Job Title: School Security Officer

Department: School Safety & Security

Reports To: Managing Director of School Safety & Security

Compensation:  $50,000-$55,000

TRS Classification: Non-classified

Summary:

School Security Officers (SSO) are responsible for ensuring the safety of staff and students of all Epic Charter School sites. First and foremost SSOs are CLEET certified security officers whose primary purpose is to keep schools a safe environment in which to learn. Secondly, SSOs are safety and security-related educators who instruct students and school staff about the policies and procedures in place for their protection. Third, SSOs serve as liaisons, working collaboratively with others to provide links to law enforcement and other community resources and services. Fourth, SSOs serve as role models for our students. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

• Ensures compliance with the comprehensive security/school safety program, including assisting with the development and implementation of security plans for special events involving any facilities under the jurisdiction of Epic Charter Schools
• Assists in providing training and assistance to site-based administrators and other employees in matters of security and safety
• Responds to routine safety requests, inquiries, complaints, alarms, and emergency messages, identifying and recognizing criminal acts
• Conducts interior and exterior foot patrols of Epic Charter Schools owned, leased, and partner properties in an effort to mitigate criminal activity and to protect Epic Charter School students, employees, vendors, and community partners.    
• Investigates suspicious activity on Epic Charter School property. 
• Maintains a positive working relationship with site based administrators, principal and other staff members regarding issues related to school safety, security, and traffic on school property
• Works closely with members of the Facilities Department to prevent issues from becoming security problems. 
• Monitors the property using available video surveillance equipment as needed for crime prevention and investigative issues.. Archiving footage as needed.
• Monitors and evaluates site safety drills; making recommendations for improvement to principals or site supervisors
• Remains active and visible at all times, especially during high-activity periods such as morning arrivals, lunch periods, and the evening pick-up period. 
• Checks and identifies unknown persons and intruders observed on school property. 
• Maintains a positive and helpful attitude when assisting students and families. 
• Assists with any and all emergencies occurring on assigned properties. 
• Checks unknown vehicles found on school property. 
• Must maintain a positive working relationship with local law enforcement and fire officials. 
• Prepares and submits written reports regarding violence, drug activity, smoking/vapes, criminal activity on school property, etc., to site and district administrators, and law enforcement when applicable, in a timely manner
• Works with committees designed to optimize school safety; works with the community and local law enforcement on safety initiatives
• May assist with training and teaching opportunities involving staff and students.
• May be required to carry a personal firearm and/or other weapons
• Response to any potential threats on school premises during working hours.
• Retrieving security footage requested by authorities or EPIC leadership. Building relationships between Epic and local responders.
• Assisting with building card access issues. Pulling access reports as requested.
• Assists Epic Charter School vendors and community partners as needed. 
• Checks to ensure doors are secured and locked during operating hours and at the end of the day. 
• Performs other duties as assigned

 Supervisory Responsibilities:

• No supervisory responsibilities

Education and/or Experience

• College degree preferred
• CLEET certification for police officers or armed security required
• Experience in security in a school setting strongly preferred; Experience in a security at hospitals, airports, housing complexes, gated communities, malls, and/or other similar types of establishments, required
• Experience in minor IT setup and breakdown of technological equipment preferred
• Additional experience in over-the-phone instructions to others preferred

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and strong interpersonal skills; ability to communicate with and relate to staff, families and students
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and communicate instructions succinctly and efficiently
• Knowledge of State and local ordinance, regulations and laws. 
• Multitasking abilities.
• Strong computer and technology literacy. 
• Good problem-solving and de-escalation skills.
• Be highly organized. Willing to work at any hour.
• Ability to learn quickly, understand and comprehend information, work independently and to be effective in a fast-paced, dynamic, environment
• Must possess a professional and friendly attitude and be able to quickly develop a rapport with stakeholders over the phone or in person
• Attentive and strong attention to detail, dependability, and follow-through 
• Passionate commitment to the mission of school choice

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to communicate effectively with students, families, and coworkers, both verbally and in writing. Ability to effectively present information to students, families and supervisors.

Mathematical Skills  

Basic math skills required 

Reasoning Ability  

Ability to understand and define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to determine reasonableness and probable cause in a critical incident, as required by state law. 

Computer Skills  

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have computer proficiency in  Windows, Microsoft Office and Google Suite with the ability to manage multiple computer screens. Knowledge of web conferencing/meeting tools. Must have a high aptitude to learn new software as necessary for the business operations of the school. 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Current driver's license and valid car insurance
• CLEET certification for private armed security required

Other Qualifications  

• Must be able to pass a state-mandated background check after a conditional offer of  employment is made 
• Must have favorable employment references 
• Must be able to successfully qualify on the Oklahoma State firearms course for armed security officers and/or the law enforcement required firearms course on an annual basis.

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear, to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to  25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The ability to walk and/or run for longer periods of time, as well as the ability to stand for long periods of time is required. Ability to defend self and others physically if required. A physical examination and/or fit for duty test may be required.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

This position reports to an Epic Learning Center or other school site. The noise level is quiet to loud (when students are present.)