What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Security Officer (SSO) - Upper School Day Shift position at St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School?
Location: St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School - Alexandria, VA (Upper School)
Reports To: Director of Safety and Security
Classification: Full-Time, 12-Month Staff Position
Shift: 7:30am - 3:30pm, Monday to Friday
Position Summary:
St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School (SSSAS), an independent Episcopal school in Alexandria, Virginia, seeks a professional, highly trained School Security Officer (SSO) to support the safety and well-being of our school community. Operating under the direction of the Director of Safety and Security, the SSO provides a visible, supportive security presence across all three campuses, helps manage emergency response, and ensures adherence to school safety protocols. This role requires Virginia DCJS SSO certification.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as a visible, approachable safety presence on assigned campus, promoting a safe and respectful environment.
- Monitor campus activity, control access to buildings, and respond to safety concerns or incidents.
- De-escalate conflicts, enforce school policies, and provide support during disciplinary situations as needed.
- Respond promptly and professionally to emergencies including lockdowns, evacuations, or medical incidents.
- Assist with safety drills, threat assessments, and the implementation of emergency protocols.
- Build rapport with students, faculty, and families while maintaining clear security boundaries.
- Support arrival, dismissal, and on-campus events.
- Coordinate with local law enforcement and emergency responders when appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Virginia DCJS School Security Officer (SSO) Certification (required or willingness to obtain)
- Qualify under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA):
- At least 10 years of service as a federal, state, or local law enforcement officer strongly preferred
- Retired or resigned in good standing within the last 10 years
- Provide proof of completing training in active threat response, emergency evacuation, and threat assessment during law enforcement career
- High school diploma or equivalent required; associate's or bachelor's degree preferred
- Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure situations
- Excellent judgment, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for inter-campus mobility
- Must pass criminal background check and fingerprint clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience working in K-12 school settings, especially independent schools
- ALICE training or equivalent emergency response certification (or willingness to obtain)
- CPR/First Aid/AED certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Working knowledge of security camera systems and radio communications
Work Schedule:
- Full-time (40 hours/week), year-round, with occasional evening or weekend assignments
- Flexibility to work across the Lower, Middle, and Upper School campuses
About St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School:
St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School is a college-preparatory Episcopal day school for boys and girls in grades JK-12. Located across three campuses in Alexandria, Virginia, our school fosters academic excellence, spiritual growth, and a strong sense of community grounded in our mission to pursue goodness as well as knowledge.
READY TO JOIN OUR COMMUNITY?
We understand your time is valuable, and that is why we have a very quick and easy application process. If you feel that you would be right for this job, please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application. We look forward to meeting you!
Interested applicants should apply through the SSSAS website at https://www.sssas.org/about-us/employment
For more information about St. Stephen's and St. Agnes School, we invite you to visit our website at www.sssas.org