School Safety Officer

The School Safety Officer is a visible safety presence in the school, dealing with safety and security matters inside and outside the school building. The work is performed under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools, Administration, and the Director of School Safety and Security.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• The SSO is always vigilant and aware of their surroundings
• Maintain safety and security of school buildings, grounds, and facilities.
• Patrol campus perimeter, lunch areas, hallways, classrooms, parking lots, and bus stops. Maintain order and security of the facility; escort students to the office for action as needed. Report unusual activities or unauthorized persons.
• Assist visitors to facilities. Approach visitors and suspicious or unauthorized individuals and determine reasons for being on school grounds. Check doors, take part in safety drills, and suggest improvements.
• Enforce school rules, regulations, and policies for the safety and security of students, staff, cars, and property. Enforce appropriate restrictions and regulations.
• Observe students during non-instructional times; prevent unauthorized departure from school premises.
• Assist staff with morning arrival and after-school dismissal.
• Maintain records of contacts and activities.
• Report incidents and observations to appropriate school or law enforcement authorities. Work cooperatively with law enforcement agencies on violations of school policies and local, state, and federal laws.
• Operate CCTV security cameras and Visitor Management System as designed.
• Report to the administrator any building conditions or practices that interfere with security or safety in the building or on the grounds.
• Build relationships with students.
• Attend staff and other meetings, in-service meetings, and participate in professional development day training, as assigned.

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Prior Law Enforcement or Department of Correction experience preferred. Prior work experience with two years of progressively responsible security and/or education experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position requires CPR and First Aid certification or the ability to successfully complete the certification program upon hiring. The candidate also must submit to a background investigation. Candidates must possess a valid Connecticut Driver's License.

Physical and Mental Abilities to Perform Essential Job Functions

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communications

• Requires the ability to communicate orally and in writing with the School Administration, parents, students and educational staff, Town Administrators and other Town departments, social agencies, consultants, law enforcement personnel, attorneys and the public.
• Requires the ability to perform duties with patience, tact, good judgment, and composure within established guidelines.
• Ability to learn about the school district's organization, operation, policies, and objectives.
• Bilingual or multilingual is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements

• Requires the ability to operate a computer, Visitor Management System, CCTV monitoring systems and other office machines used in performing essential functions. Requires familiarity with Word and Excel.
• Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate physical effort that may require lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of objects weighing over 25 lbs.
• Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate physical effort that may require running, climbing, and lifting during situations.

Environmental Adaptability

• Ability to work under conditions that require exposure to environmental factors such as temperature and noise extremes, strong odors, bright/dim lighting, traffic hazards, or violence. This exposure may cause some discomfort and presents a risk of injury. Potential physical hazards involving intervention, antisocial, illegal, and violent behavior are a risk.

Hours/wage

• Shifts will be 8 hours and may begin as early as 7:30 A.M. and may conclude as late as 4:00 P.M.
• $25.00 per hour.

Application Procedure:

• Apply online via our website: https://www.winchesterschools.org/ in Applitrack. Upload cover letter, resume, and three recent reference letters.

The Winchester Board of Education, per its policy, does not make employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, alienage, ancestry, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law ("Protected Class"), except in the case of a bona fide occupational qualification.

Winchester Public Schools reserves the right to hire once a qualified candidate is found.