School Security Officer

DEFINITION – The School Security Officer (SSO) will be assigned to various schools throughout Ohio County. The SSO will be responsible for providing a visible presence in addition to preparing/developing safety procedures, conducting trainings, physical protection of students and staff, supervising school entryways, maintaining positive relationships and active as a role model for the students. ESSENTIAL FUNCTION – Developing safety procedures for potential threats in the school, conducting drills with students and staff, and de-escalating aggression between students, and between students and staff. Patrolling the school grounds, ensuring overall safety, viewing videos, and security monitors, and watching for suspicious activity. Supervising weapons detectors (if applicable) and special events and directing foot and automobile traffic if necessary. Protecting the school and students against theft and property damage and assisting in medical emergencies. Maintaining positive relationships and contact with students to enhance positive behaviors. Working with counselors and support staff to assist students when referrals to service agencies are necessary, or to assist in conflict resolutions. Acting as a communication liaison with law enforcement agencies and providing basic information concerning students on the campus served by the officer. Referring students and/or families to the appropriate agencies for assistance as needed. The SSO shall not act as a school disciplinarian. However, if the principal believes an incident is a violation of the law, the principal may contact the SSO to determine whether local law enforcement agencies need to be contacted. Counseling students in special situations when requested by the principal, student, or parent. Investigating criminal activity on or around school property and determining if law enforcement agencies need to be contacted. Acting as a resource to answer questions students or parents may have concerning criminal law. Assisting local law enforcement agencies with outside investigations relating to students or school property. Providing security at school events and/or other functions. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES – Knowledge and abilities in preparing reports, case management, ability to work independently and within a group. General knowledge of standard office machines. Familiarity with police work, patrol tactics, safety measures, police training, and the criminal justice system, and Codes of the State of West Virginia. Ability to get along well with others, demonstrating a strong customer service orientation. Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. PHYSICAL CONDITIONS – May work alone for hours at a time. Light to medium lifting and carrying (up to 50lbs) as well as other irregular physical activities occurring daily. May be standing/walking for hours at a time. Attendance and participation in training sessions. Works occasional overtime to meet department requirements. Occasional handling of multiple priorities and simultaneous demands for assistance. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE – Must be a retired law-enforcement officer who meets all requirements to carry a firearm as a qualified retired law-enforcement officer under the Law-Enforcement Officer Safety Act of 2004. Along with any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS – A retired law-enforcement officer who meets all the requirements to carry a firearm as a qualified retired law-enforcement officer under the Law-Enforcement Officer Safety Act of 2004, as amended, pursuant to 18 U.S.C 826C, carries that firearm in a concealed or open manner, and has on their personal official identification in accordance with the act, preferred qualifications also include: Successfully completed a background investigation and possible polygraph examination. Possession of valid West Virginias Drivers License A first aid, AED, and CPR certificate The ability to counsel and interact with students in the pre-k-12th grade setting. A moral and ethical role model for students Ability to qualify annually for firearms. Ability to operate and communicate with police radio. COMPENSATION PACKAGE – Health Benefits Five (5) Sick Days. Two hundred (200) working days (August-May) Overtime for special events.