Q. "We're in a high-crime area. Can we have a separate job description for females with specific safety requirements?"
Answer:
No, even though the intent is good, this approach could open your ministry up to significant legal and ethical risks.
Job descriptions should be gender-neutral and based on the essential functions of the role. Creating a job description with requirements or duties specific to one gender could be viewed as discriminatory, violating Equal Employment Opportunity laws.
The key is creating a general safety procedure that applies to everyone, regardless of gender. Housed in your Operations Manual, these procedures might include rules like:
Buddy System: All employees are required to be accompanied by a coworker when working outside after dark, taking out trash, or in other high-risk situations.
Security Protocols: Procedures for parking, building access, and communication during certain shifts or duties.
By creating consistent and universally applicable guidelines, you protect your ministry and entire team with integrity and excellence.