Lower Merion School District is hiring a Coordinator of School Safety and Security. This is an ongoing, year round position. This position is part of the Districts Act 93 ("LMOSA") Administrators group and compensation plan.
Position Goal: The Coordinator of School Safety and Security is responsible for overseeing all policies and procedures related to school security and safety. This individual will be expected to balance the need to protect students, staff and property with the desire to support and enhance an environment that is conducive to learning. The Coordinator will work closely with administration and building teams to recommend, implement, and assess safety protocols and maintain compliance with related local, state and federal laws.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Specific duties include, but are not limited to, reviewing and maintaining School District policies and procedures relative to school safety and security and coordinating training for students and staff in matters relating to:
- Situational awareness
- Trauma-informed approaches
- Behavioral health awareness
- Suicide and bullying awareness
- Substance abuse awareness
- Emergency procedures and training drills
- Reporting systems (for example, Safe2Say Something, ChildLine reports)
- Participate in District threat assessment and crisis response.
- Acts as liaison for the District with the Township Police. Coordinate a tour of all School District buildings for local police and first responders [at least once every two (2) years].
- Ensure that all emergency drills are completed in a timely manner and maintain records accordingly. Review and maintain emergency operations and response plans.
- Generate and submit an annual report each year in compliance with applicable statutes, mandates, regulations and Public School Code.
- Uphold School Board policies and implement administrative guidelines and procedures.
- Acts as essential personnel to School District with on-call responsibilities. Respond and take appropriate action to emergency calls.
- Collaborate with school and district administrators to plan safety, security and logistics for large or unusual events.
- Maintain visibility at all buildings and facilities throughout the School District.
- Supervise and/or co-supervise security personnel, including, but not limited to, campus aides and security guards. Ensure all security personnel are properly trained. Review and reconcile accounts payable for contracted services.
- As needed, plan, arrange, and conduct training to comply with applicable laws, regulations, local ordinances and School District guidelines. Maintain required records across the School District and ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
- Submit and manage any grant applications related to safety, security, student health, threat assessment, or crisis response.
- In conjunction with the School District’s Information Technology and Cybersecurity Department – install, implement, operate and maintain all software programs, networking, servers and hardware related to security systems. At this time these systems include, but are not limited to, electronic door access (Lenel), digital security cameras (network based using the Hanwha Wave software), visitor management (Raptor) and panic alarm (Altertus).
- Manage the District’s security video system. Process and archive video footage of incidents in compliance with School District guidelines. Assist in incident investigations as required.
- Ensure proper upkeep and operation of all fire alarm, building intrusion, panic alarm, rescue assistance, emergency notification systems, building two-way radio systems, lockdown equipment and systems, and first responder building access. Primary individual to respond to alarm or trouble signals from each system.
- Manage and facilitate disposal of medical or hazardous waste in compliance with applicable regulations.
- Coordinate health inspections at all School District buildings. Ensure compliance, address any issues, and maintain proper records.
- Lead the District’s Health and Safety Committee, coordinate required training and reports.
- Participate in School District Transportation Safety Review Board.
- Participate in District-wide safety committees as requested.
- Collaborate with safety and security personnel at other school districts, the county, and the state.
- Attend School Board meetings on an as-needed basis.
- Set a high standard for ethical behavior and transparency. Uphold District civility standards and set example for other staff.
- Understand and stay current with state and local laws and regulations pertaining to areas of responsibility.
- Other roles and duties as assigned by the Assistant to the Superintendent for District Administration.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, security, organizational management, or other applicable field.
- At least three years of proven leadership experience in related field.
- School District or educational institution experience is preferred, but not required.
- Must be able to set and work within a department budget.
- Training (Act 44 and Act 55) or commitment to complete required training within mandated period.
- A verifiable record of leadership ability and success.
- Embody high ethical standards and integrity.
- Accept responsibility for decisions and conduct.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening, observation, reading, verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills. Ability to present information to administrators, staff, and community.
- Ability to effectively solve problems.
- Ability to function in a team environment within an organization that has multiple lines of authority.
- Must be able to analyze complex situations and conceptualize district-wide issues regarding subject area
- Able to maintain emotional control under stress in a fast-paced environment
- Able to work effectively with students, teachers, parents, other administrators, and community members.
- Able to work cooperatively with multiple departments and building teams.
- Skillfully manage individual, group, and organizational interactions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- The work environment is a busy school district with 11 school buildings and other administrative and operations-based facilities.
- Able to sit; stand; walk up to 7 hours/day.
- Occasionally bend, kneel, squat, use hands and fingers for repetitive motion; climb stairs.
- Ability to maintain control under stress in a fast-paced environment.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive to and from multiple locations in the district
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written.
- Must be able to inspect all areas of school district facilities.
The District strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race; color; creed; religion; sex; age; national origin; ethnicity; marital status; sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity; honorably discharged veteran or military status; the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability; or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other protected classification. Please contact Kyra Gordon for accommodation requests at gordonk@lmsd.org.