Library - Safety Associate - Redding Library (full-time)

The Safety Associate helps maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for library patrons, staff, volunteers, and visitors. This position provides a visible and approachable presence throughout the library and focuses on customer service, de-escalation, behavioral concerns, facility safety, and emergency response.

The Safety Associate works closely with library staff and community partners to address safety concerns while supporting the library's commitment to equitable public access.

Position Details

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Non-exempt (hourly)
• $20.00 per hour
• This is an on-site position and is not eligible for remote work.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Patrol library buildings, grounds, parking areas, and public spaces to help maintain a safe environment.
• Monitor entrances, exits, restrooms, meeting rooms, study spaces, and other public areas.
• Respond to behavioral concerns, disturbances, policy violations, and safety incidents.
• Use verbal de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques when addressing difficult situations.
• Enforce the Library Code of Conduct in a fair, consistent, and respectful manner.
• Assist library staff with disruptive patrons and difficult interactions.
• Respond to emergencies, including medical incidents, fire alarms, facility emergencies, and evacuations.
• Coordinate with law enforcement, emergency responders, and community partners when needed.
• Complete clear, accurate, and timely incident reports and other required documentation.
• Welcome patrons and provide directions and general library information.
• Build positive relationships with regular library users.
• Connect patrons experiencing homelessness, mental health concerns, or other challenges with available community resources when appropriate.
• Identify and report maintenance, facility, or safety concerns.
• Perform opening and closing safety inspections.
• Assist with room setups, special events, and crowd management.
• Work collaboratively with library staff during incidents and emergency situations.
• Participate in emergency preparedness training and safety drills.
• Support staff safety training as needed.
• Provide recommendations for improving library safety practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Experience in security, public safety, law enforcement, social services, customer service, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with diverse populations preferred.
• Training or experience in crisis intervention, de-escalation, or conflict resolution preferred.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain certification.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional during stressful, difficult, or emergency situations.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and follow established safety procedures, Library policies, and the Library Code of Conduct.
• Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with patrons, staff, law enforcement, emergency responders, and community partners.
• Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to complete clear, accurate, and timely incident reports.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while regularly patrolling library buildings, grounds, and parking areas.
• Ability to frequently move throughout the facility and respond promptly to incidents in public areas, grounds, and parking areas.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform other physical movements necessary to perform assigned duties.
• Ability to lift and/or move items weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors and may involve varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain.
• Regular interaction with the public, including individuals who may be upset, disruptive, or experiencing behavioral or other challenges.
• May be exposed to stressful, difficult, or emergency situations requiring a calm and professional response.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.