School Safety Officer

POSITION TITLE: School Safety Officer - (SSO)

DEPARTMENT: School Safety

REPORTS TO: Director of School Safety

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

POSITION SCHEDULE: 183 days/10 months

SALARY SCHEDULE: School Safety Officer $26-$30.35 per hour - (approximately $50,000 full benefit package for 185-day schedule)

Position start date anticipated to be - August 10, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY

The School Safety Officer (SSO) serves as a visible, uniformed presence within district facilities and grounds to support a safe, secure, and welcoming learning environment for students, staff, families, and visitors. The School Safety Officer works collaboratively with the Director of School Safety, school administrators, district personnel, students, law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and community partners to promote safety, security, emergency preparedness, and a positive school climate.

The School Safety Officer is responsible for supporting campus security operations, assisting with emergency response and preparedness activities, monitoring district facilities and grounds, supporting visitor management procedures, and providing security services during school events and activities. The School Safety Officer also assists with student arrival and dismissal procedures, traffic management, and other operational safety functions throughout the school day.

School Safety Officers are armed, Missouri POST-certified peace officers who maintain all required certifications, qualifications, and training in accordance with Missouri law, district policy, and established professional standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain a visible and professional presence throughout assigned school buildings, district facilities, and school grounds.
• Promote a safe, orderly, and welcoming learning environment for students, staff, families, and visitors.
• Monitor school facilities and grounds to identify and address safety and security concerns.
• Assist with implementation and enforcement of district safety and security procedures.
• Support visitor management systems and building access control procedures.
• Assist with student arrival and dismissal operations, including traffic flow and pick-up/drop-off supervision.
• Monitor parking lots, bus loading areas, and pedestrian traffic areas.
• Assist administrators in maintaining campus safety during the instructional day.
• Respond to emergencies, safety incidents, security concerns, and crisis situations.
• Assist in implementing emergency response procedures, evacuation plans, reunification procedures, lockdowns, and other safety protocols.
• Coordinate with local law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, and other public safety agencies as needed.
• Participate in district emergency preparedness activities, drills, training exercises, and safety planning initiatives.
• Provide security and supervision support at extracurricular activities, athletic events, school functions, and district-sponsored events.
• Assist with investigations involving safety, security, or criminal matters occurring on school property.
• Prepare reports and documentation related to incidents, investigations, and safety concerns.
• Build positive and professional relationships with students, staff, and families.
• Serve as a resource to students and staff regarding safety and security concerns.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student and personnel information in accordance with district policies and applicable laws.
• Attend required meetings, professional development activities, and training programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of School Safety or Superintendent.

TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of all Missouri Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements.
• Completion of all district-required safety, security, and emergency preparedness training.
• Annual firearms qualification and proficiency standards as required by Missouri law and district policy.
• Training in school-based emergency response procedures and crisis management.
• Training in de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution, and student interaction strategies.
• Completion of CPR, First Aid, and AED certification training.
• Participation in ongoing professional development and recertification requirements.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current Missouri POST certification in good standing.
• Minimum of three (3) years of law enforcement experience.
• Valid Missouri driver's license.
• Ability to legally possess and carry a firearm under federal and Missouri law.
• Ability to pass all required background checks and district screening requirements.

Preferred

• Experience serving as a School Resource Officer (SRO).
• Experience working with youth, schools, or community organizations.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Public Administration, Education, or a related field.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSURE

Required:

• Missouri POST Certification.
• Valid Missouri Driver's License.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED Certification (or ability to obtain upon employment).
• Firearms qualification and certification as required by Missouri law and district policy.

Preferred:

• School Resource Officer Training.
• FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) Training.
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Missouri criminal and juvenile laws.
• School safety and security best practices.
• Emergency preparedness and crisis response procedures.
• Threat assessment and risk management principles.
• Visitor management and building access control systems.
• District policies and procedures.

Skills in:

• Verbal and written communication.
• Conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.
• Emergency response and incident management.
• Report writing and documentation.
• Relationship-building with students, staff, and community members.

Ability to:

• Remain calm and professional during emergencies.
• Exercise sound judgment and decision-making under pressure.
• Work independently and collaboratively.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Effectively communicate with diverse populations.
• Enforce rules, regulations, and safety procedures consistently and fairly.

UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT

The District shall provide approved uniforms and equipment necessary to perform the duties of the position. School Safety Officers shall maintain assigned uniforms and equipment in a professional and serviceable condition.

Equipment may include:

• District-issued uniforms and identification.
• Duty belt and safety equipment.
• Portable radio and communication equipment.
• District-issued keys, access credentials, and technology.
• Authorized firearm and related equipment.
• Additional safety and security equipment as assigned by the District.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to:

• Walk, stand, and move throughout school facilities and grounds for extended periods.
• Climb stairs and navigate uneven terrain.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Operate a motor vehicle.
• Respond quickly to emergencies and crisis situations.
• Physically intervene or restrain individuals when necessary and authorized.
• Maintain firearms proficiency and tactical readiness.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

MENTAL DEMANDS

• Maintain focus, alertness, and situational awareness throughout the workday.
• Analyze information and make rapid decisions during emergencies.
• Manage multiple priorities and interruptions.
• Handle stressful, emotional, and potentially dangerous situations.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment includes both indoor and outdoor settings and may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, noise levels, and emergency situations. The position requires regular interaction with students, staff, parents, visitors, law enforcement personnel, and community members.

The employee may occasionally encounter disruptive, confrontational, or potentially hazardous situations requiring immediate response and professional judgment.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Ten (10) month position.
• Full-time, benefit-eligible position.
• Salary and benefits established by the Board of Education.
• Work schedule and assigned duty hours determined by the District.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required background checks, certifications, firearms qualifications, and district screening requirements.
• Must maintain Missouri POST certification and all required licenses and qualifications throughout employment.
• Evaluated annually in accordance with Board policy and District procedures.
• Reports directly to the Director of School Safety and/or Superintendent's designee.
• Additional duties and assignments may be required as determined by District administration.

The Hillsboro R-III School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $26.00 - $30.35 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have the ability to legally possess and carry a firearm under Federal and Missouri law?
• Do you currently hold a Missouri POST certification in good standing?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Law enforcement: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $26 - $30