DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL CLIMATE & SAFETY

About Schenectady City Schools
With a population of nearly 10,000 students, the Schenectady City School District is one of the largest in the Capital Region. With an incredibly diverse population we are committed to ensuring that all children feel valued, are safe and will learn. We place the highest priority on a culture of equity, ensuring that race, economics, and disability are never predictors of student achievement. Every child in our district counts and will be supported each step of the way, along the path to graduation.

Job Description
The position of the Director of School Climate & Safety in the City School District of Schenectady is charged with the responsibility of developing, overseeing, and administering security functions in each of the City's schools. The Director will evaluate, plan, and implement a Strategic Plan designed to improve the safety, security, and school climate of District schools. The Director will assess and design plans to provide a clear set of protocols to provide guidance to school administrators, staff and students to defuse and/or prevent incidents that might endanger school attendees. Reporting to the Deputy Superintendent or designee, the incumbent is expected to solve routine problems that arise by the use of independent judgment and a thorough knowledge of school security operations. The Director will work in collaboration with the Human Resources Administrator, District Director of Pupil Services, and Innovation & Technology Officer to conduct internal investigations and works collaboratively with Federal and State Law enforcement agencies as appropriate.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative Only)

• Establish and maintain a District Safety Program including: appropriate lighting and signage; building safety systems; building surveillance systems; equipment identification procedures; student and personnel identification procedures; visitor registration and identification procedures; emergency plans for evacuations, lock downs, and other crisis;safety staff orientation and training programs; effective and efficient deployment of safety personnel; and coordination of services with local, State, and Federal Law enforcement and emergency agencies;
• In collaboration with building principals, develops and administers the Strategic Plan with the objective to: 1) eliminate the District's Safe School Policy violations, and 2) support & implement the Student Conduct;
• In collaboration with the Human Resources Administrator, recruit, employ and train safety personnel as required;
• Coordinates district-wide preparation for crisis response and emergencies, assisting when emergencies occur within and outside the building;
• Coordinates district-wide risk reduction, intervention and response preparedness to meet Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) criteria;
• Evaluates incident reports in order to monitor district-wide compliance with SAVE criteria;
• In collaboration with building administrators, coordinates all school security staff and hall monitor position functions, and conducts performance evaluations as assigned;
• Coordinate the compilation, analysis, and submission of reports on substance abuse, security, safety and loss prevention;
• Directs the internal investigation of incidents involving students and/or personnel in compliance with Federal and State law, District Policies and Procedures, and negotiated contractual agreements and assists the Superintendent with recommendations to resolve incidents that require security interventions;
• Displays the highest ethical and professional behavior in working with students, parents, school personnel, and outside agencies associated with the school;
• Serves as a role model for students and staff in demonstrating positive attitudes, and an effective work ethic;
• Participates in appropriate workshop and in-service programs, attends any required meetings; and provides staff and students with training on violence prevention and de-escalation techniques;
• Protects confidentiality of records and information about staff, and uses discretion when sharing such information within legal confines;
• Assists with outreach efforts to strengthen communication and partnerships with students, parents, school communities and the general public on school safety measures to reduce conflicts;
• Enters and retrieves information in an automated information system;
• Accountable for camera, visitor, and physical building security systems, processes, and vendors. Coordinates with District IT staff for issues and enhancements;
• Is committed to a culture of learning and supports the use of restorative practices, trauma informed approaches, and antiracism;
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Strong working knowledge of school safety policies, procedures and regulations;
• Strength in using technology systems;
• Trained in threat assessment;
• Working knowledge of illegal drugs and ability to identify such and to detect signs of abuse;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Enthusiasm and interpersonal skills to relate well with staff, students, parents and community members
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Exercises good judgment;
• Takes Initiative;
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise others;
• Resourcefulness;
• Excellent Integrity;
• A commitment to a school district mission of eliminating Race, Economics, and Disability as predictors of student achievement
• A commitment to a school district mission of being an Anti-Racist Organization that focuses on eliminating oppressive systems since all systems of oppression are interlocked and interwoven.
• A background in or experience with culturally responsive education and anti-racism work;
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
• Works with building administrators and staff to create a positive culture and climate where all students can learn.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Civil Service Pathway

1. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or university or one accredited by the NYS Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor's Degree (or higher) in Criminal Justice or related field and eight (8) years of full-time paid experience in law enforcement, or safety/security field, with demonstrated leadership experience in strategic planning/project management related to security programs, safety policy development, coordination of security training programs and, demonstrated public relations and constituent development outreach with diverse communities; OR
2. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or one accredited by the NYS Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate's Degree (or higher) in Criminal Justice or related field and ten (10) years of full-time paid experience as identified in A above; OR
3. Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma and twelve (12) years of full-time paid experience as identified in A above, OR D. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) through (C) above.

Previous experience working with youth & knowledge/expertise in Restorative Justice Practices is preferred.

Certificated Pathway

• Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or university or one accredited by the NYS Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Masters' Degree
• Permanent or professional certificate in a teaching or related services field
• NYS District Administrator Certification (School District Administrator or School District Leader)
• Minimum six (6) years as successful experience as a school principal