Maintain open and professional communication with staff, administrators, and local law enforcement.

• Support staff and visitors by responding to calls for assistance and offering a visible, reassuring presence.

• Enforce campus rules and regulations consistently and respectfully.

• Property Protection

  • Observe and report potential threats to campus property, including theft, vandalism, or unauthorized activity.

  • Secure buildings and facilities as directed, ensuring all areas are locked and alarmed when appropriate .

  Professional Expectations

  • Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and a strong sense of responsibility.

  • Uphold the values and mission of the H.O.P.E. Campus through professional conduct and integrity.

  • Participate in ongoing training and professional development.

  • Foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all campus occupants.

  Other Job Duties & Responsibilities

  • Other duties as assigned

  Supervisory

  • This position does not supervise team members.

  Core Competencies

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills .

  • Ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment in high-pressure situations.

  • Skilled in conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.

  • Proficient in documenting incidents and compiling reports.

  • Capable of building positive relationships with youth, staff, and the public.

  • Familiarity with security systems, surveillance equipment, and emergency protocols.

  Job Qualifications

  Education & Experience:

  • High school diploma or GED required ; additional training in security or criminal justice is a plus.

  • Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in security, law enforcement, or a related field preferred.

  • Experience working in environments serving youth or vulnerable populations is highly desirable.

  • Certifications:

    • Valid state-issued security guard license (if applicable).

    • CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).

    • Crisis intervention or de-escalation training is a plus.

    Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

    • Strong observational skills and attention to detail.

    • Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress or emergency situations.

    • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

    • Proficient in writing clear and concise incident reports.

    • Familiarity with security systems, surveillance equipment, and emergency response protocols.

    • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

    Physical Demands/Work Environment

    • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8–12 hours per shift).

    • Frequent walking, including patrolling indoor and outdoor areas in various weather conditions.

    • Ability to climb stairs, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach as needed during patrols or emergency responses.

    • Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.

    • Visual acuity to monitor surveillance systems and observe activity at a distance.

    • Hearing ability sufficient to respond to alarms, radio communications, and verbal interactions.

    • Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations, which may require running or physical intervention.

    • Manual dexterity to operate security equipment, radios, and write reports.

    This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in

    accordance with the needs of The Centers. Since no position description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.

The Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.