POSITION TITLE: Director of Public Safety

DEPARTMENT: Public Safety

REPORTS TO: VP of Facilities & Asset Management

DIRECT REPORTS:  Yes

SALARY: $90,000- $95,000 annually

LOCATION: 41st Shelter Site

Join a Legacy of Hope and Empowerment at Covenant House New York!

For over 50 years, Covenant House New York (CHNY) has been at the forefront of transforming lives by providing comprehensive shelter, housing, and wrap-around support services for vulnerable homeless, runaway, and exploited youth. As the largest provider of these essential services in New York City, CHNY impacts the lives of over 1,500 young people aged 16-24 every year.

At CHNY, our doors are open to all young people in need, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. Our dedicated team offers various services, including shelter, housing, education, employment, health, mental health support, youth development, and anti-human trafficking initiatives. We operate with harm reduction and trauma-informed principles to ensure the best care for our youth.

But our mission goes beyond immediate support. We are passionate advocates for systemic change, influencing public policy, and raising awareness of the critical issues surrounding youth homelessness. Our ultimate goal is to provide a safe refuge and empower young people to build a brighter future founded on compassion, unconditional love, and absolute respect.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of countless young people. Join a team that inspires long-term transformation and hope.

 

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Vice President of Facilities and Asset Management, and in collaboration with all other departments, the Director of Public Safety oversees the public safety operations across all Covenant House New York (CHNY) locations, providing administrative and technical leadership to ensure a safe environment for youth, staff, and visitors. The priority of the Director of Public Safety is prevention and de-escalation, utilizing trauma-informed techniques. This position will ensure that public safety staff utilize the least restrictive means necessary to ensure safety and are appropriately responsive in all situations involving a safety concern. This position requires significant in-person presence at CHNY sites in Manhattan and the Bronx. Upon approval, there can be some flexibility for occasional remote work.

 

Duties & Responsibilities

Provide administrative support, oversight, and direction to a diverse group of professionals that comprise the Public Safety team, which operates 24/7, 365 days per

year.

Ensure operational integrity, consistency, and a standard of professionalism among the public Safety team.

Supervise Public Safety personnel to provide effective security for CHNY, including physical security, safety, incident response, alarm response, and visitor control.

Conduct routine site visits to Bronx locations to collect and dispose of contraband and confirm the functionality of any onsite security equipment.

Address day-to-day operations, directing and assessing the work of contract guards assigned.

Develop and effectuate policies that ensure a secure environment across all CHNY locations.

Conduct ongoing reviews of security policies and procedures and recommend best practices related to physical security and general security management.

Provide administrative and logistical support, feedback, and follow-up to administrative staff regarding safety, security, policies, and procedures.

Establish monthly schedules and address any callouts to ensure all posts are appropriately covered.

Establish and monitor security rounds to ensure consistency and proper execution of these routine checks.

Ensure staff is appropriately trained and evaluated and departmental and personnel changes are implemented as approved by the VP of Facilities and Asset Management and Human Resources Department before implementation.

Develop and conduct orientation and in-service training programs for new and current staff.

Conduct random site inspections on all shifts and periodic safety and security audits to identify deficiencies and increase the efficiency of service.

Complete daily reports regarding incidents, site inspections, and audited findings.

Review all incident reports, memos, daily email communication, and logbooks to ensure the accuracy of information and entries.

Schedule, facilitate, and participate in meetings involving CHNY personnel and external stakeholders.

Work with the Director of Facilities and Leasing to ensure all life safety protocols are followed and updated.

Develops, implements, and maintains an Emergency Management Plan that follows all applicable statutes, regulations, latest standards, and guidance.

Oversee emergency and disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts.

Serve as the Incident Commander during emergencies.

Works closely with departments on space safety, crowd control, and other health and safety requirements during event planning and during ongoing events.

Possesses an in-depth understanding of applicable laws, risk management, security procedures, policy, and protocol necessary to inform an immediate and correct response to emergencies in concert with relevant stakeholders. Regularly documents and updates.

Assist with conducting fire drills, tabletop exercises, and staff training for fire safety and emergencies, and prepare written after-action reports.

Responsible for managing the emergency management system and communication on emergencies and crime-related activity

Serve as the primary point for all relevant NYPD precincts.

Ensure accurate follow-up on all CHNY policies and promote a continuous learning culture that focuses on child protection and safety.

Be on call 24/7 for any emergencies.

Serve as the department head in the absence of the Director of Facilities and Leasing.

Makes recommendations on technology upgrades to stay current in safety implementations at all CHNY sites.

Performs other duties as assigned and/or needed.