School Safety Officer

Job Description: School Safety Officer

Location: San Antonio STEAM Academy
Position: School Safety Officer
Type: Full-Time/Part-Time (depending on the needs)

Position Mission:
The School Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of all students, faculty, and staff, as well as the protection of all school property and equipment. The Officer will provide excellent customer service while supporting administrators, campus staff, and law enforcement in a timely, thorough, and professional manner. This role is integral to ensuring compliance with federal, state, local, and school safety requirements, conducting security inspections and audits, investigating safety issues, and providing safety or emergency response training. The School Safety Officer will work closely with campus administration, various District departments, and public safety entities concerning emergency response protocols. In the event of an active threat or other life-threatening situation, the Officer is authorized to utilize a firearm to protect students and staff.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required; additional education in criminal justice or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 21 years of age.
• Previous experience in Security Operations, Military, or Law Enforcement preferred.
• All diplomas and degrees must be obtained from an accredited program or university approved by the United States Department of Education and the Texas Education Agency.
• Successful completion of fingerprinting and an extensive background check is required.
  
  

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong understanding of school safety protocols, emergency response, and crisis management.
• Proficient in the use of computers and related equipment with the ability to learn and use specialized software applications (e.g., databases, spreadsheets, word processing).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stressful situations, using sound judgment and critical thinking when making decisions.
• Ability to operate and maintain facility security equipment.
• Ability to deal sensitively and fairly with people from diverse backgrounds, and effectively interact with students, staff, parents, and the community.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. An understanding of and respect for the diverse backgrounds of students, particularly Black and Brown communities, is essential for building trust and maintaining a safe, inclusive school environment.
• Effective interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques.
• Knowledge of state and local laws, regulations, and guidelines related to school safety and security.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver's license with a driving record that meets District requirements.
  
  

Primary Purpose Summary:
The School Safety Officer will patrol and monitor campus buildings and grounds, respond to unauthorized persons, hazardous situations, and suspicious circumstances, and prevent security violations and safety hazards. The Officer will also enforce traffic and parking regulations, conduct security audits, and maintain accurate records of safety incidents. The Officer will collaborate with campus administration to investigate security-related incidents, monitor student behavior, and assist with emergency management and response procedures.

Essential Requirements and Responsibilities:

1. Patrol and monitor campus buildings and grounds, responding appropriately to unauthorized persons, hazardous situations, and suspicious circumstances.
2. Provide prevention and detection of security violations, safety hazards, enforce traffic and parking regulations, and observe and report criminal activity.
3. Conduct regular inspections of perimeter fences, exterior doors, access control points, video surveillance systems, and parking areas to ensure campus security.
4. Perform safety and security audits of campus facilities and assist with the coordination and management of District safety and security compliance requirements.
5. Create and maintain daily activity logs, incident reports, and other documentation as needed by the Safety and Security Department, including logs related to emergency drills or exterior door sweeps.
6. Assist campus administration in the investigation and resolution of security-related incidents and student code of conduct infractions, supporting campus behavioral threat assessment teams.
7. Monitor student behavior and enforce school rules related to conduct, vehicle operation, and parking.
8. Collaborate with campus administration and first responders concerning emergency management, incident response procedures, and safety training/briefings for campus staff.
9. Foster positive school morale and promote a positive and caring school climate, serving as a role model that supports the mission of the District and the campus.
10. Participate in staff development, faculty meetings, special events, and other District-specified training programs.
11. Maintain confidentiality of all information and ensure all communications with the chain of command and campus administration are effective.
12. Report to work on time every day and perform additional duties as assigned.
    
    

Qualification Requirements:

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation and pre-employment physical examination, including vision, hearing, alcohol, drug testing, and a psychological examination.
• Must possess a valid License to Carry (LTC) firearm certification from the State of Texas or meet the qualifications for obtaining an LTC through the Texas DPS Special Conditions for Law Enforcement, and Texas Department of Public Safety School Safety Guardian program within six months of employment.
• Completion of in-service training related to crisis intervention, incident command, first aid, mental health, behavioral threat assessment, firearms retention, and regular re-qualifications within the prescribed time frame.
• Compliance with all school policies and procedures regarding uniform, appearance, attendance, and scheduling.
• Possess own duty gear and equipment (partial reimbursement provided upon successful completion of required training and service time), including but not limited to: 9mm (Glock or Smith & Wesson) Pistol, two magazines, and any other District-approved personally purchased duty gear or equipment.
  
  

Charter & Community Responsibilities:

• Convey the mission of San Antonio STEAM Academy to the public and encourage support in accomplishing safety-related goals.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the charter and community needs, and engage in activities to meet those needs related to school safety.
• Actively participate in community outreach and engagement efforts to promote a safe and supportive school environment.
  
  

Professional Conduct:

• Maintain the highest level of integrity and professionalism in all duties, adhering to school policies and legal requirements.
• Exhibit calmness and professionalism under pressure, demonstrating the ability to adapt quickly to changing situations.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive information related to school safety and security.
• Act as a positive representative of San Antonio STEAM Academy, supporting a collaborative and respectful school culture.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None
  
  

Equipment Used:

• Firearm (as per TEA guidelines and licensure requirements)
• Two-way radios, security monitoring systems, and other safety-related equipment
• Personal or laptop computer, phone, and other communication devices