Description

PURPOSE OF POSITION
Under the direction of the Vice President of Facilities and Asset Management, and in collaboration with all other departments, the Director of Public Safety oversees the public safety operations across all Covenant House New York (CHNY) locations, providing administrative and technical leadership to ensure a safe environment for youth, staff and visitors. The priority of the Director of Public Safety is prevention and de-escalation, utilizing trauma-informed techniques. This position will ensure that public safety staff are utilizing the least restrictive means necessary to ensure safety and are being appropriately responsive in all situations involving a safety concern. This position requires significant in-person presence at CHNY sites in Manhattan and the Bronx. Upon approval, there can be some flexibility for occasional remote work.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
(Responsibilities to include but not limited to the following)

• Provide administrative support, oversight, and direction to a diverse group of professionals that comprise the Public Safety team, which operates 24/7, 365 days per year.
• Ensure operational integrity, consistency and a standard of professionalism among the Public Safety team.
• Supervise Public Safety personnel to provide effective security for CHNY to include physical security, safety, incident response, alarm response, and visitor control.
• Conduct routine site visits to Bronx locations to collect and dispose of contraband and confirm functionality of any onsite security equipment.
•  Address day-to-day operations, directing and assessing the work of contract guards assigned.
• Develop and effectuate policies that ensure a secure environment across all CHNY locations.
• Conduct on-going reviews of security policies and procedures and make recommendations for best practices as it relates to physical security and general security management.
• Provide administrative and logistical support, feedback, and follow up to administrative staff regarding safety, security, policies, and procedures.
• Establish monthly schedules as well as address any call outs to ensure all posts are covered properly.
• Establish and monitor security rounds to ensure consistency and proper execution of these routine checks.
• Ensure staff is properly trained, evaluated and departmental and personnel changes are implemented as approved by the VP of Facilities and Asset Management and Human Resources Department prior to implementation.
• Develop and conduct orientation and in-service training programs for new and current staff.
• Conduct random site inspections on all shifts and periodic safety and security audits to identify deficiencies and increase efficiency of service.
• Complete daily reports regarding incidents, site inspections, and audited findings.
• Review all incident reports, memos, daily email communication and logbooks to ensure accuracy of information and entries. 
• Schedule, facilitate, and participate in meetings involving CHNY personnel and external stakeholders.
• Work with the Director of Facilities and Leasing to ensure all life safety protocols are followed and up to date.
• Develops, implements, and maintains Emergency Management Plan in accordance with all applicable statutes, regulations, latest standards, and guidance.
• Oversee emergency and disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts.
• Serve as the Incident Commander during emergencies.
• Works closely with departments on safety of spaces, crowd control and other health and safety requirements during event planning and while events are ongoing.
• Possesses an in-depth understanding of applicable laws, risk management, security procedure, policy, and protocol necessary to inform an immediate and correct response to emergency situations in concert with relevant stakeholders. Regularly documents and updates.
• Assist with conducting fire drills, tabletop exercises, and staff training for fire safety and emergency situations, and prepare written after action reports.
• Responsible for managing the emergency management system and communication on emergencies and crime related activity.
• Serve as the primary point for all relevant NYPD precincts.
• Ensure all CHNY policies are followed with accuracy and promote a continuous learning culture that focuses on child protection and safety.
• Be on call 24/7 for any emergencies.
• Serve as the department head in the absence of the Director of Facilities and Leasing.
• Makes recommendations on technology upgrades to stay current in safety implementations at all CHNY sites.
• Performs other duties as assigned and/or needed.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

• This position supervises Public Safety officers and supervisors.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
Education & Experience

• Associate degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Ten years of experience in a supervisory position.
• NYS Security Officer License.
• Certificate of Fitness F01 Fire Guard for Shelters required.
• Certificate of Fitness F89 Fire Life and Safety Director required.
• Demonstrated experience with fire safety codes and regulations at a supervisory level.
• Demonstrated experience operating surveillance camera systems, magnetometers and related technology.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and the ability to operate independently while effectively managing relationships with internal and external business partners
• Track record of integrity and sound judgment.
• Ability to adapt well to change in direction and priority in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
•  Ability to assess and recognize quality and quickly recognize problems.
• Must be computer literate and proficient in Google applications, Microsoft Word and Excel.
• A customer focused attitude and track record of delivering high levels of quality service.
• Must be dedicated to the mission of Covenant House.
• Extremely discreet when working with sensitive and personal information.
• Ability to remain calm while handling high risk or crisis situations.
• Willing to be trained as a Safe Crisis Management trainer.
• Willing to be trained as a CPR/FA instructor.

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong organizational, written and interpersonal skills required.
• The ability to engage a team in professional development required.
• The ability to always uphold CHNY's mission, vision and principles, standards of conduct, policies and procedures required.
• Independently recognizes and performs duties that need to be done without being directly assigned.
• Establishes priorities; organizes work and time to meet them
• Recognizes and responds to emerging priorities, accepts changes and new ideas
• Has insight into problems and the ability to develop workable alternatives.
• Responds to supervision, coaching and constructive criticism in a positive manner.
• Adheres to attendance and punctuality requirements per policy. Provides proper notification for absences and tardiness. Takes corrective action to prevent recurring absences or tardiness.
• Observes all policies governing conduct while at work (e.g., telephone and computer use, electronic messaging, smoking regulations, breaks and other related policies).
• Ability to professionally communicate and relate well with all levels of personnel (individuals, peers, customers and related professionals).

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