Armed Public Safety Officer

Description : Department : PUBLIC SAFETY

Reports To : Captain of Public Safety

FLSA Status : Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

Public Safety Officers are primarily tasked with the enforcement of Authority regulations and policies related to the enhancement of safety within or upon Authority facilities, pertinent to Low-Income Public Housing (PH), Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), as well as work areas controlled by Authority staff. This function includes but is not limited to facilitating the enforcement of laws, statutes, and ordinances, by sworn-official, Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement personnel that legally perform law enforcement functions within the physical areas of the Authority span of control. The overriding goal is to work in partnership with residents, staff, and stakeholders to promote a safe and harmonious environment within and upon Authority facilities and properties.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The duties listed below illustrate of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements regarding duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment in association with this position. Undertakes and performs the following and all other work-related duties as assigned.

• Safeguards residents, employees, and assigned areas including buildings, equipment, and property by patrolling in and around Authority premises including parking areas before, during, and after business hours as assigned on foot or vehicle.
• Conducts follow up investigations into allegations of illegal activity, Authority lease violations, HCV violations, disturbances, trespass, as well as the enforcement of civil / administrative Authority policy violations or directives.
• Aides Authority employees as necessary upon request that are specific to safety and security concerns.
• Serves as mediator for Authority property management to make decisions whether to ban violators of both Authority policies or relevant governmental ordinances, statutes, and laws from Authority properties.
• Sponsors or facilitates public safety relevant community events or Authority sanctioned events that occur on Authority property.
• Aides the legal department, Authority staff, and state courts during the eviction process, to include legally aiding assigned law enforcement officials during court ordered evictions.
• Responds to requests for assistance to any safety or security incidents or concerns that occur on or within Authority properties; establish positive problem-solving partnerships with residents, Authority staff, law enforcement, and any stakeholders of interest.
• Writes timely and accurate reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences, by recording observations, information, occurrences, and surveillance activities. Generates a report on a monthly basis on all security activities.
• Notifies department supervisor of suspected illegal activity on Authority property and reports hazardous and unusual conditions or malfunctions observed.
• May assist with crowd control and patrol at development events or emergencies.
• Escorts people / property to desired destination when monies, documents or safety of property or persons are a concern.
• Prevents loss and damage by reporting irregularities and informing persons of rule infractions or violations and apprehends or evicts violators from Authority premises.
• Identifies, observes, and questions persons on Authority property when the reasons for their presence or intentions are questionable.
• Calls police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire, of the presence of unauthorized personnel. Reports undesirable activities to police and requests assistance if necessary.
• Conducts legal criminal background investigations on every applicant for federal housing benefits, as well as special assigned investigations as directed.
• Appears as a witness in the Authority's administrative grievance procedure, civil dispossessory hearings, or other civil or court proceedings where the issue includes criminal or quasi-criminal conduct in or near public housing developments involving any resident, member of a resident's household, or any guest or guests of a resident or household member.
• Circulates among visitors, residents, and employees when appropriate to preserve order and protect property.
• Maintains rapport with local law enforcement, civil defense, and first-aid agencies by establishing personal contact and cooperating to resolve situations.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies as appropriate.
• Maintains accessibility and professional demeanor with residents to ensure resident confidence in discussing or reporting issues of concern.
• Assists in developing or enhancing crime prevention programs.
• Ensures that all authorized for duty weapons are stored and maintained in a safe manner and is in a secure location at all times.
• All Authorized for duty weapons are to be securely stored and protected from unauthorized access when not being carried.
• Maintains familiarity and knowledge of all Authority, HUD / governmental related polices, directives, and guidelines associated or relevant to Authority public safety and security.
• Remains available for event call out during times beyond normal duty hours (to include weekends, holidays). Willing to work occasional flexible hours as directed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The employee receives instructions from the Captain of Public Safety. Normally, the employee plans and carries out work activities with minimal supervision and independently resolves problems that arise. The employee receives specific instructions when complaints are brought to the attention of the supervisor; and when the supervisor is contacted by the employee for direction. The employee's work is reviewed for conformity to organizational policies and attainment of objectives. The employee has no supervisory duties.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Behavioral Competencies

This position requires the incumbent to exhibit the following behavioral skills or attributes :

Job Knowledge : Exhibits requisite knowledge, skills, education, and abilities to perform the position effectively. Demonstrates knowledge of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, operational entities, requirements, and activities as they apply to the assigned organizational entity of the Authority. Uses appropriate judgment & decision making in accordance with level of responsibility.

Commitment : Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard / smart to achieve them; strives for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and brings issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition. Commits to excellence in work and behavior.

Customer Service : Meets / exceeds the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identifies, understands, monitors, and measures the needs of both internal and externals stakeholders; talks and acts with the stakeholder in mind. Recognizes co-workers, residents, and guest as valued stakeholders. Understands and demonstrates professionalism, with an attitude indicative of service above self. Is willing to help others without hesitation or resistance. Displays a high degree of professional maturity and emotional intelligence.

Effective Communication : Ensures important information is passed to those who need to know; conveys necessary information clearly and effectively orally or in writing. Demonstrates attention to, and conveys understanding of, the comments and questions of others; listens effectively, and can follow lawful instructions from superiors in a manner that is free of behavior that displays hostility, negativity, or insubordination. Can interact with others professionally and impartially.

Initiative : Proactively seeks solutions to resolve unexpected challenges. Actively assists others without formal / informal direction. Possesses the capacity to learn and actively seeks developmental feedback. Applies feedback for continued growth by mastering concepts needed to perform work. Seeks positive solutions to problems and is results driven. If in doubt as to duty related activities, will respectfully seek clarity from their superior director.

Responsiveness and Accountability : Demonstrates a high level of conscientiousness; holds oneself personally responsible for one's own work; does fair share of work. Is willing to assist others as necessary to meet and exceed organizational expectations. Can work positively, responsibly, and legally with minimal supervision. Respects self and others.

Teamwork : Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; supports everyone's efforts to succeed. Is committed to working collaboratively with others to accomplish positive outcomes. Is willing to promote and share in the success of others. Displays a pleasant demeanor and positive disposition.

Job Competencies