Safety & Emergency Communication Specialist

Overview of Position This position's responsibilities are to evaluate and initiate responses to emergency and non-emergency calls from schools, community and district offices, serve as a resource to schools, community and district offices to interpret and provide information on safety procedures, record and maintain database information as deemed necessary to provide statistical information and to track emergency, non-emergency and safety issues for the purpose of improving services and maintaining safe environments for students, parents, staff and for anyone who visits or uses a district site. Take staff attendance, dispatch staff to Emergency calls, assign staff to fill in absentee and extracurricular activity. Essential Functions Works together with Safety & Security administration to develop safe and responsive protocols for emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance and information; develops a priority protocol and a list of appropriate contacts and/or appropriate actions. Processes emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance from schools, district administrators and staff, community and public members regarding incidents and or safety issues related to school district buildings, events, activities, staff and students; makes determinations regarding priorities and follows established protocols regarding appropriate action, including contacting or dispatching appropriate resources, and coordinating responses with other emergency responders. Serves as a resource to schools, community members, district office administrators and staff to interpret and provide information on safety procedures; acts as a liaison with other department and District staff, outside agencies, community groups and the public; organize and maintain documents, records and files; enters and maintains database information and retrieves statistical information as requested. Receives and screens calls, visitors and correspondence; responds to inquiries independently and makes appropriate referrals; ensures follow-up on inquiries, requests and referrals; understands and applies emergency prioritization and classification of referrals. Maintains knowledge of District and department policies as they pertain to Safety & Security issues, practices and procedures; interprets policies, practices and procedures for staff and the public; may make presentations and attend staff meetings to share safety procedures, as appropriate. Monitors and evaluates effectiveness of emergency/non-emergency responses and safety procedures; recommends improvements; works with department staff to train and explain safety and response procedures; works with assigned staff to coordinate and prioritize assignments during peak periods and for special projects. Maintains liaison with local criminal investigative agencies to provide information on student data and district sites using existing District databases, as permitted by confidentiality rules and regulations; maintains confidentiality of sensitive material and information, in compliance with applicable rules and regulations. Compiles, analyzes and summarizes data and information as required; inputs, maintains and audits data and information; gathers and organizes information and materials for meetings and management decision-making; oversees flow of correspondence, reports, and information generated by the office and ensures compliance with timelines; ensures that information is shared with the alarm office, personnel working all shifts and other personnel as deemed necessary. Maintains and monitors various departmental budgets and assigned fiscal accounts; processes expenditures in accordance with established procedures; reviews expenditure records and status reports; corrects inaccuracies and reconciles differences; coordinates budget revisions and other budget documentation; complies fiscal and statistical reports as required; processes all purchasing requirements for department needs. Other Functions Attends or participates in any required staff or other meetings as well as activities deemed necessary for the department; may drive to schools or other sites, as needed. Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position. Reporting Relationships Reports to the Manager of Safety & Security or his/her designee; provides lead direction to assigned staff and/or during peak periods and/or for projects; provides training on safety procedures; shares information with department staff and other agency staff. Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of large organizations and an understanding of organizational charts, and policies and procedures Collaborative problem‑solving techniques Practices and principles of emergency response and crisis intervention Computer database management and applications Office management and records maintenance Efficient workflow management as it is applied to office procedures Skill in oral and written communications Problem‑solving and crisis management Time management Correct grammar, spelling and English language both for writing and speaking Keyboarding and auditing accuracy Providing effective customer service Operating general office equipment, including telephones and computers Planning and organization Editing and proofreading Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and follow confidentiality rules and regulations regarding release of information Analyze and synthesize information for reports Operate a computer, cameras, and communications (ie Radio) equipment Learn and use computer applications for word processing, spreadsheets, email, database management etc., set up and maintain filing systems Coordinate and schedule events Resolve problems Attend to detail and follow tasks through to completion Work under pressure and meet deadlines Take individual initiative and accept responsibility Coordinate multiple activities simultaneously Assist with budget administration Adapt to change and remain flexible Establish and maintain effective working relations with District staff and administrators, students, parents/guardians, community members, outside agencies and the public in a multicultural community Working Environment Work involves sensitive telephone contact with members of the school community who may be emotional, hostile, unstable or physically or mentally distraught; requires ability to remain calm and respond to emergency calls and inquiries effectively and sensitively; requires mental concentration; required to shift tasks and priorities; experiences frequent interruptions; requires adaptability and flexibility; requires initiative and teamwork; may represent District on potentially sensitive or controversial matters; required to de‑escalate tense situations and communicate clearly with and be sensitive to the needs of diverse audiences; requires excellent listening skills. Conditions The preceding list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplanted as necessary. Education High school diploma or GED Experience Two (2) years of increasingly responsible work experience in communications, as an emergency responder and/or working in an organization to provide communication and problem‑solving support for safety and security services. Substitution Two (2) additional years of applicable work experience in an organization that provides safety and security services for a large public or private organization may substitute for the education requirement. Professional certificates in a related field may be considered to count towards the education requirement on a month‑to‑month basis. Certifications & Licenses FEMA Course Certification: National Incident Management (IS700) Certificate, IS100 Certificate, Leadership and Influence (IS240); Current CPR and First Aid Certificates; Valid State of Washington Driver's License or evidence of equivalent mobility. Clearances Criminal Justice fingerprint background clearance. Benefits Seattle Public Schools benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Eligibility for benefits is determined by the number of hours employees are anticipated to work during the school year (September 1 through August 31). Any employee who is scheduled to work 630 hours or more in a year is eligible for benefits. Salary Schedule Please find the salary schedule associated with this role and others like it. #J-18808-Ljbffr Seattle Public Schools