Security Guard

$19.00 to $22.00 / hour

Position Summary

Children’s Aid is looking for a part-time Security Guard to support safety and security at its community centers. The Security Guard serves as a safety professional responsible for maintaining a secure, respectful, and professional environment for youth, families, staff, visitors, and community partners. As one of the first people youth, families, staff, visitors, and community partners encounter, the Security Guard helps preserve the warm, respectful, and community-centered environment of the center while consistently carrying out all required security responsibilities. The role is responsible for monitoring entrances and exits, cameras and door access where applicable, conducting interior and exterior patrols, observing and reporting concerns, supporting emergency operations, and following Children’s Aid security protocols. The incumbent will understand and promote the organization’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with the functions of the position.

Children’s Aid Mission

To help children in poverty to succeed and thrive. We do this by providing comprehensive support to children and their families in targeted high-needs New York City neighborhoods. Children’s Aid annually serves children and their families at over 40 sites in New York, as well as through three national program models. Children’s Aid is concentrating its efforts on creating cradle-through-college pathways in high-need neighborhoods, with a focus on children’s health, family stability, education, and social and emotional development.

Culture and Values

We put children, youth, and families first: We listen to and incorporate the voices of children, youth and families in all that we do.


We seek equity and transformation in our communities : We courageously work within and outside systems to create opportunities for children, youth and families.

We strive for excellence : We hold ourselves to the highest standards and are committed to continuous learning and improvement.

We are powered by collaboration : Our work is stronger when we trust, partner, and respect each other and the communities we serve.

We are driven by compassion: We lead with kindness, care, and empathy and believe in the endless potential of the people we serve and our team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Safety, Security, and Emergency Response

• Continuously manage and monitor the entrances and exits of the facility and maintain awareness of activity in the lobby, reception area, stairwells, and other assigned areas.
• Monitor cameras, door access, visitor check-in systems, and other security systems used at the assigned center.
• Conduct regular and unpredictable foot patrols of the interior and immediate exterior perimeter, checking for trespassers, vandalism, suspicious activity, hazards, or signs of intrusion and ensuring doors, windows, and gates are secure.
• Observe activities and promptly report irregularities, hazards, facility issues, misconduct, or suspicious circumstances through the established center and Security Operations reporting structure.
• Respond to emergencies and crisis situations as directed; contact police, EMS, or the fire department when required by protocol or immediate circumstances.
• Know the location and operation of fire alarms, first-aid supplies, firefighting equipment, and other safety equipment.
• Serve as an active member of the emergency response team and participate in fire drills, evacuation, lockdown, shelter in, and other emergency procedures.
• Provide calm, professional support during conflicts or disruptive behavior, using de-escalation approaches and seeking program or emergency support as appropriate.
• Submit a Children’s Aid Reportable Event for equipment or property damage, theft, unauthorized persons, unusual occurrences, violent or critical incidents, and other security or safety incidents, in accordance with agency requirements.
• Follow the day-to-day direction of the Center Director or designee and the security-specific protocols, coaching, and direction of Security Operations leadership.
• Maintain a professional and approachable appearance and comply with the uniform or identification standard established for center-based security staff.
• Maintain accurate incidents, visitor, patrol, and other required records.

Visitor Access and Screening

• Create a positive first impression while maintaining all visitor management and access-control requirements, including issuing visitor passes, and checking visitors out where applicable.
• Partner with center leadership and program staff during arrival, dismissal, family events, high-traffic periods, and other activities to support a safe and welcoming environment.
• Use age-appropriate communication when interacting with the different communities served by the center.
• Maintain a visible and approachable presence so that community members experience security as supportive, fair, and integrated into the center team.
• Demonstrates respect, awareness, and adaptability when interacting with people whose backgrounds, experiences, communication styles, abilities, or needs may differ from their own.
• Applies security policies consistently and fairly while using respectful communication, sound judgment, and de-escalation to create a safe and welcoming environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Professional Development:

• Participate in offered trainings and workshops such as Active Shooter, De-escalation, CPR/AED and all other trainings offered.
• Maintain certification requirements (NYS DOS security licensing) and provide proof of attendance/certification in all professional training/activities.

Health and Safety:

• Adhere to all state and city licensing requirements.
• Maintain a healthy and safe environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Active NYS DOS Security License.
  
  • 8 hour certification required.
  • 16 hour certification must be obtained within 90 days of hire.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Good verbal and written skills.
• Basic Microsoft Office Suite computer skills required, particularly email and calendar and E-Visitor check-in systems.

Key Competencies

• Effective communication skills.
• Professional approach; resourceful, dependable and approachable.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred but not required.
• Current and up to date CPR/AED certification helpful.
• Flexible, on-time and regular attendance necessary.

It is the policy of Children's Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children's Aid will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children’s Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.


Children’s Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children’s Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.


The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.