School Security Officer

School Security Officer (SSO)

Position Type:
Administration (Operations)/ Specialist

The School Security Officer (SSO) can be assigned to various schools throughout Pocahontas County. The SSO will be responsible for providing a visible presence in addition to preparing/developing safety procedures, conducting trainings, physical protection of students and staff, supervising school entryways, maintaining positive relationships and being active as a role model for the students.

• Health Insurance
• $38,500.00 annually
• Two hundred (200) working days (determined by administration)

Retired or previous law enforcement employment within the last ten (10) years (honorably retired or resigned), along with any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school.

A retired or previous law‑enforcement officer (honorably separated or qualified retired) who meets all the requirements to carry a firearm under the Law‑Enforcement Officer Safety Act of 2004, as amended, pursuant to 18 U.S.C § 926C, and carries that firearm in a concealed or open manner. Preferred qualifications also include:

• Successfully completed a background investigation
• Certification from an advanced training in school resource officer setting
• A certification in first aid, AED, CPR, and Narcan administration
• The ability to counsel and interact with students in the pre‑K‑12th grade setting.
• A moral and ethical role model for students
• Ability to qualify annually for firearms.
• Ability to operate and communicate with police radio.

Qualification to carry a firearm as set forth below and in West Virginia Code §18‑5‑52.

Performance will be reviewed and evaluated by the designated supervisor using information from various sources to study and review the position holder's ability and effectiveness in carrying out the foregoing responsibilities.

• Knowledge and abilities in preparing reports, case management, ability to work independently and within a group.
• General knowledge of standard office machines.
• Familiarity with police work, patrol tactics, safety measures, police training, and the criminal justice system, and West Virginia state laws.
• Ability to get along well with others, demonstrating a strong customer service orientation.
• Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Developing safety procedures for potential threats in the school, conducting drills with students and staff, and de‑escalating aggression between students, and between students and staff.
• Patrolling the school grounds, ensuring overall safety, viewing videos, and security monitors, and watching for suspicious activity.
• Supervising weapons detectors (if applicable) and special events and directing foot and automobile traffic if necessary.
• Protecting the school and students against theft and property damage and assisting in medical emergencies.
• Maintaining positive relationships and contact with students to enhance positive behaviors.
• Working with counselors and support staff to assist students when referrals to service agencies are necessary, or to assist in conflict resolutions.
• Acting as a communication liaison with law enforcement agencies and providing basic information concerning students on the campus served by the officer.
• Referring students and/or families to the appropriate agencies for assistance as needed.
• The SSO shall not act as a school disciplinarian. However, if the principal believes an incident is a violation of the law, the principal may contact the SSO to determine whether local law enforcement agencies need to be contacted.
• Counseling students in special situations when requested by the principal, student, or parent.
• Investigating criminal activity on or around school property and determining if law enforcement agencies need to be contacted.
• Acting as a resource to answer questions students or parents may have concerning criminal law.
• Assisting local law enforcement agencies with outside investigations relating to students or school property.
• Providing security at school events and/or other functions.

Pocahontas County Schools will grant equal employment opportunity to all persons, regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, or handicap, and there will be no discrimination based on these factors in the salary, promotion, demotion, or termination of any employee. Any discrimination concerns should be directed in writing to the Personnel Director, Pocahontas County Schools, 404 Old Buckeye Rd, Buckey, WV 24924.