ESC - School Safety & Security Specialist

This position is offered through the Educational Services of Central Ohio.

Reports To: Director of Safety and Security

Department: Safety and Security

Reynoldsburg City Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. At Reynoldsburg, our educators embody the principles outlined in Our Portrait of an Educator, inspiring students to innovate, collaborate, and excel. For more information, visit https://www.reyn.org/about-rcs/mission-vision-values.

Primary Job Function

The Safety and Security Specialist is responsible for supporting a safe, secure, and orderly learning environment within assigned school buildings. Working under the general supervision of the Director of Safety and Security and in close collaboration with building Principals, this position provides a visible safety presence, monitors building activity, supports emergency preparedness, assists with incident response, and documents safety-related concerns in accordance with district policies, the Student Code of Conduct, and applicable Ohio law.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to effectively interact with students, staff, parents, and the public
• Demonstrated ability to maintain professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion
• Ability to follow district policies, procedures, and emergency protocols
• Ability to work flexible hours aligned with school schedules and district events

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in school safety, security, law enforcement, military service, or a related field
• Knowledge of school safety practices, student behavior management, or emergency response procedures
• Training in conflict de-escalation, crisis response, or youth engagement
• Familiarity with Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) and school-based safety drills

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Primary functions may include the following duties, responsibilities, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions within this classification.

Safety Presence and School Climate

• Visibility: Maintain a visible presence throughout assigned buildings and grounds to deter unsafe behavior and promote order.
• Access Monitoring: Be present at designated entry points during student arrival to visually monitor access and direct visitors in accordance with district procedures.
• Positive Engagement: Interact positively with students to reinforce expectations for appropriate behavior and decision-making.
• Role Modeling: Serve as a role model by demonstrating professionalism, appropriate attire, and respectful conduct.

Incident Prevention, Response, and Documentation

• Observation: Observe, identify, and respond to potential safety concerns, disorder, or suspicious activity.
• Intervention: Intervene, when appropriate, to de-escalate situations and prevent escalation of conflict.
• Response: Respond promptly to reports of disorder, safety concerns, or potential violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
• Reporting: Document incidents, observations, and investigations as directed; report code of conduct violations to the Principal or Assistant Principal.

Emergency Preparedness and Compliance

• Drill Execution: Assist in the development, implementation, scheduling, and execution of safety drills, including fire, tornado, lockdown, and other emergency procedures.
• EOP Knowledge: Maintain working knowledge of the building's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and operate in accordance with its directives.
• Safety Audits: Participate in annual EOP reviews and monitor buildings and grounds for hazards or safety risks.

Collaboration and Communication

• Internal Partnership: Work collaboratively with building administrators, staff, and the Director of Safety and Security to address ongoing safety concerns.
• Agency Liaison: Serve as a point of contact with the Fire Marshal or building inspectors regarding safety violations or compliance issues.
• Trend Analysis: Maintain open communication with administrators regarding emerging issues, trends, or concerns.

Operational Responsibilities

• Equipment Monitoring: Carry and monitor district-issued communication equipment (e.g., radio) at all times while on duty.
• Professional Development: Attend required safety meetings, professional development, and training sessions.
• Adaptability: Accept building assignment changes as directed to meet district needs, including reassignment during emergencies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• School safety practices and emergency response protocols.
• Student Code of Conduct and applicable district policies.
• Ohio laws related to mandatory reporting, school safety, and student welfare.
• Principles of conflict prevention and de-escalation.

Skilled in:

• Observing and assessing potentially unsafe situations.
• Communicating clearly and professionally with students and adults.
• Documenting incidents and observations accurately.
• Maintaining situational awareness in a school environment.

Ability to:

• Exercise sound judgment within established guidelines and supervisory direction.
• Maintain composure and professionalism in stressful or emotionally charged situations.
• Work collaboratively with administrators, staff, and safety personnel.
• Adapt to changing assignments, schedules, and operational needs.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with reporting requirements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in keeping with law.

Physical Demands - While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others. The employee is required to sit or stand and move around for extended periods of time. While performing the duties of this job the employee must be able to push, pull, lift and carry over 25 pounds on occasion.

Working Conditions - The employee in this position may experience occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids and tissue. The employee may also be required to interact with students exhibiting challenging or disruptive behaviors. The employee may interact with students, staff, and the public and may work in both indoor and outdoor environments, including district events, presentations, and community functions, which may occasionally occur during evenings or weekends. The position may also require responding to urgent communications needs outside of normal work hours.

Driving Requirement - This position may require driving to various school sites or district events.

This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed by the employee. The employee will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties required by the employee's supervisor and or appointing authority.