School Resource Officer

School Resource Officer

The American School for the Deaf (ASD) is the oldest school for the deaf, founded in 1817 by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc. The American School for the Deaf is committed to serving deaf and hard of hearing infants, youth, and their families in development of intellect and the enhancement of quality of life utilizing specially designed instruction through an American Sign Language and English Bilingual Approach, empowering them to become educated and self-directed life-long learners.

ASD is located in West Hartford, a town recognized as one of the top ten towns for raising families. West Hartford residents value education, evidenced by the high quality of public and private schools. There is also much to do in West Hartford. There is a wide array of parks and recreation. There are pools and hiking trails. There are historic sites to visit as well. If shopping is on the list, then Blue Back Square, located in the center of town, offers many retail stores and a variety of restaurants to satisfy everyone.

Position: School Resource Officer

Department: Security

Supervisor: Directors of Risk Management

Description: 12 months – Benefits eligible

Hours: 11am—7pm, 40/hrs. week

Union Status: Non-Collective Bargaining (non-union)

Scope of Duties

Under the supervision of the Supervisor of the Directors of Risk Management, the Student Resource Officer's role is to serve as a resource for students, parents, teachers and staff while maintaining a high visibility presence on school grounds, responding to suspicious activity, safety concerns, while enforcing school policies and state laws. Conduct security assessments of the campus and collaborate with school officials on emergency and safety protocols. Key elements include not only policy enforcement and school safety but also cultural competency, communication accessibility, and trust-building within our community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain high visibility and active presence on school grounds to deter criminal activity.
• Build positive relationships with students acting as trusted adult and role model
• Mediate conflicts between students, students and staff
• Respond promptly to emergencies, threats, disturbances, including fights, intruders, or suspicious behavior.
• Enforce local, state, and federal laws while on school property.
• Conduct preliminary investigations of crimes incidents and safety concerns
• Assist with video surveillance monitoring
• Assist in updating emergency operations plans, including lockdown, evacuation, and reunification procedures.
• Deliver emergency preparedness presentations as well as presentations on substance abuse, cyber safety, bullying and harassment,
• Assist with fire and lockdown drills
• Monitor security equipment (cameras, access control systems, etc.) and coordinate with facilities/security staff.
• Support education team in promoting student safety
• Maintain accurate records and reporting

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum [3] years of law enforcement experience preferred.
• Ability to remain calm in high-stress situations and act with discretion and integrity.

• Training in school-based policing, adolescent development, and de-escalation techniques preferred.
• Familiar with Physical Management Training.
• ASL experience preferred and/or willingness to participate in ASL classes.
• Experience working with youth and/or school communities is highly desirable.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Shift flexibility.

Salary and Benefits:

• Group health insurance and other fringe benefits are available.
• $1000 sign on bonus after one year of service for newly hired employees, not applicable for re-hires.

ASD is ALL ways able. If you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources Department.

The American School for the Deaf does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, intellectual disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or civil union status) work place hazards to reproductive systems, and criminal record (in state employment and licensing).

All applicants will be screened, and the most highly qualified applicants will be invited to interview.