Western Connecticut State University is pleased to announce applications are being accepted for Regional School Safety Coordinators for our Center for School Safety & Crisis Preparation. We currently have five (5) positions – one position for each region: West; North Central; South Central; Northeast; Southeast. These positions will primarily report to an office located within their region. However, they will be required to periodically report to WCSU’s campus for trainings, meetings, etc.
WCSU is committed to enhancing our diverse university community by actively encouraging people with disabilities, members of LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities, veterans, and women to apply. We take pride in our pluralistic community and continue to seek excellence through diversity and inclusion.
The Connecticut Center for School Safety and Crisis Preparation serves as a school crisis and safety resource to schools across the entire state of Connecticut. Specifically, the mission of the Center is to conduct research, training, and offer technical assistance on student resilience, school crisis, trauma-informed schools, and other topics relevant to school safety. The Connecticut Center for School Safety and Crisis Preparation will liaise with leaders and stakeholders throughout the state. More information on the Center can be found at
https://www.wcsu.edu/schoolsafetycenter/
The Regional School Safety Coordinator will take direction from the Director and execute the regional operational initiatives of the Connecticut Center for School Safety and Crisis Preparation. The position requires strong leadership abilities to collaborate with external stakeholders and coordinate with approximately 40 school districts within their region. A primary responsibility involves leading a regional crisis team maintaining congruity with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Dept. of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS). Long-term continuation of this position is contingent upon WCSU receiving additional funding from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP).
- Works with the Director and other staff to develop and maintain a central clearinghouse of curricula and other educational programs which are known to reduce school violence, improve school safety, improve recovery, and improve resiliency for students and staff after a disaster.
- Integrates operations with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in alignment with the Dept. of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) as it relates to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from school incidents.
- Exhibits strong leadership abilities to effectively: Collaborate with school districts in the field to build and maintain relationships; Establish and maintain a regional crisis team in the assigned region of the state; Lead and coordinate the regional crisis team; Activate and coordinate membership for crisis response; Establish monthly meeting schedule and agenda; Debrief incidents; Provide professional development training for team members.
- Provide consultation to school districts within the region on the following: Technical assistance on safety and prevention approaches; Emergency operation planning, training, and exercising in alignment with DEMHS; Threat assessment management and processes for both facility and behavioral assessments.
- Builds collaborative efforts throughout the region with other key stakeholders to achieve the Center’s mission.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in homeland security, law, education mental health, or closely related field is required. A Master’s degree in these fields is preferred. Four (4) years of experience working in a school (ex. teacher, counselor, psychologist, or social worker) or assigned to a school as a School Resource Officer or appropriate school safety background. Relevant certificates from FEMA or closely related agencies specializing in disaster response. A demonstrated record of successful supervisory leadership skills. Knowledge of web technologies and implementing collaborative strategies.
