Community Safety Officer Unit Service Lead

Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Community Safety Officer Unit Service Lead (Service Lead) will be responsible to manage the day to day operations of the Division and provide advice and support to the CAO.

The Service Lead will initially be primarily responsible for building the Unit “from the ground up”, from formulating the organizational structure, to recruiting the best people and attracting the best resources to accomplish the task. The initial focus for the Unit will be the enhancement of safety within the City of Winnipeg Transit System, including on buses, in stations and in proximity to bus shelters. Given that poverty, mental illness and addiction are contributing factors in many Transit safety incidents, Community Safety Officers employed by the Unit will handle responses to those experiencing a mental health crisis as they would be prepared in self-defense, security and de-escalation techniques. In time, this Unit will have sufficient flexibility to deploy in a variety of settings, environments and circumstances as the Unit and the City’s needs for it evolve.

The position will provide leadership and expertise and is responsible for the development and implementation of effective and efficient safety system practices, administrative policies and procedures to address demands of the City; plans, organizes and manages the day-to-day operational activities of the Unit; responds and addresses complaints and inquiries; develops and maintains partnerships with internal and external clients; develops inter-governmental solutions to complex public health and issues; and manages special projects in support of the Unit. This position will lead strategic initiatives intended to respond to the evolving needs of Winnipeggers and arising from departmental or organizational strategic planning or the direction of Council.

They will direct the implementation of Unit strategies, and the operations of the Unit, including organization structure and job design; and manages financial and human resources; is accountable for hiring and firing, performance management and discipline of staff as necessary. Represents the Unit as spokesperson for media related requests.

**As the **Community Safety Officer Unit Service Lead,** **you will**:

- Manage the development and implementation of an effective and efficient community safety unit.
- Ensure accurate and thorough data is collected on all aspects of Unit operations, and be able to synthesize and present to a variety of audiences, including the CAO, Standing Policy Committees, Executive Policy Committee and Council.
- Lead, manage and coordinate the Units human and financial resources to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
- Lead the creation of all policies and procedures for the Unit, consistent with all requirements imposed by legislation and ensure they are being upheld.
- Lead all strategic planning for the Unit, including planning for eventual enlarging / scaling up / broadening of the Unit and its responsibilities and implementing growth initiatives

**Your education and qualifications include**:

- A degree in Law, Criminology, Public Health Sciences Social Work, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Psychology or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- 10+ years' experience in a management / supervisory role. Ability to build and maintain a strong team.
- Experience in the proactive tracking, gathering and synthesis of data for a variety of uses.
- Extensive knowledge/ experience of public safety/security operations, applicable legislation, and security technologies.
- Strategic planning experience which includes experience in business planning, financial planning and administrative planning.
- Experience with conflict resolution, de-escalation, mediation and negotiation.
- Ability to interprets various forms of legal principles, legislation and by-laws.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to resolve conflict, build relationships and trust with peers as well as members of the public, elected officials, senior management, and external stakeholders.
- Ability to make decisions effectively in high stress or dynamic situations.
- Proven ability to build strong relationships and partnerships within the community including all levels of civic employees and elected officials
- Ability to work independently and with initiative to resolve day to day operational issues, while pursuing new challenges and opportunities.
- Excellent organizational skills for managing competing and rapidly changing priorities within strict timelines.
- Strong political acumen for navigating sensitive and confidential issues with tact and discretion.
- Strong written communication skills with the ability to prepare policies and investigative reports.
- Teamwork and collaboration skills with the ability to communicate priorities to colleagues, staff and senior management.
- Demonstrated ability in media relatio