School Guardian SSO Pinellas County

Plato Academy Charter Schools
Pinellas County, Florida

SCHOOL SAFETY OFFICER (SSO) – aka – SCHOOL GUARDIAN

This School Safety Guardian is an armed position that requires a current Guardian certification by the Sheriff of the local county as outlined in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR CERTIFICATION/LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or equivalency
• Valid Florida Driver’s License
• Valid Florida Concealed Weapons Permit (per current relevant Florida Statutes) and must maintain the permit throughout employment in this position.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Experience or training in a security related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.
• Clearly Read, Write, Speak, and Understand English.
• Must be able to successfully complete ongoing trainings, and firearm proficiency tests as outlined in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act.
• Must meet all Local County Sheriff’s Office requirements to obtain a Guardian Certificate pursuant to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, including pass psychological evaluation and pass background and drug tests to ensure eligibility.
• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain the Guardian Certificate throughout employment in this position, which includes completion of all the following required training as mandated by the local

Sheriff. This includes (not limited to): o successfully complete a comprehensive firearms safety proficiency training during a Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission certified course conducted by the local County Sheriff’s Office which include: firearms training instruction in precision pistol discretionary shooting instruction using approved simulator exercises instruction in defensive tactics instruction in active shooter or assailant scenarios instruction in legal issues instruction by a certified nationally recognized diversity training program o Must also submit to and pass an initial drug test and subsequent random screeningsMAJOR FUNCTION

The School Safety Officer is responsible for deterring, preventing, or stopping any active assailant situation and protecting the life and well-being of students, staff, and visitors. While typically routine, the work may involve an element of personal danger and requires the exercise of considerable judgment, the application of policy and procedures and tact. Work is reviewed through observation, conferences, written reports, inspections, and evaluation. Prefer past law enforcement officer or military in a related field, FL “D” and “G”
Security, but not mandatory.

The School Safety Officer has no authority to act in any law enforcement capacity except to the extent necessary to prevent or abate an active assailant incident on a school premises.

Plato Academy Charter Schools - School Safety Officer Guardian

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide security and surveillance to school campus, including patrolling parking lots and grounds as well as using and monitoring all video cameras throughout the campus.
• Proper use and care for firearms, communications equipment, and other necessary equipment
• Uses computers to access information and generate clear and comprehensive reports while properly maintain confidentiality
• Reports to School Principal & Director of Security
• Cooperates with Principals, Assistant Principals, and other appropriate staff members by coordinating, recommending and advising them of proper practices/procedures necessary to secure the safe and peaceful conduct of School Board business/activities as indicated by the local Sheriff.
• Cooperates with and is accessible to local, state and federal law enforcement agencies for participation in their respective training activities.
• Cooperates and participates with other members of the criminal justice system to include Office of the

State Attorney, Child Protective Investigators, and other state and federal agencies in the interest of public safety

• Remains vigilant, attentive and focused in pro-actively identifying various active risks and maintaining a clear-headed professional disposition in any crisis situation.
• Remains alert and sensitive to potential disturbances and/or violations of the law through preventive measures of security
• Remains knowledgeable of current processes and procedures pertinent to the school guardian program through continued education, seminars, and training
• Provides security services during various meetings
• Demonstrates qualification with and uses departmental issued equipment; maintains departmental issued supplies and equipment, including weapons, ammunition, and other specialized supplies and equipment
• Demonstrates ability and can perform defensive tactics
• Uses discretion, maturity, and wisdom in these various components: de-escalating, preventing, or stopping a dangerous or potentially dangerous situation. Must have the wisdom and training to know which of these to implement
• Responds as needed to work during emergencies that may extend duty hours, even during periods of severe or inclement weather
• Must have presence of mind, and maintain constant mental alertness, display excellent communication skills and the ability to quickly evaluate critical situations as required.
• Must be physically and mentally prepared to respond immediately to emergencies
• Performs other related

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Requires working indoors and outdoors in various weather-related conditions. Requires sitting, standing, running, walking and moving about during the day, and the ability to lift, carry, move and/or position objects infrequently weighing up to 50 pounds. Requires travel to school and work sites within the County.

To Apply:

Email the Director of Security the following information:

• Contact Info (Name, cell & home phone, email address)
• Resume
• Cover letter (optional)
• GUARDIAN CERTIFICATE from Pinellas County

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• No nights
• No weekends

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a current Pinellas County Guardian Certification from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PCSO), and are in good standing with the PCSO?

License/Certification:

• Current Guardian Certification - Pinellas County (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,500