Public Safety Specialist

Classification: Community Engagement Clerk

Location: Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch

Reports to: Head of Public Safety

Updated: 9/29/26

EXTERNAL POSTING
General Statement of Duties: This position is responsible for ensuring a safe and enjoyable library environment. In
general, this position responds to incidents of conflict in the library workplace and finds immediate solutions, including

contacting appropriate authorities. Incumbent also acts as a community liaison and assists with various library

programming. This position is under direct supervision of a librarian or other supervisory library staff member with leeway

permitted for the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the details of the work.

Typical Work Activities:

• Communicates and enforces the library’s Behavior Policy.

• Monitors library to ensure all patrons can enjoy a safe place to access materials and information.

• Support library staff when dealing with difficult patrons.

• Encourages patrons to exit buildings when not allowed in due to prescribed policy or banning.

• Mediates problem interactions between patrons or problem interactions between patrons and staff, and/or contacts

• Serve as a positive role model for the library and community youth.

• Assists with programming to entertain, educate and engage library users of all ages.

• Assists with activities and events that support the personal, social, cultural and academic growth of young people.

• Other duties as assigned.
  

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Possess strong interpersonal skills.

• Represent the library in a positive and friendly manner.

• Knowledge of the neighborhood and community.

• Ability to de-escalate and resolve conflict.

• Ability to engage with visitors of all ages.

• Ability to perform both independently and as a team member.

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

• Demonstrate the ability to communicate emergencies to police and emergency personnel whenever required.

• Possesses and demonstrate emotional maturity.

• Demonstrates good judgement even in stressful situations.

• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma.
  

Work Schedule: Up to 28 hours per week including weekends, afternoon, and evening hours. Note: Public Safety

Specialists may be assigned to work at another branch on an as needed basis.

1st Position:

Sundays – 1pm-5pm

Mondays – 12pm-8pm

Tuesdays – 10am-6pm

Wednesdays – 12pm-6pm

2nd Position:

Wednesdays – 2pm-8pm

Thursday – 10am-6pm

Fridays – 12pm-6pm

Saturdays – 10am-5pm (at the Washington Avenue Branch)

Salary: $17.23/hour

Deadline: Friday, October 23, 2026

Apply to: Send cover letter, resume and 3 professional references including email to:

Human Resources

161 Washington Avenue

Albany, NY 12210

hr@albanypubliclibrary.org

Albany Public Library is an AA/EO institution and is strongly and actively committed to increasing diversity within its organization.