School Safety Officer

School Safety Officer

The School Safety Officer (SSO) is a highly visible and community-engaged professional who plays a vital role in maintaining a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment. The SSO is responsible for the protection of students, staff, visitors, and school property, while modeling the values of professionalism, respect, responsiveness, and cultural competence. More than a security presence, the SSO functions as a relationship-builder, first responder, crisis manager, and proactive partner embedded within the fabric of each school's educational mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Campus Security & Patrols:
  Conduct proactive and visible patrols across the campus—hallways, common areas, perimeters, and parking zones—to deter misconduct, address safety hazards, and maintain an orderly school environment.
• Emergency Response & Preparedness:
  Respond immediately to emergencies including medical incidents, lockdowns, or facility threats. Participate in safety drills, assist with evacuations, and support school staff in executing crisis management protocols.
• Access Control & Visitor Management:
  Enforce all entry protocols by monitoring building access points, verifying credentials, and ensuring compliance with school visitor policies.
• Conflict Resolution & De-Escalation:
  Apply trauma-informed de-escalation strategies to resolve conflicts while preserving student dignity and campus harmony. Engage school counselors and leadership for escalated matters.
• Traffic & Student Movement Safety:
  Facilitate pedestrian safety during arrival and dismissal. Manage crosswalks, carpool zones, bus lanes, and high-traffic areas to minimize risk.
• Community Engagement:
  Build and sustain relationships with students, families, faculty, and support staff. Serve as a trusted, friendly presence while reinforcing expectations for safety and conduct.
• Documentation & Reporting:
  Log incidents, daily observations, and enforcement actions accurately and promptly using Valor Protection's software platform. Provide school leadership with same-day reporting for any significant events.
• Support School Events:
  Create and execute tailored security plans for school events such as assemblies, athletic competitions, open houses, and ceremonies. Ensure crowd safety and emergency readiness.
• Medical Support:
  Deliver immediate support during medical emergencies, applying CPR, AED, or first aid as needed while coordinating with school nurses and emergency services.
• Compensation: $17 - $20 per hour

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED (required);
  Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred
• Valid Security Officer certification from the State of Georgia
• Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certification
• Prior experience in school safety, security, law enforcement, military service, or youth development settings
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated experience in conflict resolution, student engagement, and trauma-informed approaches
• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods and respond swiftly to emergencies
• Commitment to continuous training in school safety, threat assessment, and DEI principles

Desired Attributes

• Professional appearance, demeanor, and command presence
• Calm under pressure with demonstrated emotional intelligence and resilience
• Strong interpersonal instincts—approachable, respectful, and tactful
• Culturally responsive and capable of building rapport with diverse populations
• Keen observational skills and attention to detail in dynamic environments
• Adaptable and solution-oriented in evolving school conditions
• Passion for youth development and belief in the transformative power of education
• Clear communicator with the ability to relay complex information confidently and compassionately
• Team-oriented, collaborative, and committed to cross-functional coordination
• Consistently upholds and models Valor Protection's core values:
  Excellence, Integrity, Professionalism, Education, and Partnership