Defensive Tactics Specialist

Overview

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you’re searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

Posting will remain open until May 12, 2025.  Applications will be reviewed continuously.  Final review of applications will be on May 13, 2025.

Job Description

Qualifications & Responsibilities:

• Successfully pass the department's physical ability tests (initial and annual)
• Tests noted below
• Physically able to teach, facilitate and demonstrate all safety and self-defense curricula, which includes but not limited to bending, stretching down to the ground and back up quickly, and lifting at least 50 lbs.
• MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Not assigned to a shift, but would rotate presence during multiple shifts
• Coordinates the work of other employees, not supervisory duties, instructs other employees in methods or procedures
• Develops, coordinates and delivers all aspects of the department's chosen safety training curricula to new hires and existing staff; facilitates initial certification, booster, and recertification sessions that may include one-on-one and group training sessions, tabletop exercises, scenarios (field, office, facilities), virtual, and hybrid learning models, coordinates all operational logistics, makes recommendations regarding curricula, elective learning and development opportunities, and program enhancements; as needed, coordinates with the staff development team, Security & Investigations Specialist, Policy and Compliance Specialist, staff, and other stakeholders (risk management, legal, etc.) to ensure training complies with federal law, state law, policies, regulations, and/or standards.
• Maintains a flexible schedule and a presence within each division; shadows facility staff at each post and within the field on a rotating basis; attends briefings, debriefings, peer reviews, and leadership team meetings as requested/needed; uses objective measuring tools to teach, model, and role play training components; conducts officer proficiency reviews, confirms officer advancement through OJT; evaluates staff skills and competencies and provides feedback and coaching regarding areas of strength and opportunities for improvement; recommends tasks and strategies to address areas targeted for improvement; participates in after action reviews, use of force reviews, planning sessions and meetings with supervisors to support the continuous quality improvement of staff.
• Maintains all necessary instructor certifications; stays informed regarding best practices in the field; participates in and successfully completes personal development opportunities that augment and enhance professional skill sets; must be able to perform essential physical functions; must be able to use physical force to subdue/restrain individuals; must be able to successfully pass the department’s physical ability tests; must be able to respond quickly to emergencies.
• Takes the lead in identifying, recruiting, training, and developing a cadre of staff that specialize in safety training; coordinates assignments that support the delivery of the safety training curricula; observes cadre-led and cadre-supported training sessions, uses objective measuring tools to evaluate understanding of curricula and facilitation skills; provides feedback to the cadre trainers regarding areas of strength and opportunities for improvement; works with supervisors and recommends the continuation or removal of staff trainers that are assigned to the cadre.
• Participates in the development of the department’s annual training plan; utilizes available strategies and techniques to communicate deliverables, expectations, and modifications to agency staff in a timely manner; prepares and facilitates presentations to the department’s leadership teams, supervisors, staff, advisory boards, county departments, and stakeholders; collaborates with other county departments, law enforcement agencies, state agencies, and federal agencies in the coordination and delivery of the safety training curricula or supplemental training opportunities that align with the department’s interests.
• Maintains all safety training documentation; assists in the development of program metrics and key performance indicators; works collaboratively with the department’s analysts to manage and organize safety training data; when available, facilitates other training initiatives and provides support to the staff development team.

PHYSICAL ABILITY TESTS (WILL BE CONDUCTED PRIOR TO INTERVIEW):

Defensive Tactics Specialist Test:

Adult Residential Center (ARC) Physical Ability Test:

Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) Physical Ability Test:

Job Requirements

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 2 years of experience facilitating safety training curricula (e.g., STARR, NRCT, Handle with Care, etc.)
• 2 years’ experience training staff in a law enforcement, field-based/probation, correctional facility, or military setting

Preferred:

• Experience developing training curricula

Experience may be substituted for degree.