Security Specialist

Objectives:

The primary objective of the Security Specialist is to work under the guidance and supervision of the Director of Security and provide a wide variety of security-related activities as we serve guests who are chronically homeless, situationally homeless, or experiencing housing instability. This is a flexible and adaptable role that directly engages with guests, staff members, community providers, and volunteers. Professionalism and a dedication to securing multiple facilities while serving and interacting with those experiencing homelessness are essential to be successful in this role.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Primary Duties

Under the direction of the Director of Security,

• Analyzes and evaluates security operations to identify risks, and chooses and implements successful solutions
• Maintains and communicates Do Not Trespass/Do Not Shelter/Do Not Provide lists
• Trains staff and volunteers on safety policies and procedures
• Implements guest check-in procedures and communicates such to staff and guests
• Responds to reasonable community requests for security concerns related to homelessness
• Maintains visibility and availability to assist guests, staff, volunteers, and visitors with arising security concerns
• Builds and maintains rapport with guests to foster preventative security
• Provides leadership and initiative to ensure the safety of staff, guests, volunteers, and visitors
• Engages with guests so they are familiar with facility rules, and intervenes in situations when a potential conflict does or may occur
• Collaborates with office managers, case managers, shelter leadership, case management leadership, and security leadership to provide proper security coverage for the Micah Center and Wellspring
• Works shelter shifts and maintains a presence at Men’s and Women’s shelters as needed
• Assists in coordinating and communicating vital guest-related initiatives to staff members
• Assists in analyzing problems, collects data, and develops policies and procedures so processes can be implemented to improve the security, communication, and efficiency of the organization
• Conducts perimeter checks of Micah Center, Wellspring, Men’s Shelter, and Women’s Shelter throughout the day as needed and appropriate
• Reads all shift notes and responds to emails daily
• Reports all major or emerging security threats to the Director of Security, Executive Director, and other members of the Management Team, and staff as appropriate
• Keeps staff aware of emerging risks in real time
• Attends mandatory meetings and training sessions
• Enforces policies and procedures in a way that balances grace, compassion, and understanding with order, safety, and security
• Assists with re-entry meetings
• Makes lockdown decisions when conditions warrant
• Makes guest exit decisions and supports staff in exiting activities
• Functions as a first responder to safety and security issues
• Assists law enforcement for facility and event safety and security
• Maintains an awareness of community activities that may pose a threat to staff and guests, and mitigates risk
• Enters case notes into CaseWorthy and other systems for notable guest interactions
• Maintains a presence at the front desk as needed and directs guests and visitors to their destination
• Monitors and reviews security camera footage

Other Duties

• Functions as primary point of contact for security issues while Director of Security is away
• Provides a variety of tasks during Drop-In days
• Other duties as assigned

Employees Supervised:

• None

Education, Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities:

• Minimum of a High School Diploma
• Associate Degree or vocational training in human services or a security-related field preferred
• Demonstrated ability to proactively take charge of situations and exercise appropriate judgment in guest-related situations
• Experience working with mental health, substance abuse, low income and/or homeless populations preferred
• At least one year of experience working security required
• Must be able to carry and lift 20 pounds and able to walk, bend, twist and climb stairs for extended periods of time
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must have good computer skills and be proficient using MS Office as well as other software products
• Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries with guests, volunteers, and co-workers