Milford Public Schools is seeking armed School Security Officers (SSO) for eight positions in our elementary schools and one position at the Academy High School. Hiring for these positions will be in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, including Connecticut General Statute 10-244a and 18 USC 926C

This is a 10-month position, working a school calendar schedule with some additional training days required by the district. The workday is 8 hours, M-F, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch period. Must be available for nights as needed for extracurricular activities and open house events.

Applicant requirements:

Retired sworn member of an organized local police department, Division of State Police within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, a federal law enforcement agent, an organized police department in another state or other personnel eligible in accordance with Connecticut General Statute 10-244a and 18 USC 926C
Separated from service in good standing with at least fifteen years of prior experience in their official capacity as referenced above.
Must not have been terminated or resigned for disciplinary action, or while under investigation, or if disciplinary action was pending.
Following a conditional job offer, applicants must:
- Successfully pass a background check and psychological exam.
- Sign an authorization to release/view personnel records from their prior employers.

The primary role of this position is to carry out existing and new district procedures, policies, and programs related to school security and safety functions.

Salary is $33.40 per hour.

This is a non-represented position. Position includes a comprehensive benefits package.

*Interested candidates must apply online through this job posting to be considered for the position.

No phone calls, please.

Position Summary and Purpose

The Milford Public Schools (MPS) armed School Security Officer (SSO) Program involves the

placement of armed security officers within the educational environment. The SSO shall support

the school administration and staff in promoting a safe, secure, and positive school environment.

The SSO is a visible and active figure at the school to which he/she is assigned, and shall be

charged with safeguarding and protecting the school community and school property.

Supervision

The SSO shall report directly to the MPS Director of Security and shall be subject to the

general supervision and guidance of the Lead School Security Officer (“LSSO”), as it relates to

daily basic school security and safety issues. With respect to weapons issues, the SSO shall be

under the direct supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations and Director of Safety and Security. The

building principal retains overall responsibility for the administration of the school and supervision

of students under his or her supervision.

Qualifications & Requirements

Must have excellent integrity and demonstrate good moral character and initiative.
Retired sworn member of an organized local police department, Division of State Police within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, a parole officer within the Department of Corrections, a federal law enforcement agent or an organized police department in another state in accordance with Connecticut General Statute 10-244a and 18 USC 926C
Separated from service in good standing with at least fifteen years of prior experience in their official capacity as referenced above.
Must not have been terminated or resigned for disciplinary action, or while under investigation, or if disciplinary action was pending.
Successfully pass a background check and psychological examination to fulfill the job functions and

responsibilities.

Must sign an authorization to release/view personnel records from their prior employers. This waiver permits us to contact previous employers to request information regarding performance, disciplinary actions, and attendance records.
Must not have been officially found to be unqualified for reasons relating to mental health by a qualified medical professional while serving as a sworn law enforcement officer or separating from service.
If the candidate has prior service with the military, the candidate must have received an honorable discharge.
Must hold and maintain a valid driver’s license with no significant traffic infractions.
Must successfully complete annual training pursuant to the Police Officer Standards and Training Council requirements and must successfully complete an annual firearms training provided by the Milford Police Department (MPD) or a certified firearms instructor that meets or exceeds the standards of the Police Officer Standards and Training Council, as well as any other training required by law or Board policy.
Must keep all security certification and training requirements current, including but not limited to permits, certifications and licenses to carry and use firearms or other weapons, on school property.

Knowledge

Principles and practices of armed security work within a school setting;
Maintenance, use and storage for a firearm and related equipment.
The use of force and deescalation.
Access control procedures.
Active threat response.
Other emergency response protocols.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent organization skills.
Working cooperatively with multiple types of people from diverse ages and backgrounds (i.e. students, teachers, police officers, principals, parents, etc.).
Use of effective, respectful and courteous communication.
Resourceful, accurate, reliable, punctual and accountable in all matters.
Familiarity with using a computer and email system.

Abilities

Read and comprehend instructions, correspondence and memoranda.
Write basic correspondence as needed within the job functions.
Add, subtract, multiply and divide, to calculate figures and amounts, and to apply mathematical concepts to time and distance.
Define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
Interpret a variety of instructions in oral, written, or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete concepts where only limited standardization exists.
Handle multiple tasks and prioritize activities with a minimal level of supervision.
Work within the chain of command to resolve problems.
Observe situations and accurately determine an effective course of action.

Equipment and Technology

Must lawfully possess a fully functional firearm of a make and model as may be specified by MPD and provided by MPS.
Store firearm, ammunition and equipment safely and in accordance with all applicable Board policy and federal and/or Connecticut laws;
Monitor video surveillance cameras.
Utilize the MPS-issued portable radio.
Operate the district school visitor management system.
Utilize campus mass notification systems during emergencies.
Use other district technology and software related to this position.
Maintain bleeding control kit supplies.
Maintain and utilize traffic control gear and equipment.

Physical and Mental Demands of Position

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be

made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. With or without reasonable accommodation, the physical and mental requirements of this job may include the following:

Seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly.
Occasional reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.
Frequent sitting, standing, running,and walking, which may be required for long periods of time, and may involve climbing stairs and walking up inclines and on uneven terrain.
May include frequent lifting and/or moving up to 20 pounds and occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds.
Hand-eye coordination is necessary to use a firearm. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, far vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Required to utilize rapid and effective judgment in responding to situations or emergencies, using appropriate escalation of force level.

Essential Duties and Functions

The essential duties and functions of the SSOs shall be in accordance with applicable federal and state law, as well as Milford Board of Education policies and other district practices.

Engage in the detection and/or prevention of any unauthorized activity on or around the school grounds, including, but not limited to, the unlawful intrusion or entry on school property, vandalism, abuse, arson or trespass;
Monitor access of building and grounds
Make routine checks of exterior doors to ensure they are closed and locked.
Take steps to deter or prevent entry by unauthorized persons on school property.
Conduct patrols of the interior of building.
Respond to situations that may jeopardize the welfare of students or staff.
Use force only when necessary, reasonable, and proportionate to protect life, prevent serious bodily harm, or control dangerous situations. The use of force should always be a last resort, prioritizing de-escalation whenever possible.
Monitor and perform traffic control in parking lots.
Assist administrators and staff in locating missing students;
Identify and report any hazardous conditions to school administrators or other appropriate staff members.
When applicable, and within the training and expertise of the SSO, assist the school nurse and Administrators with medical emergencies.
As requested by the administration, assist in the development and implementation of plans and strategies to prevent and minimize dangerous situations on school grounds.
Act as a liaison and notify the appropriate first responders in routine, emergency, or high-risk situations as directed by the administration.
Participate in professional development deemed necessary by the school administration and district leadership.
Meet and greet students, staff, and public respectfully and courteously;
Identify and take appropriate action with respect to unauthorized persons on schools grounds.
Carry any legally prescribed identification card at all times while on school property;
Call police and fire department for assistance as needed.
At all times while on school property, wear such distinctive uniform and or insignia as may be designated by MPS.
This list is not meant to be exhaustive. The district reserves the right to assign other duties to for operational needs.

Prohibitions

SSOs shall not take any action that interferes with the responsibilities of the school administration.
SSOs shall have no role in taking disciplinary action against any students.
SSOs shall not access education record information except in accordance with Board policy concerning the confidentiality of education records, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), 20 U.S.C. § 1232g, and applicable state law.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee

encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of

this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, in high places, and in

outside weather conditions, and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The

noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

General Guidelines

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be

performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position

if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not

constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to

change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

Non-Discrimination

The Board of Education will not make employment decisions (including decisions related to

hiring, assignment, compensation, promotion, demotion, disciplinary action and termination) on

the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin,

ancestry, disability (including pregnancy), genetic information, or gender identity or expression,

or other protected classification under state or federal law, except in the case of a bona fide

occupational qualification.

School Security Officer (Armed)