Manager - Public Safety

Job Function

The primary purpose of this position is to provide leadership to all security staff and manage community safety operations and activities of the Omaha Housing Authority. The Public Safety Manager is responsible for the design and implementation of the community policing program and other community safety programs and initiatives to

meet the safety needs of residents, staff and all facility operations.

This position works to coordinate security protection activities and services at all OHA properties and collaborates with local law enforcement agencies on all issues relating to resident safety and security.

Essential Functions

• Supervise and implement residential crime prevention programs. Plans, monitors, and schedules all security activities at OHA properties. Maintains a dynamic schedule based upon needs.
• Responsible for the creation of department-wide policies and procedures related to public safety, including training and implementation.
• Responsible for developing a weekly schedule of patrols based upon the activity and needs of each site.
• Supervise and evaluate work performance of security personnel, including officers and dispatch staff. Interview applicants and makes recommendations regarding hiring, termination and disciplinary action. Conducts staff training and professional development, regular performance evaluation of public safety staff.
• Implement and maintain proper record keeping systems on OHA security management, including review of incident reports and actions taken by staff Leads and facilitates debriefing and critique sessions following an emergency or incident to evaluate procedures.
• Submit reports monthly to the Director of Operations. This includes the development of action plans as needed.
• Identifies safety problem areas and recommends corrective action as appropriate; implements necessary changes.
• Recommend to the OHA Property Management and legal staff course of action to legally prosecute crimes or violations of law or regulations occurring on OHA property.
• Assist Property Management in investigation of lease violations and criminal activity occurring on OHA property for the purpose of lease termination notices and eviction actions.
• Investigate and conduct informal inquiries on matters of alleged criminal wrongdoing or violations of OHA regulations and refers such substantiated allegations to the proper authorities.
• Patrol properties and provide security at properties on an as needed basis and in consultation with the OHA Property Management.
• Report to OHA sites upon notification of serious criminal activity to coordinate with law enforcement as needed.
• Act as the chief public safety advisor and develop long-range safety and security plans.
• Monitor budget performance and serve as a primary point of contact for contracted security services, if utilized.
• Must clearly understand all aspects of the policies and procedures of OHA, including,
• OHA eligibility, admissions and continued occupancy policies.
• Represent OHA at resident, community and neighborhood meetings to discuss public safety and criminal activity at OHA properties.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with the Omaha Police Department, Omaha Fire Department, and any other related departments or organizations.

Additional Responsibilities

• May prepare and make presentations at public meetings and at OHA sites.
• May serve on boards and committees as directed by executive management.
• Workload may require evening and weekend work hours.
• Perform other duties as assigned by executive management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with major course work in Criminal Justice or related field and possess or be eligible to obtain law enforcement certification. Must have a minimum of five (5) years’ relative experience, or any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities. Knowledge of the general operations and procedures of a Public Housing Agency beneficial.
• Extensive knowledge of the governing city, state and federal policing, law enforcement procedures, techniques and methods to investigate and resolve crimes or other security and public safety-related incidents.
• Ability to provide supervision and direction to subordinates and to evaluate work performance.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with OHA staff at all organizational levels, local law enforcement agencies, community social service agencies, and the general public. Must have the ability to provide positive leadership and role modeling for individuals with low-incomes of all ethnic backgrounds. Must have excellent presentation and written communication skills.
• Must maintain knowledge of the rules, regulations and laws affecting public housing residents. Must participate in training opportunities and seminars relevant to this position.
• Excellent organizational and leadership abilities. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Must excel in effective communication and presentation skills and display high quality standards in representing OHA.
• Position requires working throughout OHA sites and properties in a variety of conditions including: exposure to all types of weather elements and incidents that may include violent and dangerous activities. Occasional exposure to computer keyboard and screen.
• Ability to move throughout all OHA sites and properties. Must be able to operate a motorized vehicle.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, a home telephone, and reliable insured transportation for use on the job daily.
• Ability to accomplish the described duties through use of appropriate computer and general office equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, consultants, contractors, HUD, local, state, federal officials; ability to communicate with people from a broad range of socio-economic backgrounds.

Working Conditions

• Approximately 50% of work is performed in an office setting amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, and noises and involves considerable public contact. Approximately 50% of work is performed at OHA sites and in the community where any number of environmental conditions may be experienced.
• Depending on the assigned division, incumbents may encounter angry, obnoxious, and rude individuals.

Abilities

• Ability to sit, stand and walk up to 100% of the time; and reach stoop, squat, push, pull and type up to 25% of the time. Position requires working throughout OHA tower sites and properties in a variety of conditions including; exposure to all types of weather elements and incidents that may include violent and dangerous activities. Incumbents may encounter angry, obnoxious, and rude individuals.
• Ability to move objects weighing up to ten (10) pounds up to 33% of the time.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Equipment Operation

(Any one position may not use all of the tools and equipment listed nor do the listed examples comprise all of the tools and equipment that may be used in positions allocated to this classification)

• Computer
• Telephone
• Copier
• Calculator
• Facsimile Machine