What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Safety Officer position at Marion County Public Schools?
REPORTS TO: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SAFETY AND SECURITY
POSITION SUMMARY: This position exists to perform highly responsible administrative work as identified in Section 1006.12, Fla. Stat. (2022). This position is tasked to ensure that all mandated requirements by the Office of Safe Schools within the Department of Education are implemented and followed as defined as well as safety & security policies/directives of the Marion County School Board and the Superintendent of Schools. The School Safety Officer will work collectively with the Principal at each school to identify and implement strategies related to ensuring safety on campus while maintaining a peaceful environment, deter crime, and conduct preliminary inquires into violations of school board policies on school property or at school-sponsored events. The School Safety Officer will have the responsibility for performing a variety of duties related to protecting students, school staff, visitors, equipment, facilities, and school grounds at the request of the site administrator and under the supervision and direction of the Executive Director of Safety & Security.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
POSITION SUMMARY: This position exists to perform highly responsible administrative work as identified in Section 1006.12, Fla. Stat. (2022). This position is tasked to ensure that all mandated requirements by the Office of Safe Schools within the Department of Education are implemented and followed as defined as well as safety & security policies/directives of the Marion County School Board and the Superintendent of Schools. The School Safety Officer will work collectively with the Principal at each school to identify and implement strategies related to ensuring safety on campus while maintaining a peaceful environment, deter crime, and conduct preliminary inquires into violations of school board policies on school property or at school-sponsored events. The School Safety Officer will have the responsibility for performing a variety of duties related to protecting students, school staff, visitors, equipment, facilities, and school grounds at the request of the site administrator and under the supervision and direction of the Executive Director of Safety & Security.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education – Graduation from a standard high school or equivalency diploma.
- Experience – Minimum of three years of verifiable successful law enforcement and/or an equivalent combination of education and training in law enforcement. Experience with the safe use of firearms. Experience with and knowledge of security and alarm systems preferred.
- Computer Skills – Basic understanding and knowledge of use of current technology, as required for the position.
- Certificates and/or Licenses – Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license and ability to drive. Must possess and maintain Florida Law Enforcement Officer Certification in accordance with Section FSS 943.1395, Fla. Stat. (2022).
- Must be able to successfully complete ongoing trainings and firearm proficiency tests as outlined in Florida law.
Other Requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- Must submit to and pass an initial drug test and subsequent random screenings.
- Must successfully pass a comprehensive employment background check.
- Must pass a psychological evaluation as required by Chapter 1006.12, Fla. Stat. (2022).
- Must pass a physical examination.
- Must travel to schools and work sites within the District.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
H-Heavy Work – Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force as needed to move objects.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed in a position allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
- Manifest a professional code of ethics and values at all times.
- Support activities designed to achieve priority goals identified through the District’s strategic plan.
- Provide security and surveillance to school campus, including patrolling parking lots, and school grounds.
- Provide security to school and District functions, including after school and extracurricular activities as needed.
- Investigate, monitor, and report to administration, and when appropriate, law enforcement, suspicious activity, including but not limited to theft, vandalism, and criminal mischief.
- Communicate with the Executive Director of Safety and Security, school administrators, students, parents, staff, and community members regarding security-related concerns and issues; work cooperatively with local law enforcement and other District personnel as needed.
- Conduct site assessments to ensure premises are secure.
- Evaluate and respond independently to emergent or emergency situations within School Board Policy, District Procedures, and Florida law and provide basic first aid services as needed.
- Monitor students within a variety of school environments (e.g. restrooms, grounds, hallways, media center, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the safety and welfare of students and personnel.
- Deescalate confrontations between students, parents, visitors, and community members while on campus. Work to assist school administration in order to address and investigate all incidents.
- Manage school access by monitoring gates and other points of entry throughout the school to ensure that students possess permission to leave school grounds, parents are directed to the main office, and visitors are authorized to be on campus.
- Serve as District representative if emergency shelters are open.
- Enhance student knowledge of the law enforcement function and of the fundamental concept and structure of law.
- Promote positive interaction and enhance relations between students and law enforcement.
- Aid and support for crime victims identified within the school setting.
- Present educational programs concerning crime prevention and the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of students as citizens.
- Provide guidance to staff or others as directed, to effectively conduct investigations in coordination with the immediate supervisor.
- Assist with the development or enhancement of District procedures related to safety and security and make recommendations for revisions to procedures, as appropriate.
- Conduct criminal and administrative investigations as directed by the immediate supervisor and prepare detailed case documentation including written reports which are clear, concise, thorough, and completed under strict timelines.
- Review investigative reports and take appropriate action to address issues.
- Assist other law enforcement agencies, Child Protective Investigations, Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) with School District related investigations.
- Assist School Safety and Security Coordinator with safety inspections in preparation of state of Florida annual safety report.
- Respond to emergency call back during off-duty hours.
- Represent the District in administrative and/or criminal hearings by providing accurate, clear, and concise testimony.
- Perform and promote all activities in compliance with the equal employment and nondiscrimination policies of the District.
- Participate in training programs offered to enhance the skills and proficiency related to the job responsibilities.
- Observation and supervision of parent pick up and drop off traffic areas may be needed at times, but at no times will traffic control and/or directing traffic be permitted by the School Safety Officer.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
This position typically requires certain knowledge, skills, aptitude, training, and previous experience. Example(s):
- Accuracy – Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
- Collaborative Nature – Ability to work with others in a collaborative format to achieve common goals.
- Communication – Ability to communicate effectively with others orally and in writing. Exhibit good listening and comprehension skills. Keep others adequately informed. Select and use appropriate communication methods.]
- Firearm Safety – Ability to safely use a firearm and knowledge of weapons and gun safety.
- Knowledge of pertinent regulations, policies, and procedures for the functional area of assignment.
- Knowledge of HIPAA, Public Records, Sunshine Law, FERPA, and other laws/regulations related to student and employee privacy, public information, and records retention.
- Knowledge of and experience with industry-standard equipment, materials, practices, computers, and applications.
- Problem Solving – Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems.
- Technical Aptitude – Ability to comprehend complex technical topics and specialized information.
- Willingness to Use Force – Ability to determine when circumstances and established protocols dictate escalation up to and including deadly force.
- Working Under Pressure – Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations in a timely manner.
