POSITION TITLE:  School Safety Specialist (GRANT FUNDED)

JOB CODE: 2505

 

 

GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONS OF WORK

The School Safety Specialist will maintain a safe and secure environment for students, employees and visitors by helping to develop, establish and enforce safety and security policies, access control procedures, accident prevention efforts, support risk management efforts, fire, safety, emergency management, and asset protection.  The employee is responsible for directing and coordinating a comprehensive school safety program, which includes working with local public safety agencies.

 

This position works extensively with the Chief of Administrative Services, school administrators, and the Suffolk City community on all areas of school safety and security. 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS

• Promotes best safe schools' practices and consistent emergency procedures throughout the division.
• Ensure compliance with Virginia school safety regulations. 
• Creates and implements building-level safety and security checklists, and monitors school-level implementation.
• Responds to safety and security emergencies, and coordinates with external partner agencies, as needed.  
• Completes all required audits and submissions for the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. (DCJS) and other agencies, as needed. 
• Serves as the designated Emergency Manager; Coordinates Building Level Security staff; Coordinates with the Coordinator of Student Services to participate (or assign designee) in threat assessments and maintain a database of students who have had threat assessments, ensuring that these students are supported and in ongoing contact with coordinated attention from specialized adults.
• Organizes, designs, and administers safety and security training for all relevant school division employees. 
• Develops, maintains, and implements the school division's Crisis Plan. 
• Completion of state and local reports
• Monitors and presents metrics/measurements on building-level safety program compliance (safety drills, etc.), and other aspects of the school division's safety and security program (e.g. crime, violence, discipline reports).
• This position is primarily based within the school environment, with occasional home visits and community engagements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

• Knowledge of best practices in juvenile criminal procedures, school safety, public safety, and building/organization security.
• Thorough knowledge of supervisory and managerial policies and practices.
• Ability to manage complex projects with multiple components, prioritize competing interests, and administer multiple programs simultaneously.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in using computer applications for data entry and reporting.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Must be willing and able to use a personal vehicle as needed. 
• Must be willing to work a flexible work schedule.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned.

 

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE 

Certification/License:

 

• Certified Protection Professional preferred
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred. 
• Have extensive work with law enforcement agencies.
• Be able to work with police and safety personnel as well as school district staff. 
• Knowledge of security measures, security policies & procedures, and crisis management. 
• Knowledge of current laws and regulations governing search and seizure activities.
• Must have a strong background in building security, including the design, set-up and daily operation of digital electronic security systems. 
• Ability to maintain order and to work with groups and individuals on matters of security and crisis management. 
• Experience in law enforcement, school security and/or public safety. 
• Understanding of the criminal justice system. 
• Experience and expertise in school-related investigative fields, related juvenile enforcement, and the development of juvenile prevention and intervention programs.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Demonstrates proficient understanding and usage of technology and various computer programs; and secure web-based applications.

 

Terms of Employment:

• FLSA  Status: Exempt
• Benefits: Employer Portion Paid Retirement, Life Insurance, Contribution to Medical Insurance, Sick Leave and Personal Leave