Job Title:                                                            Care and Safety Associate

Grade Level/Terms of Employment:                 Pay Grade: 112.1 / 10 Months - 201 Day contract

FLSA Status:                                                       Non-Exempt

Work Location:                                                   Various Locations

Immediate Supervisor:                                      Zone Supervisor

General Description:

The Care and Safety Associate works collaboratively with the Director, Safety and Security, and school-based leadership to cultivate and maintain a safe and loving school culture using both trauma and restorative lens. Additionally, the Care and Safety Associate serves as a mentor to students in need of additional social-emotional support and works to engage parents and families as partners, in alignment with the Division’s priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works proactively to build authentic relationships with students, families, school-based staff, and other stakeholders that are centered around safety and support
• Supports the implementation of tiered supports for students struggling to meet behavioral expectations, including participation in alternatives to out-of-school suspensions
• Models and implements trauma-informed and restorative strategies such as conflict resolution, mediation, and de-escalation including engaging students in conversations about a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and the importance of using social-emotional skills to resolve conflict
• Leads community and healing circles with students to support their social and emotional development
• Works collaboratively with school-based staff including school administrators to identify and address safety concerns
• Supports the implementation of the Student Code of Responsible Ethics (SCORE)
• Adheres to the State requirements for the Safe Schools Assessment, planning, and reporting
• Serves as a member of both school-based threat assessment teams and school culture and climate teams
• Assists in breaking up physical altercations (when necessary) between students and using appropriate measures to keep them safe during the duration of a physical conflict
• Prepares incident reports
• Performs other duties as assigned

 Qualifications:

• High school diploma or its equivalent required
• Completion of two years of college courses or an associate’s degree from an accredited institution in social work, political science, criminology/criminal justice, or related courses preferred
• Three years of recent, successful experience in juvenile justice, law enforcement, or social services, preferably with juveniles, or any combination of education and related experience preferred
• Maintains state certification as established by the DCJS
• Maintain certification in Division-approved restraint training
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, families, school leaders, and staff
• Authentic, effective, and professional verbal and written communication
• Strong problem-solving abilities
• CPR certification preferred; will assist with certification if needed
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and situations and the ability to operate effectively in a team environment
• Bilingual skills with proficiency/fluency in Spanish preferred

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants (including RPS employees) must submit an online application. Please access the website at: www.rvaschools.net

Please upload a current resume with your application.

Three reference names and contact information will be required if you progress to the interview step of the selection process. Richmond Public Schools will conduct a background investigation, fingerprinting, and tuberculosis screening as a condition of employment.  EOE.