School Security Officers, in collaboration with school administration and the LPD, will ensure safety for students, faculty, staff, in each of the Lynchburg City Schools elementary and alternative schools. SSOs will work to prevent crime, investigate violations of both the law, and where appropriate, enforce school board policies and school rules. SSOs will be responsible for detaining those in violation of the law on school grounds, within the defined scope of SSO responsibilities. Similar to School Resource Officers in the middle and high schools, SSOs will not be responsible for school discipline, though they may be called upon to assist school administrators in ensuring that a safe learning environment exists for all.

• Escort visitors to the school office or other locations on school premises
• Check hallways, restrooms, cafeteria, and remote areas for potential safety and security problems
• Investigate suspicious behavior and/or activities
• Detect safety hazards (e.g. broken tree limbs, security door propped open, etc.)
• Physically place yourself at a hot spot for violations
• Escort and guide individuals to pre-determined shelter locations/ assembly areas
• Assist in controlling the assembly area and name checking to account for people
• Search evacuated buildings to ensure individuals are not still there
• Facilitate emergency drills and ensure procedures are in place and staff are trained in how to respond
• Emergency evacuation in response to security incidents or threats (e.g. bomb, hazardous materials, or fire)
• Separate individuals or groups where there is a hostility between them
• Encourage students to use positive verbal and behavioral alternatives
• Encourage academic achievement and positive involvement in the school community
• Model effective communication skills daily
• Discuss the logical consequences of disobeying school rules and regulations
• Sound alarms or call police or fire department
• Report incidents to the school administrator
• Refer students having problems to administrative staff
• Monitor security cameras and other technology
• Inspect equipment to make sure it was working properly and report equipment issues to school administrators (e.g. broken equipment, equipment not in the appropriate place)
• Support the safe and secure coordination of special events
• Completes other duties assigned by the Division Safety Manager

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Ethical
• Equity Minded
• Emotional Intelligence
• Cultural Competence
• Safety
• Quality

• Models Excellent Customer Service
• Thinks Strategically
• Shows Initiative
• Acts Decisively
• Communicates Effectively
• Works Collaboratively
• Resolves Conflict Proactively

• Technical Capabilities
• Computer Literacy
• Data Analysis and Management
• Fiscal Planning and Management
• Project Management
• Strategic Planning

• High school diploma or GED required
• Law enforcement experience and/or military service strongly preferred
• After being hired this person will be required to successfully complete the Virginia DCJS SSO Certification Program.

• Knowledge of basic methods of providing site security and safety 
• Must possess excellent communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, teachers, administrators and business/industry leaders.
• Ability to work with adolescents in maintaining a positive and safe school culture
• Ability to read and adhere to written and oral instructions
• Proficient with teamwork and collaborating with colleagues and administration
• Possess an attuned appreciation for cultural awareness and competency and a staunch commitment to continuously develop insight and proficiencies related to such matters
• Demonstrated ability to keep up with fast paced environments and to multi-task
• Sound judgment and ethical practice
• Strong oral communication skills, human relations and interpersonal skills
• Ability to write incident reports

• There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.

•  Travel within the division to school sites may be required.