Library Safety Manager

LIBRARY SAFETY MANAGER
WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Library Safety Manager for the Worcester Public Library
. Under the direction of the Director for Administration and Operations, the Library Safety Manager plans, directs, and oversees the library system's safety and security program to promote a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for patrons, staff, volunteers, and visitors. This position is responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures, supervising security personnel, leading emergency preparedness and response efforts, analyzing security trends, and collaborating with library leadership, law enforcement, emergency responders, and community partners to support safe library operations.

Work will include evening and weekend hours.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

• Establish strategic goals and initiatives for systemwide safety and security services that support the library's strategic priorities.
• Provide excellent customer service and ensure safety and security services are delivered in alignment with library policies, procedures, and values.
• Build collaborative relationships with library leadership, staff, law enforcement, emergency responders, municipal departments, and community partners to support safe library operations.
• Develop, implement, coordinate, and deliver a comprehensive systemwide safety training program for security personnel and library staff. Training topics may include de-escalation, emergency preparedness, active threat response, workplace violence prevention, critical incident management, conflict resolution, trauma-informed practices, security procedures, and other safety-related topics.
• Serve as the library system's principal trainer and subject matter expert on safety, security, emergency preparedness, de-escalation, and workplace violence prevention, ensuring training content remains current and aligned with industry best practices.
• Develop and promote a culture of safety, preparedness, and emergency readiness throughout the library system.
• Promote the use of trauma-informed, customer service-focused, and de-escalation practices to support positive interactions with patrons while maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inclusive library environment.
• Review incident reports, analyze trends, identify recurring issues, and recommend operational or policy improvements to reduce risk and enhance safety.
• Maintain current knowledge of safety and security trends, best practices, and emerging issues through professional development, continuing education, and participation in relevant professional organizations.
• Perform periodic risk assessments and recommend strategies to mitigate potential threats and improve the safety of library facilities, staff, and patrons.
• Develop and implement safety and security policies, procedures, and best practices to support consistent operations across all library locations.
• Handle sensitive security matters professionally while minimizing risk and maintaining confidentiality.
• Direct and supervise security staff, including scheduling, assigning work, hiring recommendations, coaching, mentoring, and staff development.
• Lead the library's response to critical safety incidents and coordinate with library leadership, emergency responders, and other stakeholders during emergencies.
• Actively participate in professional development and contribute to a collaborative work environment built on trust, open communication, accountability, and teamwork.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of safety, security, risk management, emergency preparedness, and supervision.
• Knowledge of de-escalation, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and best practices related to workplace safety, security operations, and emergency response.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate safety and security policies, procedures, training programs, and operational practices.
• Ability to assess risks, identify potential threats, analyze incident trends, and recommend effective solutions to enhance safety and reduce risk.
• Ability to respond to stressful, sensitive, and rapidly evolving situations with sound judgment, professionalism, and composure.
• Ability to optimize current systemwide safety systems and create improved and updated practices for all branches within the library system
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, including the ability to motivate, coach, mentor, and develop staff.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships with staff, patrons, law enforcement, emergency responders, municipal departments, and community partners.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, including the ability to prepare reports, deliver training, and present information to diverse…