School Security Officer

Ridgefield Public Schools has a vacancy for a School Security Officer to begin April 23, 2024.

Qualifications: Must have excellent integrity and good moral character and initiative;

• Must be (1) a current sworn member of an organized local police department or the CT. State Police (2) a retired, sworn police officer from an organized local police department or the CT. State Police, (3) a retired, sworn federal law enforcement agent and /or a sworn officer of an organized police department in another state who was certified under standards that meet or exceed the standards of the Police Officer Standards and Training Council for certification in this state and who retired or separated in good standing from such department;

• Minimum of 10 years prior law enforcement experience and provide positive references from each prior employer served in a law enforcement capacity;

• If the candidate has prior service with the military, must supply proof of an honorable discharge;

• Must not have been officially found to be unqualified for reasons relating to mental health by a qualified medical professional while serving as a sworn law enforcement officer or separating from service as a sworn law enforcement officer;

• Must participate in and pass a full background investigation required by the Board or by State or Federal law;

• Required to maintain all certifications and training as mandated by CT General Statutes and Ridgefield School District. Including but not limited to certifications in CPR & AED;

• High school diploma or equivalent required, Bachelor's degree preferred;

• Must hold and maintain a valid driver's license;

• Ridgefield, CT. 06877 - Reliably commute to assigned work site.

Position Summary: Under the direction of the Director of School Safety and Security, the SSO will support administration and staff in promoting a safe, secure and positive educational environment. The SSO will carry out new and existing district and school procedures and programs related to school security and safety functions. Must be available for voluntary and forced overtime assignments as needed.

Work Year: 182 Work Days (Follows the RPS calendar for 181 student days plus the day before school starts)

Salary: $31.00 per hour

Responsibilities:

• Patrol and monitor interior and exterior of buildings to ensure the safety and well-being of students, staff and visitors and to ensure the security of the facility

• Establish a visible and professional presence in school facilities and grounds to deter incidents and to detect situations requiring assistance

• Identify and understand student behavioral issues through comprehensive training and use appropriate techniques to resolve issues

• Provide assistance to visitors and direct or escort them as needed

• Prevent unauthorized access to school property and buildings by providing a visible presence, ensuring access control measures are enforced, and providing diligent patrols of school property and facilities

• Identify suspicious or unauthorized individuals to determine reasons for being on school property. Guide, escort or control individuals suspected of illegal or prohibited activity

• Respond to calls for assistance and emergency situations including but not limited to disruptive and or disorderly incidents, medical emergencies and fires in an attempt to protect life and property and restore and maintain order

• Use de-escalation and behavioral management techniques to attempt to resolve issues

• Encourage and ensure that all staff and visitors are displaying proper identification badges at all times

• Assist staff and first responders in handling emergency or disruptive situations

• Work closely with School Resource Officer and school staff to promote student responsibility for behavior and attitude by serving as a role model and providing positive interactions with students

• Investigate and document incidents and accidents

• Assist building administrators and central office staff with planning and carrying out required monthly crisis drills

• Operate and monitor building CCTV systems to identify possible issues and investigate incidents

• Report to building administrator or supervisor any condition or practices that interferes with the safety of students, staff or visitors

• Provide traffic direction and control as required

• Attend training and meetings as required

• Take daily direction from school building administrators

• Travel between sites for routine or emergency purposes

• Be available for voluntarily and forced overtime assignments as needed

• Report discipline matters, suspected physical, mental and/or substance abuse to proper authorities immediately

• Maintain the strictest confidence concerning personnel, students and operational concerns of the district

• Promote good public relations by personal appearance, attitude and conversation

• Report all cases of suspected child abuse to appropriate school personnel and proper school authority

• Serve as a role model for students and staff

• Interact in a positive manner with staff, students and parents

• Respond to questions and requests in an appropriate and timely manner

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of School Safety and Security and/or Building Principal

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ten years of successful experience in a law enforcement agency

• Coursework in criminal justice or in a related field preferred

• Ability to maintain flexible working hours

• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent and/or Ridgefield Board of Education may find appropriate

Supervision Received: Reports to Director of School Safety and Security