Security Specialist

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK

Under the supervision of the Principal and Lead Security Specialist and in collaboration with the Director I - School Safety and Security, the Security Specialist patrols district sites and adjacent areas to provide safety and protection for students, staff, equipment and property; assures compliance with applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations; responds to fire and intrusion alarms and calls for service at district sites; provides assistance to staff, students, parents, citizens and public agencies; models and promotes a positive, productive and safe campus climate.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Patrol district sites and adjacent areas to provide safety and protection for students, staff, equipment and property; assure compliance with applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations
• Escort students, school personnel, and/or visitors to provide direction, ensure safety and provide site security
• Provide traffic and parking control to maintain efficient traffic flow and use of parking lots
• Refer incidents, including personal injuries, altercations, suspicious activities, rule violations, etc. to appropriate site personnel and/or city police to ensuring follow-up in accordance with administrative, site security, and student safety guidelines
• Respond to inquiries from students and parents regarding campus security issues to provide information, direction, and/or referrals for addressing inquiries
• Respond to and resolve calls for service; update dispatch on status of calls; investigate incidents and report criminal activity; report safety hazards observed at sites
• Respond to fire and intrusion alarm calls and determine if unauthorized entry or faulty operation of an alarm has occurred; turn alarm systems on and off and test for proper operation; summon and communicate with police and fire departments
• Initiate contact with individuals on District grounds or surrounding property to assure visitor authorization; detain persons suspected of criminal behavior; call local law enforcement when arrest is required
• Patrol areas adjacent to schools identified as locations of loitering by students and adults; request identification as appropriate; transport truant students to school; transport students home or to other locations as directed by the Director I - School Safety and Security
• Collaborate with community agencies (e.g. law enforcement, courts, mental health, etc.) to address individual cases and/or take action regarding criminal activities, vandalism, etc. for the safety and security of the school site
• Monitor student behavior during and between assigned periods and at student events (e.g. lunch room, classrooms, detention, dances, home games, etc.) to ensure student compliance with established guidelines
• Identify and intervene in conflicts between individual and groups of students or others and de-escalate situations; assist students to problem-solve issues and resolve conflicts in a positive and constructive manner; maintain a high level of visibility on campus
• Serve as a mentor and role model to provide guidance to students regarding appropriate behaviors and the importance of following school rules; build rapport with students and assist in promoting a positive, productive and safe school climate
• Facilitate and participate in discussions with individual students, parents, and school staff for the purpose of channeling student activities into acceptable behavior, good attendance, and academic achievement
• Conduct searches of student lockers and property; confiscate inappropriate items
• Communicate with students, administrators, staff and the public to exchange information, coordinate activities and resolve issues or concerns; advise school administration and School Safety personnel of causes and effects of student tension on campus and within the community
• Respond to a wide variety of emergency situations at or near school sites; administer first aid or necessary physical assistance to ill or distressed individuals
• Record activities and incidents that occur on assigned shifts and prepare incident reports
• Observe legal and defensive safe driving practices for outside patrols; operate a variety of safety equipment including a fire extinguisher, handcuffs, and two-way radio
• Monitor and assist in controlling crowds at special and athletic events; observe and report misuse of facilities, vandalism or other unauthorized activities; direct traffic
• Attend a variety of conferences, trainings and meetings to maintain current knowledge of applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations related to assigned activities
• May attend and participate in legal proceedings of suspects
• Perform other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to perform basic math; understand written procedures, write routine documents, and speak clearly; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions
• Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: health standards and hazards; safety practices and procedures
• Ability to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions
• Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including software; preparing and maintaining accurate records
• Ability to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment; flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods
• Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment
• Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans
• Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate
• Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; setting priorities; working with frequent and sustained interruptions

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate's degree or higher, including coursework in criminal justice, psychology, law, or a related field is preferred
• Related experience may be considered in lieu of having an Associate's degree