Job Summary Table of Library Safety Specialist

Job Description Summary

The Library Safety Specialist works collaboratively with Toronto Public Library staff and security guards to create and maintain a safe, welcoming environment for all library users through customer engagement, rule enforcement, relationship building, and situation de-escalation.

Responsibilities

• 🤝 Community Engagement: Using a trauma-informed approach, lead efforts to foster a welcoming and safe environment through ongoing interaction and relationship building with customers, staff, guards, local community agencies, social service providers and police.
• 📋 Policy Communication: Engage with library patrons to explain and enforce the library’s rules of conduct in a compassionate manner while ensuring compliance with all library policies.
• 🛡️ Incident Management: Lead efforts to prevent, mitigate, and respond to incidents through appropriate means such as de-escalation, verbal communications, and coordination with emergency services when necessary.
• 🔄 Best Practices Development: Collaborate with other Library Safety Specialists and the Manager of Welcoming Environment to identify, communicate, and share best practices throughout the Toronto Public Library system.
• 👀 Space Monitoring: Circulate throughout public service areas inside and around the library exterior to monitor and ensure adherence to library rules of conduct.
• 📝 Documentation Management: Support the exclusion process under proper direction, prepare exclusion letters, and ensure all incidents are properly documented in the Incident Reporting Management System (IRMS).
• 🔍 Trend Analysis: Monitor incident reports to identify patterns and develop appropriate interventions to address recurring issues.
• 📚 Staff Training: Assist with onboarding new staff and security guards regarding safety protocols while incorporating and modeling a trauma-informed approach.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary range ($73,491.60 – $82,992.00/Year)
• Full-time permanent position with benefits
• Work in one of Canada’s premier cultural institutions
• Be part of a diverse, equity-focused organization
• Opportunity to make a positive difference in your community
• Professional development opportunities
• Work-life balance with structured schedules

Company Overview

The Toronto Public Library (TPL) is one of the world’s busiest urban public library systems, with 100 branches across the city and over 10 million items in its collection. TPL is dedicated to providing free and equitable access to library services that meet the changing needs of the people of Toronto. The library preserves and promotes universal access to a broad range of human knowledge, experience, information, and ideas in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Company Culture

Toronto Public Library embraces diversity and inclusivity as core values. Staff members work in a collaborative environment where innovation and customer service excellence are celebrated. The organization fosters a culture of continuous learning, professional growth, and mutual respect. TPL is committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

Career Growth Opportunities

This position offers significant growth potential within the Toronto Public Library system. Library Safety Specialists can advance to supervisory roles, specialize in security management, or transition to other departments such as community outreach, public services, or human resources. TPL encourages internal advancement and provides training and development opportunities to help employees achieve their career goals.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The Toronto Public Library is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of its operations. TPL recognizes the importance of having a workforce that reflects the diverse communities it serves and actively works to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. The library’s policies and programs are designed to eliminate barriers and promote equal opportunities for all employees and patrons.

Equal Opportunity Statement

TPL invites applications from all qualified individuals. The Library is committed to equal opportunity, diversity in the workplace, equity and reconciliation, and welcomes applications from Indigenous people, Black and racialized groups, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ people and women. Upon request, accommodation will be provided through all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

Remote Work Policy

This Library Safety Specialist position requires regular on-site presence at the Toronto Reference Library and potentially other branches within the Albion/Maria A. Shchuka/York Woods area. The nature of the role necessitates physical presence to monitor library spaces, interact with patrons, and respond to situations as they arise. While some administrative tasks may be completed remotely, the core responsibilities require in-person engagement.

Work Schedule

The Library Safety Specialist will work 35 hours per week on a rotating schedule that includes:

Week 1: – Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM – Tuesday: 12:30 PM – 8:30 PM – Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM – Thursday: Off – Friday: 12:30 PM – 8:30 PM – Saturday: Off

Week 2: – Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM – Tuesday: 12:30 PM – 8:30 PM – Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM – Friday: 12:30 PM – 8:30 PM – Saturday: Off

Qualifications for Library Safety Specialist Position

To be successful in this role, candidates should possess:

• Minimum of three years’ experience working in community mental health and/or crisis intervention, or experience in a related field
• Post-secondary education in a related field, or equivalent combination of relevant experience and education
• Demonstrated understanding and practical application of trauma-informed approaches
• Experience working with marginalized communities, including individuals facing mental health challenges, addiction issues, homelessness, or precarious housing
• Strong empathy and communication skills, with the ability to enforce rules compassionately and consistently
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and effectively de-escalate tense situations
• Understanding of library principles regarding access, privacy, inclusion, and equitable service
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion in alignment with the Ontario Human Rights Code
• Self-motivation and good judgment when working independently
• Basic knowledge of mental health disorders and addictions
• Education and/or experience in conflict de-escalation and harm reduction approaches
• First Aid, CPR, and AED certification (or ability to obtain)
• Strong relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders

Application Process

1. Review the job posting carefully and ensure you meet the qualifications
2. Prepare your resume and cover letter highlighting relevant experience
3. Submit your application through the provided application link
4. If selected, participate in the assessment process (accommodation available upon request)
5. Complete a Vulnerable Sector Police Reference Check if offered the position

Application Deadline

Info not available

How to Apply

To apply for this Library Safety Specialist position, please submit your application through the LinkedIn job posting. For additional information about the position or the application process, you may contact the Toronto Public Library Human Resources department.

Social Media Links

For more information about Toronto Public Library, visit their LinkedIn profile.

FAQs about the Library Safety Specialist Position

Q: What is a trauma-informed approach?
A: A trauma-informed approach recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery. It recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others. This approach responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices, and actively works to prevent re-traumatization.

Q: Will I need to travel between library branches?
A: Yes, this position requires the ability to visit or work from multiple sites across Toronto, with a base location to be determined in the Albion/Maria A. Shchuka/York Woods area.

Q: Is a police background check required?
A: Yes, the successful applicant will be required to provide a current Vulnerable Sector Police Reference Check.

Q: Are there opportunities for advancement within the Toronto Public Library system?
A: Yes, TPL encourages professional development and internal advancement for qualified candidates. There are opportunities to grow within the safety and security department or transition to other areas within the library system.

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