Safety Specialist

Salary: $56,271.60 - $80,000.00 Annually
Location : Central Services, Ashland, VA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 04140
Department: Central Services
Opening Date: 09/10/2026


Description
General Responsibilities:

Serves as the school division's Safety Specialist, works in conjunction with the Emergency Manager to perform a wide variety of duties related to school safety and security, emergency readiness and response, crisis planning, and related work as required;


Essential Duties:

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Assists the Emergency Manager (EM) for Hanover County Public Schools;
• Supports in managing the division's emergency and crisis management readiness and response;
• Collaborates with administrative staff to ensure a safe learning and working environment;
• Works cooperatively with public safety authorities on all matters affecting school safety;
• Provides guidance and supervision in the safety and security of schools;
• Alternate contact for all school related emergencies and responds as appropriate;
• Collaborates with Hanover County Risk Management
• Participates in safety drills;
• Assists school-level administrators in completing their annual crisis plans;
• Supports in the development, implementation, and maintenance of a comprehensive School Safety Audit program;
• Assists to ensure coordination of records management and corrective actions are taken in response to the fire marshal Inspections, sprinkler system inspections, fire alarm inspections, sheriff's office school safety assessment;
• Collaborates with EM to plan and administer safety training sessions for the school system;
• Works with school administrators to develop and review family reunifications plans in the event of a critical incident resulting in evacuation;
• Works with school administrators to develop and review shelter identification in the event of a severe weather emergency;
• Works with EM to advise senior staff on weather related matters;
• Participates in school-level, division-level threat assessments;
• Investigates traffic related concerns, on or near HCPS property;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: KSA's, Education
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Working knowledge of the Hanover County Public Schools policies and procedures; regulations and notices governing school facilities. Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of safety administration.


Demonstrated ability to plan, implement and monitor school safety programs; to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a diversified audience and all levels within and outside the division; to establish and maintain harmonious relationships with department heads, administrators, community partners, governmental agencies, and the public; to make effective, professional presentations to groups of varying size; to present recommendations clearly and concisely; to develop long-term crisis plans; to interpret and apply guidelines and regulations; to plan and facilitate effective employee training; to use automated applications including spreadsheets, database software, and web-based applications.

Must be able to prioritize work schedules; exercise independent judgment in the performance of duties; maintain accurate records; analyze situations/ recognize potential problems/ and recommend appropriate solutions.


Education and Experience:

Required: Graduation from high school with a minimum of five years of experience or education in law enforcement/emergency management; familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations to maintain all necessary records and documentation in school safety; Completion of basic Incident Command System training to include ICS 100, ICS-700, and ICS-362. Possession of a valid VA driver's license.


Preferred: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college. Working experience in school systems or public entities.


A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Terms of Employment
Location: Central Office

Work Schedule: 12M - 261 Days - 8 Hours

Salary Scale: Uniform

FLSA Status : Non-Exempt

Physical requirements and Disclaimer
Physical Conditions:

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Work is regularly performed in an office setting. Work may require the ability to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, and requires the ability to reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, grasp, and perform repetitive motions for an extended period of time. Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs. Travel between school locations.
Please visit for more information on our competitive benefits package. If you have further questions about your benefit status, please contact your recruiter.


The Hanover County School Board does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, disability or national origin in its employment practices or educational programs and activities. The Director for Special Education is designated as coordinator for non-discrimination for access to and implementation of programs under Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources is designated as coordinator for non-discrimination regarding personnel matters under Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To contact Hanover County Public Schools by phone, you may call View phone number on click.appcast.io.