School Safety Specialist

Date Posted: May 20, 2024

Requisition ID: 443978

Location:

Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion—we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.

About the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE):

The Indiana Department of Education provides innovative support to Indiana schools, teachers, students, and parents. We proactively work with educators, policymakers, business leaders, and community-based organizations to build student success. Our strategic priorities include:

• Delivering quality, purposeful educational opportunities for each student

• Elevating and supporting Indiana’s educators

• Increasing partnerships and delivering aligned, effective, and efficient support

  Salary:

  This position traditionally starts at an annual salary of $59,800. Salary for this position may be commensurate with education and job experience.

Role Overview :

The School Safety Specialist travels the state reviewing school safety plans, conducting on-site surveys, identifying possible gaps in safety plans, and offering resources that support the development, implementation, and enhancement of an all-hazards school safety plan. When site visits are disrupted by school breaks, weather, and testing, your focus will be on training and information sharing. Activities will include:

• Assisting with, and participating in, the Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy (ISSSA) training, independent study programs, and webinars.

• Meetings with other government agencies (Indiana Department of Homeland Security, State Police, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute), and training with Indiana’s first responder community.

• Establishing and maintaining partnerships with other agencies to promote a multi-disciplined response to the natural and man-made threats that our schools face

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Conduct a minimum of 50 school safety plan reviews and site surveys within the school year.

• Review school safety plans and provide resources that support the development, implementation, and enhancement of preferred safety practices so schools can provide safe educational environments for all students.

• Implement the review process by generating a randomized list of school corporations, sending letters, setting appointments, conducting onsite meetings, touring facilities, and providing needed resources.

• Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to school corporations.

• Implement strategic action plans to address program gaps and opportunities.

• Prepare and disseminate reports on program effectiveness.

• Ensure program requirements adhere to federal and state policies and grant compliance.

• Assist in the training and development of education system employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage.

• Serve as a liaison between IDOE and other state and federal agencies.

• Gather feedback from schools regarding safety concerns/trends, training needs, and potential speakers all of which influence future training topics.

• Participate in Indiana School Safety Special Academy (ISSSA) training, onsite school safety drills, webinars, independent study programs, meetings, and trainings with other agencies to develop successful partnerships.

• Communicate with school safety specialists to build a rapport by answering questions, providing resources, and offering assistance with issues that arise on a daily basis.

• Maintain a database of school corporations visited, resources provided to corporations in a follow-up email, and resources from schools, offered to ISSSA that can be shared with other corporations.

  The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

What You'll Need for Success:

• A bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of experience in a related field of study or expertise, OR 6+ years of experience in a related field of expertise.

• Specialized knowledge of K-12 educational systems obtained through experience and/or education. Experience working in a K-12 school environment is strongly preferred.

• Extensive knowledge of all source materials and references including federal and state laws governing safety programs.

• Ability to develop and implement new processes and approaches and discern any far-reaching implications.

• Ability to communicate effectively to a wide audience including agency staff, school officials, law enforcement, first responders, national experts, government officials, and the public.

• Ability to analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Ability to make independent decisions within IDOE guidelines and to perform duties without the need for direct supervision.

• Establishes priorities to maintain workflow, meet deadlines and ensure proper completion of all travel requests.

• Possesses strong organizational skills and is detail-oriented.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) database management.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities

• Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid new parent leave

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

  Equal Employment Opportunity:

  The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.

  If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [email protected] .

  The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.

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