Safety Ambassador Lead

Description

Position Summary:

Safety Ambassadors Leads are responsible for walking designated commercial corridors and visiting businesses and organizations as community stewards and members of the Black Cross Society. Safety Ambassadors distribute safety resources, connect businesses with support programs, and promote COVID-19 safety measures.  

Designated Teams: Circles, Projects and/or Initiatives

Neighborhood Services (Sesa Wo Suban)

• Community Stewards
  • Neighborhood Messengers
  • Safety Ambassadors
• Community Rapid Response
• BC3 Hubs/Healing Hubs

Position Duties and Responsibilities: 

• In-the-field training for a total of 50 hours
• Walk assigned commercial corridors, visiting businesses and organizations.
• Distribute Shop Safe Oakland Collateral to businesses.
• Connect with businesses and provide information about resources available through the Black Cultural Zone, the City of Oakland, and other organizations.
• Invite business owners to participate in support initiatives like the proposed "East Oakland Small Business Alliance."
• Promote COVID-19 safety resources and information for customer and worker safety.
• Report any questions or concerns to a designated support person.
• Requires a working Smartphone or tablet to access the internet to record walks and complete time sheets.
• Work on beautification projects to improve the visual appeal of the assigned corridors
• Performing other duties required to support Team roles and responsibilities. 
• Upholding Black Cultural Zone’s Mission and Vision

Safety Ambassador Lead

1. Training & Mentorship

• On boarding New Ambassadors:

• Develop and deliver training programs tailored to the specific needs of the neighborhood commercial corridor.
• Cover topics such as:

• De-escalation techniques for addressing conflicts and disturbances.
• Recognizing and reporting suspicious activity (e.g., loitering, drug activity).
• Building positive relationships with local businesses and residents.
• Navigating challenging situations with empathy and professionalism.
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness training.
• First aid and CPR training (if applicable).

• Conduct regular refresher training to ensure Ambassadors' skills remain sharp.

• Mentoring Existing Ambassadors:

• Provide ongoing support and guidance to existing Ambassadors.
• Offer peer-to-peer mentoring opportunities.
• Conduct regular check-ins to address concerns and provide feedback.
• Recognize and reward outstanding contributions and accomplishments.

2. Leadership & Supervision

• Group Stewardship:

• If applicable, steward the activities of a small group of Ambassadors.
• Assign tasks and responsibilities to group members.
• Monitor group performance and address any issues promptly.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration within the group.

• Shift Scheduling & Coordination:

• If applicable, assist in creating and managing shift schedules for Ambassadors.
• Ensure adequate coverage during peak hours and on weekends.
• Coordinate with other stakeholders (e.g., local businesses, law enforcement) to ensure effective coverage.

3. Community Engagement & Outreach

• Build Relationships with Stakeholders:

• Develop strong relationships with local businesses, residents, and other stakeholders.
• Attend community meetings and participate in local events.
• Actively listen to the concerns and needs of the community.

• Community Outreach:

• Conduct outreach activities to raise awareness about safety issues and resources.
• Distribute informational materials (e.g., flyers, brochures) about crime prevention and safety tips.
• Organize community events and initiatives to promote safety and build community cohesion.

4. Safety Monitoring & Response

• Observe and Report:

• Regularly walk the designated corridor and observe for any suspicious activity or safety concerns.
• Report incidents such as loitering, vandalism, public intoxication, and other disturbances.
• Maintain accurate records of all incidents and observations.

• De-escalation & Intervention:

• Utilize de-escalation techniques to address conflicts and disturbances effectively.
• Intervene in situations that pose a safety risk to the community.
• Collaborate with law enforcement and other agencies as needed.

5. Program Development & Improvement

• Contribute to Program Development:

• Provide input and feedback on developing and improving the Safety Ambassador program.
• Identify areas for improvement in program effectiveness and community impact.

• Identify Emerging Issues:

• Stay informed about emerging safety issues and trends in the neighborhood.
• Proactively address emerging concerns and develop strategies to mitigate risks.

6. Additional Responsibilities

• Hosting Funder/Guest Tours:

• Conduct tours of the neighborhood for funders, guests, and other visitors.
• Highlight the positive impact of the Safety Ambassador program.
• Showcase the safety improvements and community engagement initiatives.

• Safety Walk-a-longs:

• Conduct regular safety walk-a-longs with local businesses, residents, and other stakeholders.
• Identify and address safety concerns in the neighborhood.
• Promote a shared sense of responsibility for community safety.

Qualifications

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

• Good communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to maintain strong community and organizational relationships.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Team coordination and leadership skills
• Documentation management and ability to use project management tools.
• Attention to detail even under pressure.
• Time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Word processing, spreadsheet, email, and project management software familiarity and basic skills

Physical Demands: 

Essential functions of the position require the employee to use a telephone, work at a standard computer terminal and be able to follow reasonable ergonomic recommendations, sit for long periods of time, repetitive motions, stand, reach, lift and carry 20 pounds, and bend.

Salary : $25 - $27