Public Safety Senior Officer

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

Under the direction of the Director of Public Safety/Public Safety Manager, the position of the Senior Public Safety Officer (SPSO) supports the mission of Covenant House New York (CHNY) by fostering and maintaining safe and secure environments for its youth, staff and visitors. The SPSO will be required to maintain daily operational standards and execute a number of comprehensive and integrated security measures and countermeasures. Additionally, the SPSO must be able to adapt physically and psychologically to the changing needs and priorities of CHNY. This position requires an in-person and on site presence at CHNY’s Manhattan and Bronx locations as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Responsibilities to include but not limited to the following)

• Serve as the designee in the absence of the Public Safety Director/Manager and/or Supervisor
• Understand and follow given safety procedures
• Maintain operational standards according to Public Safety SOP
• Detect problems and report information to appropriate personnel
• Communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
• Gather incident data, compile information, prepare and write reports
• Knowledge of searching procedures and safety inspections
• Track record of effectively searching for contraband
• Conduct safety patrols in and around buildings, as assigned
• Basic computer knowledge required (i.e., Google Workplace)
• Operate all departmental equipment, including radios, tablets, cameras, computers and online applications
• Listen and communicate calmly, effectively and courteously in both emergency and non-emergency situations
• Appropriately respond to calls for assistance with urgency
• Assist with emergency/safety drills according to prescribed procedures
• Enforce crowd control procedures, when appropriate
• De-escalate/intervene in physical/verbal altercations
• Must be willing to become an instructor and able to learn and implement Emergency Safety Physical Intervention (ESPI) techniques, including Safety Crisis Management (SCM)
• Have an active Red Cross issued First Aid CPR/AED certification or obtain one within three months
• Work a standard workweek; for non-exempt full time employees this is forty (40) hours per week. Hours may vary to accommodate the operational needs of the agency and/or department
• Must be willing and able to work a flexible work schedule to include mornings, evenings/overnights, weekends and holidays

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Education & Experience

• At least 8 years of Public Safety related experience required
• Willing and able to work a standard workweek; standard workweek for non-exempt full time employees is forty (40) hours per week and thirty-five (35) hours for exempt employees
• High School diploma or its equivalent, required
• The Senior Public Safety Officer MUST possess and maintain New York State security guard licensure throughout the course of their employment, including participation in, and successful completion of, any legally mandated training, including but not limited to on-the-job training and/or annual in-service requirements. This also applies to additional training, licenses and certifications obtained before and during employment. CHNY is not responsible for security guard license fees

Knowledge/Skills

Expectations While On Duty

• Independently recognize and perform duties that need to be done without being directly assigned
• Remain professional and customer service driven while on duty
• Establish priorities; must organize work and time to meet them
• Conduct Radio checks to ensure all equipment is working properly
• Conduct daily roll call meetings with all officers on shift
• Assist other officers with submitting and writing reports
• Attend in-person and virtual meetings in-person and virtually with various departments
• First point of contact for NYPD, FDNY & EMS when Public Safety Director/Manager or Supervisor is unavailable
• Assist with the tracking and distribution of incoming parcels according to company policy
• Recognize and respond to emerging priorities, accept changes and new ideas
• Have insight with problems and the ability to develop workable alternatives
• Respond to supervision, coaching and constructive criticism in a positive manner
• Assist with employee scheduling and coordinating coverage for call-outs
• Assist officers with the completion of incident reports according to CHNY Policy
• Attend and participate in departmental and managerial meetings
• Support with the maintenance of daily operations according to the SOP (Standard Operating Procedures)
• Adhere to attendance and punctuality requirements per policy; this also includes the CHNY Hours of Work Policy
• Provide proper notification for absences and tardiness. Take corrective action to prevent recurring absences or tardiness
• The use of all mobile devices while on duty is strictly prohibited. Use is only permitted in cases of emergency or when contacting other CHNY employees on duty
• Observe all other policies governing conduct while at work (e.g., telephone and computer use, electronic messaging, smoking regulations, breaks and other related policies

Physical requirements

• Officers may be exposed to discomfort or the elements of outdoors
• Walking, standing, using stairs and foot patrolling for extended periods of time
• Mental, visual and auditory acuity are essential responsibilities
• Applicants must be in good health and must have and retain physical strength, including lifting up to 50lbs
• Implement Emergency Safety Physical Intervention (ESPI) techniques according to CHNY’s policies and guidelines

Compensation

Covenant House New York offers a rich package of benefits including but not limited to full medical, vision, dental, life and short and long-term disability insurance and other fringe benefits. Eligibility for medical benefits begins on the date of hire. PTO includes 3 weeks of vacation in the first year, 10 holidays, 13 sick days, 5 personal days and birthday days off. Benefits include a 403b with employer contribution after 12 months. There are also multiple additional optional benefits (including additional life, disability, accident and cancer insurance) available at significantly reduced rates."CH is a vaccinated employer. As such, prospective new hires will be required to provide proof of vaccination or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by the date of hire to be considered."

Covenant House New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer