What it takes to be a great crossing guard
We at Carraway hold our Crosswalk Safety Ambassadors in high regard, as do the members of the communities in which they serve.
These individuals are professional crossing guards, helping school aged children, the elderly, and other community members alike safely get from point A to B.
But what does the job involve and what does it take to excel in this important position? Here’s how we see it.
The purpose of a crossing guard
Crossing guards are stationed at busy intersections, crossings near schools, and sometimes also at railway or construction sites. Their presence is to support the safe movement of pedestrians and vehicles through a shared space.
Skills required to excel as a crossing guard
In addition to having a keen understanding of traffic laws, a crossing guard must be able to:
- Direct or escort pedestrians across the street, stopping traffic as necessary
- Communicate traffic and crossing rules and other information to students and adults
- Guide or control vehicular or pedestrian traffic at such places as street and railroad crossings and construction sites
- Monitor the flow of traffic to identify safe gaps through which pedestrians can cross streets
What crossing guards love about the job
Our Crosswalk Safety Ambassadors are passionate about what they do. They understand that their presence makes a difference and that their community looks forward to interacting with them each day. Guards most often say that they enjoy:
- Interacting with the community
- The sense of responsibility
- The ability to help others
- Spending time outdoors
- Flexible work schedules
What it takes to thrive in this role
At Carraway, we hire Crosswalk Safety Ambassadors that are:
- Friendly and have an enthusiastic personality
- Able to work independently
- Good with children and appreciate the safety of others
- Have the desire to learn
- Are comfortable using a smartphone
If this sounds like you, learn more about this role and its impact on the community. And the next time you see a crossing guard in your community, don’t hesitate to smile, wave, and let them know that you appreciate all of the great work they do each day!