Job Information
Chester County Intermediate Unit Director of Safety and Security in Downingtown, Pennsylvania
- Risk Assessment:
- Conduct regular risk assessments of all intermediate unit facilities, identifying potential safety and security vulnerabilities.
- Safety Plans:
- Develop and implement comprehensive and proactive safety and security plans, including emergency response procedures, lockdown procedures, reunification, and evacuation plans.
- In collaboration with building principals and program supervisors, establish appropriate policies and procedures for student safety protocols.
- Assists/advises in the development of crisis management/emergency response plans as part of each building's safety plan.
- Coordinates with intermediate unit administrators to address and correct safety/security issues on intermediate unit campuses.
- Training and Presentations:
- Provide training, assistance and education to administration, faculty, staff, and students on safety and security procedures, including but not limited to active shooter response, first aid, AED, Stop the Bleed, PrePARE, and CPR.
- Deliver public presentations and training on school safety to a variety of stakeholder groups.
- Implement training programs pertaining to matters of safety and security for all sites.
- Security Systems:
- In collaboration with the building administration, Director of Facilities and the Director of IT Infrastructure, oversee the installation, maintenance, and operation of security systems, such as surveillance cameras, access control systems, weapon detection, and alarm systems.
- Investigations:
- In conjunction with business administration, investigate safety and security incidents, gather evidence, and take appropriate corrective action.
- Advise and assist site-based administrators in matters involving criminal activities on intermediate unit campuses.
- Collaborate directly with local law enforcement agencies during critical incident situations and follow-up.
- Receive all reports of criminal incidents occurring on intermediate unit property and maintains accurate record keeping for Safe Schools reporting and other relevant reports.
- Collaboration and Communication:
- Collaborate with school districts, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders to develop and implement joint safety and security initiatives.
- Serve as a liaison with local law enforcement agencies to monitor the daily operation of the intermediate unit safety and security program and other law enforcement issues on the intermediate unit campuses.
- Work with local law enforcement agencies to encourage community-policing efforts on intermediate unit campuses.
- Lead the development and implementation of security plans for special events involving the intermediate unit facilities within the jurisdiction of the intermediate unit.
- Serve as a liaison with other agencies in matters of safety and security such as the Homeland Security, Pennsylvania Department of Education, Intermediate Units, local law enforcement, first responders, Countywide Emergency Services, and other agencies.
- Work with the intermediate unit safety committee and community safety initiatives.
- Proactively work as a team member to solve/assist with problems, issues, and opportunities.
- Help coordinate monthly Safety and Security Job-A-Like meetings with school-based security liaisons across Chester County.
- Compliance:
- Serve as the intermediate unit's Act 44 School Safety and Security Coordinator. Per Act 44 of 2018, all coordinators are required to make a report to the board of directors no later than June 30 on the CCIU's current safety and security practices and identify strategies to improve safety and security. The report is to be presented to the school board during an executive session, and then is to be submitted to the School Safety and Security Committee at the Pennsylvania Comm ssion on Crime and Delinquency.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local safety and security regulations.
- Fulfills all training and certification requirements per Pennsylvania law and as directed by the Executive Director.
- Participate in local, regional, and national organizations to ensure all certifications and training credentials are current.
- Provide periodic reports to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors on matters pertaining to school safety.
- Follow all federal, state and local laws/ requirements pertaining to privacy practices, including but not limited to, FERPA and HIPAA. In addition, knows, observes and adheres to all intermediate unit policies and procedures.
- Crisis Management and Leadership:
- Leads crisis management as the key administrator until Incident Commander assumes responsibility.
- Serve as a key member of the intermediate unit's incident command and crisis management team, providing leadership and guidance during emergencies.
- Attend school board and various other community meetings as directed or necessary.
- Represent the Chester County Intermediate Unit in matters of security/school safety through state and national organizations.
- Supervision:
- Develop performance objectives for safety personnel and develop operational procedures to guide personnel in the performance of their duties.
- Establish clear lines of accountability and command within the intermediate unit safety and security team.
- Perform basic personnel administration duties, including orienting new staff, assigning work, scheduling, prepares program budget and related reports, monitors expenditures.
- In collaboration with the Director of Human Resources and Director of Facilities, recruit, employ and train safety personnel as required.
- Lead, develop and implement fee-based Safety and Security services for districts and non-public schools requesting enhanced safety and security consulting services and/or staffing. This includes researching, marketing and recruiting partners to engage in school safety services as revenue for the intermediate unit.
- Lead, supervise, and develop the intermediate unit safety and security staff, contracted or employed by the intermediate unit, in adherence to CCIU policies, procedures, and expectations.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or their proxy.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, security management, education, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in safety and security management, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
- Strong knowledge of safety and security regulations and best practices.
- Experience in leading safety and security programming in a school or community health related field (preferred).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Strong technology skills and the ability to quickly learn and implement new technologies
- Experience managing and leading a team of safety and security professionals.