*PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NEITHER A WEA OR WAESP POSITION AND NEITHER CBA APPLIES
The Williamsport Area School District is accepting applications for School Police Officers (SPOs), up to two (2) positions, for the 2024-25 School Year to provide law enforcement to the district schools and properties by monitoring and ensuring the safety and security of students, staff and community. Requirements include PA State Police Academy Graduate OR Municipal Police Officer Education & Training Commission (MPOETC) Graduate OR other Police Officer Certification. A minimum of 10 years’ experience on the PA State Police Force, Municipal Police Force, SPO or other certified police officer required. CPR and First Aid certified; Weapons Proficiency Qualified and Current Certification required. Apply online at www.wasd.org/employment. EOE
Interested applicants should be aware that, if hired, they would be responsible for obtaining and providing the necessary background checks and clearances as well as evidence of a physical and TB testing within the past twelve months. All fees for these requirements are the responsibility of the applicant and all clearances and health tests must be obtained prior to starting employment. Please contact the WASD Human Resources Office or email jobs@wasd.org for more information. EOE.
To apply please click on the link on the right side of this page.
Basic Functions:
The School Police Officer provides law enforcement to the district schools and properties by monitoring and ensuring the safety and security of students, staff and community members in order to create and maintain a safe and healthy learning environment. The School Police Officer is also responsible for protecting the welfare of students and school personnel in accordance with school district policies and Pennsylvania school code.
Education & Experience:
Minimum of a high school diploma required;
Pennsylvania State Police Academy Graduate or Municipal Police Officer Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) Graduate or Other Police Officer Certification required;
Minimum of 10 years of experience on the PA State Police Force, Municipal Police Force, School Police Officer or other certified police officer required;
CPR and First Aid Certification required;
Weapons Proficiency Qualifications and Current Certification required
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Demonstrated Abilities:
• Knowledge of criminal investigation and the techniques of interrogation
• Knowledge of the standard practices and procedures used in protecting buildings and property and regulating the activities of the public
• Cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully and with respect for the rights of others
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine a proper course of action to be taken
• Gain the confidence and respect of students and faculty
• Work with large groups of students
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Maintain records and prepare reports
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
Authority & Responsibilities:
[(E) Designates Essential Functions]
1. Build positive working relationships with building principals, staff, students, and parents to develop a positive law enforcement/education relationship.
2. Provide a positive and visible law enforcement presence in the schools and school district property to provide for the safety and well-being of students, staff, and school visitors.
3. In the event of an emergency situation in school district buildings, on school district property, and on school buses, initiate emergency response.
4. With the authorization of the building principal and/or school administrator, enforce PA Crimes Code by making arrests or issuing citations for violations to the Code on school property.
5. Provide other related duties as authorized by 24 PA P.S. section 778, School Code Regulation as related to School Police Officers.
6. As directed by the building principal, assist principal and staff with enforcing compulsory attendance laws, including, as necessary, visits to the student's home, issuing truancy citations, and attending truancy hearings.
7.In conjunction with local law enforcement, conduct investigations of criminal activities on school property and reported cases of student, staff and parent misconduct that compromise the health, safety and security of the school operations, while ensuring that evidence is collected and preserved.
8.Provide security for school activity coverage with district administrators to provide security for various events as directed (dances, sporting events, theatre, etc.)
9.Develop a working relationship with community agencies that offer assistance to youth and their family in the areas of mental health and substance abuse.
10.Work in conjunction with the building principal and/or school administrator, local police and community emergency management agencies to develop plans and strategies to prevent or minimize dangerous situations near and on school property, in school buildings, or involving students at school related activities.
11.Instruct programs designed to educate students, staff, parents and community members in the rule of law, crime prevention, drug/alcohol awareness and prevention, and community safety programs in collaboration with the building principal and/or school administrator.
12.Perform routine walk-through and visual surveillance footage inspections of district property, including but not limited to inspection of doors, landings, parking lots and dropoff zones to prevent disruptive or criminal actions, or unauthorized access and responds according to district procedures and makes recommendations to the building principal and/or the law enforcement for improvement on safety measures.
13.Encourage adherence to school district safety standards and enforces safety rules.
14.Act as a liaison between the school district, local police agencies and other emergency services on school matters.
15.Cooperate with law enforcement officials in all student matters under their investigation within related district policies with authorization of the building principal and/or school administrator.
16.Monitor traffic and parking on and around district property, opening entrances/gates and directing traffic as needed to ensure efficient traffic patterns.
17.Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools and/or his/her designee
Physical Requirements:
VERY HEAVY- Exert in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Must demonstrate the ability to lift, push and pull 50 pounds.
This position may involve the controlling of others—seizing, holding, controlling and/or otherwise subduing violent, assaultive or physically threatening persons to defend self or prevent injury. Body strength and agility of all four limbs is required.
Must be able to walk for an extended period of time, inside and outside of facilities, as necessary for work-related tasks.
Auditory and Visual Requirements:
Within normal ranges with or without correction.
Equipment Used:
Office equipment such as computers, fax machines, telephones, copiers, etc.
This job description is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, tasks, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with this position. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, management reserves the right to modify essential functions of the job, or to require that additional or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (i.e., emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technical developments).