Safety Specialist at Arapahoe Libraries

SAFETY SPECIALIST, ARAPAHOE LIBRARIES

WHERE SAFETY AND SERVICE MEET

Are you calm under pressure, decisive, and committed to serving with empathy and professionalism? Do you value creating safe, welcoming spaces where every patron feels respected? Arapahoe Libraries is seeking a Safety Specialist to provide a steady, visible presence across our locations, combining exceptional customer service with safety awareness. In this role, you will help protect facilities, support staff, and ensure patrons feel secure while enjoying all the library has to offer. You will focus on patron support, safety monitoring, incident prevention, and facility protection, helping our libraries remain trusted, inclusive spaces for learning and connection.

About the Role

The Safety Specialist works across multiple Arapahoe Libraries locations, supporting a diverse community of patrons and staff. You will engage with patrons, answer questions, and foster a respectful environment. Responsibilities include monitoring buildings and grounds, responding to situations with a de-escalation mindset, and documenting events with accuracy and discretion. You will partner with staff and external agencies to maintain secure facilities and promote a culture of safety district-wide while preserving each branch's welcoming atmosphere.

NOTE: This position follows a Sunday-Thursday schedule and will include two closing shifts per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Greet patrons, answer questions, and provide friendly, approachable assistance
• Monitor patron behavior, enforce library policies, and build rapport with patrons and staff
• Patrol library buildings and grounds to ensure safety and address concerns promptly
• Identify and address situations promptly, prioritizing de-escalation and patron support
• Secure facilities, monitor safety systems, and respond to incidents as needed
• Document events clearly and discreetly while supporting staff and external partners

What You'll Bring

Calm Under Pressure: Maintains composure and makes sound decisions in urgent or high-stress situations.

Strong Communication: Connects effectively with patrons from all backgrounds and handles challenging conversations with empathy and clarity.

De-escalation and Trauma-Informed Approach: Resolves conflicts respectfully, using techniques that consider emotional and psychological needs.

Discretion and Integrity: Protects sensitive information and consistently makes ethical decisions.

Flexibility and Mobility: Adapts to changing priorities and travels between locations as needed.

Equity-Focused Perspective: Serves diverse communities with respect, inclusivity, and cultural awareness.

Alignment with Core Values: Embodies Arapahoe Libraries' commitment to collaboration, equity, and innovation.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 6 months to 2 years of experience in safety, law enforcement, or customer service, ideally in a public or community setting (such as a school or domestic abuse shelter)
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure and in emergency situations
• Ability to patrol facilities for extended periods
• Reliable transportation and availability for evening and weekend shifts
• Ability to work with diverse populations in a respectful, inclusive manner
• Ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, and AED certification within 90 days of hire
• Comfort with Microsoft 365 tools (Outlook, Word, Excel) and eagerness to learn safety-related technology such as security monitoring systems or incident reporting software

Preferred:

• Current certification in CPR, First Aid, and AED
• Experience working in public-facing or community-centered environments

Who We Are

At Arapahoe Libraries, we are a forward-thinking, inclusive organization committed to enriching lives and strengthening our community. Guided by our core values of collaboration, equity, and innovation, we believe in the power of curiosity and lifelong learning. Our motto, "Let's Find Out," reflects our spirit of exploration and shared discovery.

Let's Find Out Together

This is more than a safety role. It's an opportunity to protect the heart of thriving community spaces while fostering a respectful, inclusive atmosphere for all. If you are ready to combine vigilance with compassion, structure with service, and presence with purpose, we want to hear from you. Apply today to become a trusted presence in your community.

Inclusion and diversity are part of our values at Arapahoe Libraries. Qualified applicants who can support the communities we serve are encouraged to apply.