Description
The Safety Associate helps maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for library patrons, staff, volunteers, and visitors. This position provides a visible and approachable presence throughout the library and focuses on customer service, de-escalation, behavioral concerns, facility safety, and emergency response.
Position Details
- Full-time, 40 hours per week
- Non-exempt (hourly)
- $20.00 per hour
- This is an on-site position and is not eligible for remote work.
Primary Responsibilities
- Patrol library buildings, grounds, parking areas, and public spaces to help maintain a safe environment.
- Monitor entrances, exits, restrooms, meeting rooms, study spaces, and other public areas.
- Respond to behavioral concerns, disturbances, policy violations, and safety incidents.
- Use verbal de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques when addressing difficult situations.
- Enforce the Library Code of Conduct in a fair, consistent, and respectful manner.
- Assist library staff with disruptive patrons and difficult interactions.
- Respond to emergencies, including medical incidents, fire alarms, facility emergencies, and evacuations.
- Coordinate with law enforcement, emergency responders, and community partners when needed.
- Complete clear, accurate, and timely incident reports and other required documentation.
- Welcome patrons and provide directions and general library information.
- Build positive relationships with regular library users.
- Connect patrons experiencing homelessness, mental health concerns, or other challenges with available community resources when appropriate.
- Identify and report maintenance, facility, or safety concerns.
- Perform opening and closing safety inspections.
- Assist with room setups, special events, and crowd management.
- Work collaboratively with library staff during incidents and emergency situations.
- Participate in emergency preparedness training and safety drills.
- Support staff safety training as needed.
- Provide recommendations for improving library safety practices.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Experience in security, public safety, law enforcement, social services, customer service, or a related field preferred.
- Experience working with diverse populations preferred.
- Training or experience in crisis intervention, de-escalation, or conflict resolution preferred.
- CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain certification.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to remain calm and professional during stressful, difficult, or emergency situations.
- Ability to exercise good judgment and follow established safety procedures, Library policies, and the Library Code of Conduct.
- Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with patrons, staff, law enforcement, emergency responders, and community partners.
- Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to complete clear, accurate, and timely incident reports.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while regularly patrolling library buildings, grounds, and parking areas.
- Ability to frequently move throughout the facility and respond promptly to incidents in public areas, grounds, and parking areas.
- Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform other physical movements necessary to perform assigned duties.
- Ability to lift and/or move items weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Work is performed both indoors and outdoors and may involve varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain.
- Regular interaction with the public, including individuals who may be upset, disruptive, or experiencing behavioral or other challenges.
- May be exposed to stressful, difficult, or emergency situations requiring a calm and professional response.
- Regular and reliable attendance is required.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.