School Police Officer

About the School:

Located in the heart of Oakland, Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children is a one-of-a-kind educational experience committed to empowering our students to realize their full potential. The School also provides vital early intervention and outreach services to visually impaired students, with or without additional challenges, throughout western Pennsylvania. Founded in 1887, our School is best equipped to care for and educate students with visual impairments. As a private institution chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the School educates approximately 200 enrolled students from 80-85 school districts within western Pennsylvania.

Position Summary:

Ensures the safety and welfare of students, faculty, and staff, as well as school grounds. School Security Personnel will work with the Director of Campus Safety and school administrators to identify procedures that will help create a campus environment that is safe, supportive, and conducive to learning.

Position Information:

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Schedule: Mondays through Fridays from either 6/6:30am to 2/2:30pm; 205 days per year (main school year and extended school year)

Responsibilities:

• Oversees building access by monitoring designated entrances and visitors. Controls entry and exit points by verifying the identity of individuals and ensuring that only authorized personnel are allowed to enter the premises.
• Provides security for designated facilities, which may include some extracurricular activities and some weekend hours; patrol designated areas by foot and identify safety and security issues and maintain a visible presence to deter illicit activity; reports unsafe conditions.
• Acts quickly and appropriately in emergency situations (e.g., fire, medical emergencies, or criminal activity). This includes contacting emergency services and assisting in evacuation when necessary.
• Operates and monitors video surveillance equipment, alarm systems, and other surveillance equipment.
• Completes, organizes and submits incident reports in accordance with departmental procedures. Records and documents any incidents or suspicious activity, including filling out reports, logs, and forms for future reference. Provide detailed information when necessary.
• Participates in developing and implementing strategies to prevent criminal activities, such as assisting with physical security assessments and promoting safety awareness programs for faculty, staff, and students.
• Assists with providing training to school personnel on safety protocols and participates in all emergency preparedness drills and other exercises.
• Becomes very familiar with the physical structure and has a working knowledge of the school physical plant and grounds.
• Assists with traffic flow and parking on the property, ensuring that parking lots or entryways are clear and accessible. Assist with traffic and buses in the school’s drop-off and pick-up areas to ensure smooth and safe entry and departure.
• Builds positive relationships with students, staff, and parents to foster a safe and supportive school environment. Greets visitors, employees, and contractors professionally, and assists with directions or information. Maintains a positive demeanor even in stressful situations.
• Maintains strict confidentiality regarding all student and school matters.
• May be responsible for the exercise of statutory law enforcement authority in accordance with appointment by the Court of Common Pleas if classified as a School Police Officer.
• Engage in professional learning as necessary to effectively perform all responsibilities of the position assigned.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from administrators, faculty ,staff, parents, students, and the general public.
• Must have proficient computer skills and the ability to use the current school technology as needed. Must be conversant with the safety and appropriate use of technology.
• Other duties may be assigned

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualifications:

• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Possess a valid Pennsylvania State Driver’s License with a clean driving record
• Satisfy the background check requirements under Sections 111 and 111.1 of the Public School Code and 23 Pa.C.S. § 6344 (relating to employees having contact with children; adoptive and foster parents).
• Minimum five (5) years police or security experience. School Police Officers must have successfully completed basic training as required by the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission under 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 21 Subch. D (relating to municipal police education and training) or has graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy, has been employed as a State trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police and has separated from that service in good standing.
• School Police Officers must successfully complete 12 hours of in-service training pursuant to the Act of December 21, 1988, P.L. 1865, No 180 (“Act 180”) annually.
• School Security Officers must have successfully completed and is currently certified under Act 235 of 1974, known as the Lethal Weapons Training Act and is licensed under 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 61 Subch. A.
• All School Security Personnel must successfully complete the Basic School Resource Officer Course offered by the National Association of School Resource Officers or an equivalent course of instruction approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
• All School Security Personnel must successfully complete annual qualification on a police firearms course with any firearms authorized for use.
• All School Security Personnel must maintain current first aid and CPR/AED certification issued by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, the Department of Health or other agency approved by the Department of Health.
• Ability to perform physical duties such as lifting, running, and standing for extended periods.