Safety Lead

Position Title: Safety Lead

Reports to: Safety Supervisor

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Status: Full-time

Tier: 5

Date Written or Last Revised: September 2026

Position Summary

As the Safety Lead, you will serve as the senior safety presence on shift at the CCS Basic Needs – Salt Lake (BN-SL) campus, bringing advanced expertise in de-escalation, crisis response, and trauma-informed safety practice. You will guide Safety Coordinators through complex and non-routine situations, lead on-scene response to high-risk incidents, and support the onboarding and skill development of new team members. Serving as a bridge between the Safety Coordinators and the Safety Supervisor, you will model expectations and strengthen team practice without holding formal supervisory authority over staff performance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Serve as the senior safety presence on shift and the point of contact for Safety Coordinators and program staff when the Safety Supervisor is off site, guiding Coordinators through complex or non-routine situations.
2. Lead on-scene response to high-risk incidents, including behavioral health crises, medical emergencies, safety threats, and evacuations. Direct Safety Coordinators' actions during the incident and serve as the point of contact for law enforcement, EMS, and crisis services on arrival, until the Safety Supervisor or emergency services assume command.
3. Conduct facility patrols and provide direct safety response, including de-escalation, incident investigation and documentation, naloxone administration, and CPR/AED response.
4. Model trauma-informed de-escalation and communication practices, and support onboarding and skill development of new Safety Coordinators through shadowing, field training, and reinforcement of Safety Academy practices.
5. Coordinate shift-level assignments, such as patrol areas and break coverage, within schedules set by the Safety Supervisor.
6. Review incident reports for completeness and accuracy before submission to the Safety Supervisor.
7. Lead engagement with high-utilizer and higher-risk clients, coordinating approaches with program staff.
8. Keep the Safety Supervisor informed of recurring safety concerns, systemic issues, and observations on team practice, with recommendations where appropriate.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

1. This position is based at the CCS Basic Needs – Salt Lake (BN-SL) campus and involves regular walking, standing, and facility patrols both indoors and outdoors, in all seasons and weather conditions, along with the ability to respond quickly to safety concerns and emergencies across campus buildings and grounds.
2. This role requires the physical ability to perform CPR and other emergency medical response, including kneeling, bending, and sustained physical exertion; to lift, carry, or assist in moving individuals or objects as needed during an emergency; and to stand, walk, and patrol for extended periods across a shift.
3. This position regularly interacts with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, substance use, and trauma, and requires the ability to remain calm, exercise sound judgment, and apply a trauma-informed approach during complex and higher-risk situations, including de-escalation situations that may involve close physical proximity to individuals in crisis. De-escalation may require the use of personal safety and safe escort techniques; this role does not carry weapons or use restraint equipment. The pace can be fast-moving and unpredictable, with frequent shifts between routine duties and emergency response.
4. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

1. High school diploma or GED required.
2. At least two years of experience in security, safety, behavioral health, shelter operations, corrections, EMS, military service, or a related field, including independent judgment and direct response to high-stress or crisis situations.
3. Demonstrated proficiency in de-escalation and crisis response.
4. Ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment in stressful or rapidly changing situations.
5. Ability to guide, train, and model expectations for peers while maintaining positive team relationships.
6. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to apply a trauma-informed approach.
7. Ability to work respectfully and effectively with diverse populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance use disorders.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Prior experience as a lead, field trainer, or peer mentor.
2. Current certification in CPI, Mental Health First Aid, or CPR/AED at the time of hire.
3. Experience with incident documentation review or quality assurance.

Additional Requirements

1. Must pass a national BCI/FBI background check.
2. Must complete the CCS Safety Academy training program (including CPI de-escalation, trauma-informed care, Mental Health First Aid, QPR suicide prevention, Naloxone administration, CPR/AED/First Aid, and Stop the Bleed) within 90-days of hire, and complete recertification as required.
3. This position is scheduled to work Thursday through Monday, 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM, and must maintain flexibility to serve as fill-in coverage for the Safety Team as needed, including outside standard scheduled hours.

DISCLAIMER: This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected for this position and is not intended to include every duty or responsibility. CCS reserves the right to modify or assign additional responsibilities as needed.

CCS is an equal opportunity employer.