Program Specialist I, School Safety Review

This is a fully grant-funded position. Employment is contingent on annual grant funding.

Classification: Admin/Prof

Exemption Status/Test: Exempt

Job Grade: 4

Department: Office of Emergency Management & School Safety

Reports To: Director

Job Goal:

Conduct comprehensive Intruder Detection Audits (IDAs) at school campuses across Region 4, liaising with Superintendents and law enforcement to ensure smooth coordination and communication throughout the process. Additionally, the Program Specialist I, School Safety Review provides expert guidance and support to Region 4 customers in implementing robust emergency operation plans and security measures and staying abreast of evolving regulations and best practices to deliver top-notch services, professional development, and technical assistance in the areas of school safety and emergency management.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

• Six years of experience in school or public safety may be substituted in lieu of the degree requirement

Requirements

• Must have a reliable personal vehicle available to travel to and from campuses where audits are conducted

• Valid Texas driver's license and at least the minimum automobile insurance coverage required by law

Experience

• 4 years of experience in the field of school safety
• 4 years of experience in meeting and interfacing with professional staff and leadership

Certification

• Safety and Security Audits from TxSSC
• Multi-Hazard Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) from TxSSC

Special Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of Incident Command and Unified Command procedures

• Knowledge of safety codes, policies, and guidelines

• Skill in interpreting law, policy, and procedures in the area of school safety

• Skill in performing school safety audits

• Demonstrated skill in collecting and analyzing data to inform decision-making

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

• Detail-oriented with keen observation skills

• Ability to input data accurately and expediently within an electronic database

• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to plan and prioritize

• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions with minimal direction and follow-up needed

• Thrives in a fast-paced environment and can learn quickly and assimilate many details

• Proficient with computers to include desktop management, file management, working in a network environment, and using Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and Outlook

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of program materials and information

• Self-motivated to ensure high levels of quality, professionalism, and effectiveness

Major Responsibilities:

• Upon receiving campus assignments, complete the following pre-work tasks:

• Contact the Superintendent by phone about an Intruder Detection Audit (IDA) at one or more district campuses within the upcoming month.

• Request information for the Primary Law Enforcement contact for the district.

• Inform the Superintendent that during the IDA event, the campus weekly door sweep documentation and district written policy or administrative guidelines that classroom doors must be closed and locked will be reviewed.

• Inform the Superintendent of the need for a campus staff member to escort and assist with completing exterior and classroom door audits.

• Inform the Superintendent that the Notice of Intruder Detection Audit with general findings will be provided to the campus administrator with the obligation to get it to the Superintendent.

• Contact the Law Enforcement jurisdiction and request that they notify all other law enforcement in the area about the pending IDA.

• Conduct Intruder Detection Inspections on assigned campuses and document results of Phases 1, 2, and 3 on the Intruder Detection Audit Paper form and the summary on the Notice of Intruder Detection form.

• Provide the campus contact with the original copy of the Notice of Intruder Detection form and retain a copy of the form for the Portal report.

• Upload the copy of the Intruder Detection Audit paper form and Notice of Intruder Detection form and complete the Onsite Intruder Detection form in the TxSSC Portal the same day as completion of the IDA.

• Remain current with program standards and regulations.

• Develop and provide Region 4 customers with support and guidance in implementing multi-hazard emergency operation plans.

• Collaborate with Region 4 customers in establishing and maintaining school safety and security committees.

• Administer safety and security audits for Region 4 customers.

• Conduct emergency school drills and exercises for Region 4 customers and Region 4 ESC staff.

• Serve as a member of the Regional Education Service Center's School Safety Review Team.

• Develop, present, and facilitate effective professional development sessions.

• Design customized product solutions and services and provide technical assistance relating to school safety, emergency management, and other security matters.

• Maintain knowledge and skills in the areas of emergency management and school safety by engaging in ongoing professional development.

• Remain informed of any changes in state and federal rules, regulations, and policies related to emergency management and school safety.

• Provide consultation and leadership in planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating professional development and services in the areas of emergency management and school safety.

• Conduct ongoing needs assessments, collect feedback from both internal and external customers, and analyze data to inform decision-making regarding future services and products.

• Establish and cultivate communication networks between Region 4 and key Region 4 customer personnel.

• Collaborate with the Region 4 Emergency Management & School Safety Committee to ensure coordination and alignment of services in support of the vision that every child is safe, healthy, and connected.

• Lead or assist in the planning, development, and coordination of special project activities.

• Provide technical assistance and services as specified by any applicable federal or state grants that fund this position.

Supervision/Personnel Management

None

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/ Mental Demands:

Frequent use of standard office equipment; prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting; repetitive hand motions (keyboarding and use of mouse); occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 20 pounds); may work prolonged and irregular hours; occasional statewide travel; work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure.