Job Description

School Security Officer , 2025–2026 Academic Year
Focus Area: School Security

Reports to: Director of Operations 

Who We Are

Heartwood Community School is a community-focused, tuition-free charter school serving Jasper, Beaufort, and Hampton Counties in South Carolina. We believe in educating the whole child—nurturing each student academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Honoring every child's unique journey, we bridge home and school to foster a compassionate, empowering environment where students feel seen and valued.

Our mission goes beyond academics; we guide students to become resilient problem-solvers, compassionate community builders, globally minded citizens, emotionally intelligent leaders, and lifelong learners. Embracing mistakes as part of growth, we equip students to thrive in school and life—ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

The Role

Heartwood Community School seeks a highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented School Security Officer, assigned to ensure the safety and security of all students, staff, and visitors on campus. The SRO will serve as a visible, proactive presence focused on building relationships with the school community while preventing and responding to threats. This role includes monitoring security systems, leading emergency drills, managing visitor access, and collaborating with school leaders to uphold a positive and secure learning environment.

Responsibilities

Campus Safety & Presence

• Serve as the primary responder to any on-campus safety or security incidents.
• Conduct hourly rounds to monitor hallways, classrooms, stairwells, and external areas.
• Maintain a strong, visible presence on school grounds to deter threats and promote safety.
• Secure all internal and external doors with routine physical checks throughout the day.
• Ensure all students are dismissed to appropriate guardians by actively monitoring end-of-day procedures.

Surveillance & Security Technology

• Monitor live camera feeds, alarms, and building security systems throughout the day for unusual or suspicious activity.
• Test alarm and surveillance equipment multiple times daily to ensure functionality.
• Partner with IT/facilities teams to maintain and troubleshoot safety systems and tools.

Visitor Access & Building Control

• Greet all visitors with professionalism while maintaining high-security standards.
• Manage the school's visitor check-in/check-out system; verify identification and purpose of visit.
• Grant or deny access to building zones based on protocols; escort unauthorized persons off the premises if needed.
• Control and monitor access points to prevent breaches or safety lapses.

Emergency Management & Drill Leadership

• Collaborate with the Director of Operations and Facilities Manager to lead the school's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
• Collaborate with the Facilities Manager to conduct and evaluate safety drills (fire, lockdown, tornado, evacuation) in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
• Train staff and students on proper procedures for emergencies, including arrival/dismissal, bus safety, and communication protocols.
• Serve as a liaison between the school and emergency responders during incidents.

Law Enforcement & Incident Response

• Enforce applicable state and federal laws while respecting the school's discipline policies.
• Respond swiftly to incidents including threats, intrusions, altercations, or medical emergencies.
• Complete detailed incident reports with accurate timestamps and descriptions.
• Maintain daily activity logs documenting security checks, visitor activity, and safety conditions.

Skills & Characteristics

• Ability to lift/move up to 100 lbs and navigate multiple flights of stairs quickly.
• Calm, professional demeanor with strong rapport-building skills, especially with children.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Familiarity with student behavior management and trauma-informed practices.
• Knowledge of modern security and surveillance systems.
• Commitment to building a safe, trusting environment for students, staff, and families.

Education & Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience in law enforcement or armed security; school security experience preferred.
• Licensed and trained to carry a firearm on school grounds in accordance with state laws and school district policies; must maintain all required certifications and complete ongoing weapons safety training.
• Experience leading or supporting safety drills and training programs.
• CPR, First Aid, and Stop-the-Bleed certifications (or willingness to obtain).
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification or willingness to complete training.

Compensation

The salary for this role is $80,000, with eligibility for a relocation package. To uphold our commitment to equitable and fair compensation, we offer a competitive salary and have a no-negotiation policy.

We are committed to building a best-in-class team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Retirement Plans

Our Commitment:
Heartwood Community School is deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

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