Job Number:
J0825-0190
Posting Date:
August 28, 2025
Closing Date:
September 12, 2025
Job Title:
Library Safety Specialist Lead
Branch/Department:
Toronto Reference Library
Division:
Human Resources
Employment Type:
Permanent Full Time

of Open Positions:

1
Salary:
$93,329.60 - $105,469.00/Year
Specific Position Information: The successful applicant will be required to provide a current Vulnerable Sector Police Reference Check.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Library Safety Specialist Lead (LSSL) plays an important role in fostering safe and welcoming spaces for all staff and customers of Toronto Public Library. The LSSL is responsible for operational oversight of the Library Safety Specialist team (LSS), providing direction, mentorship and coaching and ensuring that team members are effectively deployed and supported in their role to support staff in building confidence and capacity in applying trauma-informed approaches to incident prevention, management and response and to compassionately assist customers in understanding and complying with TPL’s Rules of Conduct. The LSSL works under the direction of the Senior Manager, Welcoming Spaces and takes day-to-day direction from the local Manager responsible for assigned locations.
This position requires responsiveness and flexibility in adapting approaches to meet diverse stakeholder needs. Carrying out the duties of the position will require movement between locations in order to provide on-site service, supervision and support as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in the field of social services, or another professional discipline pertinent to the job function
• Seven (7) years’ related experience working in social services, community mental health, and/or crisis intervention, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Minimum of two (2) years of leadership responsibility
• Proven ability to lead and supervise staff
• Demonstrated understanding of the practical application of a trauma-informed approach
• Direct experience in developing and facilitating learning experiences
• Demonstrated ability to form and maintain strong collaborative relationships between internal and external stakeholders
• Strong organizational, time management, prioritization, and planning skills
• Experience with marginalized communities, including individuals with living with mental health and addiction challenges, individuals who are unhoused or precariously housed, and related groups
• Ability to exercise empathy, courtesy, and compassion while fairly and consistently enforcing Rules of Conduct
• Ability to act calmly and with composure under pressure and de-escalate tense situations effectively
• Ability to balance safety and security with library principles and best practices regarding access, privacy, inclusion, and equitable and friendly service. Understands and is committed to the essential role of the public library in Canadian society
• Ability to welcome and embrace the diversity of people who come to the library, whether staff or customers. Ensures that the library’s actions comply with the requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code and related legislation.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and to exercise initiative and good judgment in the performance of duties
• Basic knowledge and understanding of mental health disorders and addictions, including the ability to recognize problematic or disruptive behavioral patterns
• Education and/or experience in conflict de-escalation, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive and harm reduction approaches, suicide risk assessment, social and community services and/or similar areas
• Must possess or be able to obtain First Aid, CPR and AED certification.
  The Toronto Public Library does not ask for a credit card, banking information, or social insurance number during the recruitment process. Do not respond to emails or requests for information about jobs at TPL that are not sent from an @tpl.ca address.

Under the general direction of the Senior Manager, Welcoming Spaces, and/or designated manager, this position is responsible to: