Police Liaison

The Sanford Housing Authority (SHA) is hiring!  If you are looking to join our team of dynamic professionals who thrive on promoting healthy, safe, sustainable, and affordable housing and community-centric programs, we want to hear from you. We have an immediate need for a Police Liaison. 

As a trusted community relations professional, the Police Liaison fosters partnerships between the SHA, its residents, and local law enforcement to proactively promote safe, secure, and well-connected relationships through community-oriented public safety initiatives, effective communication, collaborative problem-solving, and resident engagement. The annual salary range for this onsite position is $45,500 - $53,000. As a full-time exempt role, the Police Liaison is eligible to participate in SHA's benefits program. 

Retired law enforcement officers are encouraged to apply. The posting will be open until filled.  

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting directly to SHA's Public Safety Manager, the Police Liaison promotes the safety, security, and well-being of residents, staff, visitors, and propertIES owned or managed by the SHA. This role focuses on crime prevention, community engagement, Housing Authority policy enforcement, incident response, and coordination with local law enforcement and emergency services. The Police Liaison is a non-sworn position and does not possess arrest authority unless separately commissioned or authorized by law. By exercising independent judgment. As a visible presence throughout the SHA properties, the Police Liaison contributes to maintaining a high quality of life within public housing communities. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

At a minimum, the Police Liaison will be responsible for successfully carrying out the following essential functions and duties in a professional and timely manner:

• Serve as the primary liaison between the SHA, residents, local law enforcement, and community partners to promote effective communication, collaboration, and community-oriented public safety initiatives.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with residents by addressing public safety concerns, providing information and resources, and fostering trust within Housing Authority communities.
•  Respond to resident concerns, complaints, and quality-of-life issues, utilizing sound judgment to facilitate appropriate resolutions or referrals while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
• Monitor emerging public safety trends and community concerns, making recommendations to the Public Safety Manager regarding opportunities to strengthen resident safety, community partnerships, and crime prevention efforts.
• Coordinate and maintain collaborative working relationships with local law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and other public safety partners to support community safety initiatives and incident response.
• Assist in identifying, documenting, and reporting public safety concerns, suspicious activity, incidents, and potential lease or policy violations to the appropriate Housing Authority personnel or external agencies for follow-up, as appropriate.
• Conduct routine patrols and maintain a visible presence throughout the Housing Authority properties to promote safety, deter inappropriate activity, and strengthen relationships with residents. 
• Provide information and guidance to residents regarding Housing Authority policies, available community resources, safety programs, and appropriate reporting procedures while encouraging voluntary compliance and positive community relationships.
• Participate in community meetings, resident events, educational programs, and crime prevention initiatives designed to enhance resident engagement and improve neighborhood safety.
• Prepare timely, accurate, and objective reports, incident documentation, activity logs, and other required records in accordance with Housing Authority policies and applicable procedures.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High school diploma or equivalent is required. Associate's degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Homeland Security, or a related field is preferred. 

Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of experience in law enforcement, security, military, corrections, public safety, or a related field is required.

*Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered or substituted in place of the education and experience criteria stated above.

Qualifications, Knowledge, & Skills: To be optimally successful in this role, the ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

• Previous experience in law enforcement, public safety, security, community policing, or other closely related experience. 
• Knowledge of community-oriented policing principles, crime prevention strategies, and public safety best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with residents, community organizations, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Hands-on experience with de-escalating conflict, mediating disputes, and resolving sensitive situations in dynamic or high-pressure environments by using sound judgment and professionalism.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and public safety practices relevant to the responsibilities of the Police Liaison position. 
• Valid North Carolina driver's license with a driving record that meets the SHA's insurability requirements.
• Legally eligible to possess and carry a firearm in accordance with applicable federal and North Carolina law and the ability to qualify annually with any authorized duty weapon, if applicable.
• Ability to maintain all required state licenses, certifications, and registrations applicable to the Police Liaison position.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with internal staff and external partners and stakeholders. 
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management capabilities.
• Preferred credentials and experience:
  • Previous law enforcement certification
  • North Carolina Armed Security Guard registration/license
  • Prior work experience in public housing or community-oriented policing environments

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time. Ability to patrol indoor and outdoor areas in various weather conditions. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Visual and auditory acuity and oral expression to perform essential job functions, including observing activity within the housing communities; reading reports, correspondence, and electronic communications; preparing written documentation; communicating effectively with residents, staff, law enforcement personnel, and emergency responders in person, by telephone, or in virtual meetings; and recognizing audible warnings or emergency situations.

BENEFITS

SHA offers a competitive benefits package including the following options: health care (medical, vision, & dental); retirement plan; life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage; education reimbursement; and paid time off.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

The Police Liaison role will work in both office and field environments, with frequent patrols and regular interaction throughout Housing Authority communities, including residential properties, administrative offices, community spaces, and other assigned locations. SHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). The organization's mission is to provide quality and affordable housing to all persons while empowering families, creating a sense of community, and building partnerships.