Head of Safety

Description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Head of Safety is responsible for the daily oversight, implementation, and enforcement of safety and crisis response protocols across the organization. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of staff, clients, and visitors by maintaining a visible presence, intervening in escalated situations, and supporting the day-to-day operations of a secure and respectful work environment.

Working closely with the Director of Safety, Risk, and Compliance, this individual helps identify and implement appropriate safety measures, oversees the crisis support team, and ensures all employees adhere to company standards aligned with our organizational mission and values.

Daily Safety Oversight

• Implement and monitor safety protocols, procedures, and policies developed in coordination with the Director of Safety, Risk, and Compliance.
• Maintain a consistent and visible presence in program areas to proactively identify and address safety issues.
• Participate in safety walkthroughs and routine checks to ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Hold routine company wide safety meetings, at times, engaging outside entities.      

Emergency Preparedness and Incident Response

• Assist in the development, review and maintenance of Emergency Operations Plans, including active assailants, fire, tornado, earthquake, intruder, bomb threats, evacuation, and lockdown. 
• Lead regular drills and exercises, coordinating internal staff with external responders. 
• Serve as Incident Command lead during emergencies, using industry standard response protocols

Incident Intervention & Support

• Respond to escalated situations; support de-escalation efforts and manage the environment to prevent further risk.
• Intervene and mediate conflicts or unsafe behaviors between employees when needed, ensuring accountability and professionalism.
• Assist in responding to potential threats or high-risk safety concerns across the organization, coordinating with appropriate leadership or external partners as needed.

Crisis Team & Academy Protection Specialist Management

• Provide leadership and strategic oversight of the Crisis Support Team and Academy Protection Specialists, ensuring consistent, effective, and trauma-informed crisis response across the Academy and broader organization.
• Directly manage and coordinate crisis response efforts involving students, maintaining a calm, supportive presence and ensuring the safety of all individuals involved during high-intensity situations.
• Ensure all aspects of crisis intervention follow state regulations, PCMA      guidelines, and organizational best practices, with a strong emphasis on prevention, de-escalation, and the least restrictive interventions.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized safety and crisis support plans in collaboration with the clinical team and Academy leadership.
• Oversee daily operations related to crisis response, including staff coverage, documentation, and follow-up procedures such as Emergency Safety      Intervention (ESI) paperwork.
• Coach, train, and mentor staff across all levels on proper use of de-escalation and PCMA-approved intervention techniques, including non-verbal, verbal, and physical strategies, emphasizing safety and dignity.
• Conduct regular crisis team meetings, post-incident debriefings, and data reviews to identify trends, barriers, and training needs; utilize findings to drive continuous improvement and professional development.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and escalation for high-risk behavioral incidents, ensuring effective communication with families, clinicians, school leadership, and external stakeholders as necessary.
• Partner with the Director of Safety, Risk, and Compliance to evaluate performance, identify areas for systems improvement, and promote a proactive, student-centered approach to crisis prevention.
• Supervise and support the Crisis Support Team responsible for assisting with client behavioral incidents and interventions.
• Provide ongoing coaching and training to crisis team members on safe, effective, and trauma-informed de-escalation techniques and physical interventions (as appropriate).
• Schedule, assign, and evaluate the performance of crisis staff to ensure effective coverage and adherence to best practices.

Collaboration & Compliance

• Collaborate with the Director of Safety, Risk, and Compliance to implement, review, and improve safety measures and emergency response practices.
• Support post-incident debriefs, documentation, and safety reviews to identify trends or areas for imp