Specialist, School Safety

JOB SUMMARY: Provide regional leadership, technical assistance, and staff development to ESC-20 clients in the area of services related to the implementation of school safety requirements and state mandated school and district safety, security, and vulnerability audits.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS/ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Bachelor's degree required from an accredited university; major in criminal justice, safety, or other related field preferred.
• Three years of relevant school, campus, or district level school safety experience required.
• Experience in providing professional development to adult learners both in person and virtually.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong knowledge of Emergency Operating Procedures, safety and security audit processes, and behavioral threat assessments preferred.

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to develop and deliver training to adult learners
• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to independently develop and conduct professional development training that aligns with program data, goals, and objectives.
• Effective job-related skills that model effective integration of technology.
• Proficiency with standard functions within electronic applications such as MS Office (e.g., word processing electronic spreadsheets) and e-mail.
• Proficiency with computers (PCs and/or MACs) to include desktop management, file management and operations, and working in a network environment.
• Exceptions to these requirements will be considered based on exemplary skills, training, and record of success.

PRODUCTS/OUTCOMES

• Provide technical assistance for Local Education Agency (LEA) staff on school safety and security requirements.
• Document, monitor, and report on the services and support provided by the school safety program for ad hoc and annual reporting requirements.
• Collaborate closely with school safety program staff, coordinating and supporting professional development services for the School Safety Cooperative and School Safety Audits.
• Conduct comprehensive LEA vulnerability audits, intruder detection audits, and safety and security audits as required by the State and the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
• Assist in coordinating and tracking school safety audit data as required by the State and TEA.
• Work collaboratively with the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) and city and county partners, fostering relationships and connecting resources for effective school safety and security.
• Work in collaboration with school counseling, school health, and school law enforcement personnel to promote and support school safety initiatives and legislative requirements.
• Provide information regarding current or new state and federal school safety and security program requirements.
• Assist staff in developing projects in areas needing development/expansion.
• Serve as a liaison between LEAs and community resources, and local, state, and federal agencies.
• Work in collaboration with school safety program staff to meet program area requirements and goals.

INITIATIVE

• Demonstrate initiative, persistence, and a proactive approach to assigned responsibilities.
• Demonstrate the use of sound judgement and ingenuity in problem solving to meet the needs of the Center and clients served.
• Seek, participate, and engage in job-related learning and development experiences that provide professional growth.
• Remain current with industry standards, developments, and applicable laws/regulations; implement accordingly.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to new situations and assignments.
• Set challenging goals and reach a high standard of performance despite barriers encountered.
• Perform duties with awareness of broader organizational impact, ensuring actions and decisions support department and organizational success.
• Promote and support continuous improvement and organizational change.
• Work under minimal supervision.

COMMUNICATION/HUMAN RELATIONS

• Model the Principles of Public Service (Policy AD LOCAL).
• Communicate in a timely and effective manner, and interact professionally.
• Build professional relationships with colleagues and clients, maintaining regular interaction to meet shared outcomes.
• Demonstrate self-confidence, professionalism, and a high level of customer service skills (e.g., courtesy, patience, diplomacy, etc.) at all times and, in particular, when under stressful or unprecedented situations while working with colleagues and clients.
• Demonstrate professional-level written and oral communication skills.
• Work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Keep supervisors informed.
• Regularly handle and maintain confidentiality of sensitive communications and information at all times.

SUPERVISION AND ORGANIZATION OF STAFF

None.

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY

• Be aware of and follow Center guidelines of allowable costs when recommending use of public funds for expenditures for supplies, equipment, and facilities in area of assignment.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer, peripherals, copy machine, phone, etc.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional standing, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional heavy lifting/carrying (15-50 pounds).
• Environment: This role primarily operates in an in-person, dynamic office setting, characterized by frequent verbal communication, movement, and collaboration among team members (small to large in-person gatherings/meetings); exposure to low or intense illumination; exposure to office equipment noise; may work prolonged or irregular hours; frequent travel; and, occasional remote work (after pre-determined length of employment).
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Champion and model the Center's Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Service Standards.
• Function within the policies and procedures of ESC-20.
• Accept other responsibilities as assigned.
• Dress and groom appropriately for the ESC-20 work setting.
• Travel independently to fulfill responsibilities of the position.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance, majority in-person/onsite.
• Serve at the will of the Executive Director.

FUNDING

• This position is funded in whole or in part by a federal grant administered under the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) and is subject to the cost principles outlined in 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart E (Uniform Guidance). All costs associated with this position must be allowable, allocable, and reasonable under federal guidelines. The employee is expected to maintain time and effort documentation consistent with federal requirements.

Deadline to apply: October 1, 2026