What are the responsibilities and job description for the Safety and Security Liaison position at Haywood County School District?
Safety and Security Liaison
JOB DESCRIPTION
REPORTS TO: Superintendent
TERM: 12 Months
JOB GOAL
The School Security Liaison is responsible for overseeing and coordinating comprehensive safety and security programs across all district campuses. This role serves as the primary connection between the school district's law enforcement and emergency management agencies and the community to ensure a safe and secure learning environment.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The School Security Liaison performs a broad range of duties spanning inter-agency coordination, emergency preparedness, physical security, and community engagement.
- Serve as the primary point of contact between the school district and local county, and state law enforcement agencies, including coordination with School Resource Officers (SRO's).
- Develop, review, and update district-wide Emergency Operations Plans (EOP'S) in compliance with NIMS/ICS frameworks and applicable state regulations.
- Conduct regular campus security assessments and vulnerability audits; present findings and corrective action plans to district leadership.
- Plan all required safety drills, including lockdown, evacuation, shelter-in-place, and reunification exercises.
- Oversee the installation, maintenance, and operation of physical security systems, including access control, visitor management, CCTV, and mass notification platform.
- Lead the district's behavioral threat assessment team BTAT ensuring timely and documented response to reported threats or concerning behaviors.
- Collaborate with school counselors, mental health professionals, and administrators on threat intervention and prevention strategies.
- Develop and deliver security training programs for administrators, teachers, support staff, and volunteers.
- Maintain accurate records of incident investigations, drills, and corrective actions in accordance with district policy and legal requirements.
- Monitor emerging safety threats, trends, and best practices, and recommend policy or procedural updates accordingly.
- Coordinate with facilities and IT departments on safety-related infrastructure upgrades and cybersecurity protocols.
- Communicate proactively with parents and community stakeholders regarding safety initiatives, incidents, and district policies.
- Represent the district at regional safety meetings, task force, and interagency working groups.
- Assist in grant writing and administration for school safety and funding opportunities.
LAW ENFORCEMENT & INTERAGENCY LIAISON
- Maintain formal MOU and communication protocols with police, fire, EMS, and Emergency Management agencies.
- Facilitate joint training exercises and tabletop simulations with public safety partners.
- Act as district liaison during law enforcement investigations involving school property personnel or students.
- Participate in local and regional threat intelligence sharing networks, fusion centers, and public safety coalitions.
- Oversee SRO program partnerships, including role clarity, conduct expectations, and community relations standards.
EMERGENCY PLANNING & CRISIS RESPONSE
- Chair or co-chair the district safety and emergency planning committee.
- Ensure all campuses maintain current practice and compliant E OP's for all hazard scenarios.
- Manage crisis communication workflows in coordination with district communication staff
- Lead after-action reviews following drills or real incidents, and integrate lessons learned into updated protocols.
- Develop continuity-of-operations (COOP) plans to sustain essential district functions during emergencies.
COMMUNITY & PARENT RELATIONS
- Develop and facilitate parent and community safety and education programs, forums, and workshops.
- Present safety updates and initiatives to the Board of Education, Parent Advisory Council, and community groups,
- manage anonymous tip line programs and digital reporting tools (e.g., STOPit, Sandy Hook Promise Say Something).
- Partner with local social services, mental health agencies, and youth organizations on prevention initiatives.
- Serve as an approachable, visible safety presence across district campuses.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice Emergency Management public safety administration, or related field.
- Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in law enforcement, military school safety, or instructional security.
- Demonstrated expertise in emergency operation planning and NIMS/ICS principles.
- Working knowledge of physical security systems, access control, CCTV, visitor management, and mass notifications.
- Proven experience working collaboratively with law enforcement, government agencies, or community organizations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking to diverse audiences.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
- Valid driver's license and successful completion of a thorough background investigation
EVALUATION
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the board policies on evaluation of personnel.