School Safety Officer

DescriptionAt The Mount Vernon School, students are empowered to discover, explore, learn, design, create, and effect change. With a commitment to Identity, Diversity, Equity, and Action (IDEA), we welcome the opportunity to engage in honest, vulnerable, and courageous conversations that challenge our biases and assumptions. Our goal is to design a better world, so we choose to equip students with the knowledge, skills, attributes, and relationships they need to be impact-ready. The RoleMount Vernon School is seeking a dedicated and highly trained armed School Safety Officer to ensure the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

The School Safety Officer will work under the direction of the Director of Security to maintain a safe, innovative, and inclusive learning environment that aligns with Mount Vernon’s mission to inspire students to discover, explore, and lead with courage and curiosity. This role requires a professional with strong judgment, situational awareness, and a commitment to fostering a welcoming and secure campus community, including managing daily traffic and carpool operations. Role & ResponsibilitiesCampus SecurityConduct regular patrols of Mount Vernon School’s campus, including academic buildings, athletic facilities, and outdoor spaces, to deter and detect potential security risks.

Monitor security systems, including cameras, alarms, and access control points, to ensure operational effectiveness and alignment with the school’s technology-driven environment. Carry and maintain a firearm in accordance with Georgia state laws and Mount Vernon School policies, using it only as a last resort in life-threatening situations. Traffic and Carpool ManagementOversee and direct daily morning and afternoon carpool operations to ensure safe, efficient, and orderly traffic flow on and around campus. Coordinate with school staff and volunteers to manage vehicle lines, student drop-off/pick-up, and pedestrian safety during high-traffic periods.

Address traffic-related concerns, such as unauthorized parking or congestion, to maintain a secure and accessible campus environment. Emergency ResponseRespond swiftly and appropriately to emergencies, including active threats, medical incidents, or natural disasters, following Mount Vernon’s established safety protocols. Coordinate with the Sandy Springs Police Department, the Sandy Springs Fire Department, and other emergency services during critical incidents. Lead and participate in emergency drills (e. g. , lockdowns, evacuations, severe weather) to prepare the Mount Vernon community for crisis situations.

Safety Protocol ImplementationCollaborate with the Director of Security to develop, update, and enforce safety policies tailored to Mount Vernon’s innovative and student-centered culture, including traffic and carpool safety procedures. Conduct risk assessments of campus facilities and traffic patterns, recommending improvements to enhance security and efficiency. Provide training to faculty, staff, and volunteers on safety practices, including de-escalation techniques, emergency preparedness, and carpool management protocols. Community EngagementBuild positive relationships with students, parents, and staff to foster trust and a sense of security, reflecting Mount Vernon’s values of inclusivity and community, particularly during carpool interactions.

Serve as a visible, approachable presence on campus, engaging with students and families in a manner that supports their emotional and physical safety. Communicate effectively with stakeholders during safety-related or traffic-related incidents, ensuring transparency and alignment with Mount Vernon’s commitment to clear communication. Incident ReportingDocument and report all security incidents, suspicious activities, traffic violations, or policy breaches to the Director of Security, adhering to Mount Vernon’s protocols for accountability. Maintain accurate logs of patrols, incidents, safety drills, and traffic/carpool observations for compliance with school and Georgia state requirements. Compliance and Training:

Maintain all required certifications, including firearms training, first aid/CPR, and any state-mandated security credentials, ensuring compliance with Georgia’s school safety regulations. Stay current with Georgia laws regarding armed security in schools, including O. C. G. A. 16-11-130. 2 (firearms in school safety zones). Participate in ongoing professional development in security practices, de-escalation, crisis management, and traffic management, with opportunities provided by Mount Vernon School. RequirementsEducation and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, security management, or related field preferred.

Minimum of 3 years of experience in security, law enforcement, or military service, with at least 1 year in an armed capacity. Experience in traffic management or carpool operations in a school or similar setting is highly desirable. Prior experience in a school or educational setting, particularly with PK-12 students, is preferred. Certifications And LicensesValid Georgia concealed carry permit or ability to obtain one. Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification or equivalent law enforcement/security training preferred. Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification. Completion of a recognized active shooter response training program (e. g. , ALERRT or equivalent).

Skills And AbilitiesExceptional situational awareness and decision-making skills under pressure, aligned with Mount Vernon’s emphasis on thoughtful leadership. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with Mount Vernon’s diverse student body, faculty, and parent community, including during high-traffic carpool periods. Proficiency in conflict resolution, de-escalation techniques, and traffic direction to ensure safety and efficiency. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information in line with Mount Vernon’s commitment to trust. Physical fitness to lift 40 lbs, perform patrols, manage traffic, respond to emergencies, and handle physical confrontations if necessary.

Other RequirementsCommitment to Mount Vernon’s mission to empower students to think critically, act boldly, and impact the world positively. Alignment with the school’s values of innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement, including in traffic and carpool interactions. The role requires working indoors and outdoors across Mount Vernon’s campus in Atlanta, in various weather conditions, with frequent walking, standing, and traffic direction. HoursSchedule includes regular school hours (typically 7: 00 AM–4: 00 PM), with mandatory presence during morning carpool (7: 00 AM–8: 30 AM) and afternoon carpool (2: 30 PM–4: 00 PM), as well as flexibility for after-hours events such as athletic games, performances, or community gatherings.

The officer must be prepared to respond to incidents outside of regular hours as needed, supporting Mount Vernon’s commitment to safety at all times. This job description is intended to describe the basic elements of the job and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. This job description does not constitute a contract. It may be modified or amended at any time as determined in the School’s discretion.

The faculty and staff of The Mount Vernon School believe the fair and equitable treatment of employees is critical to fulfilling its mission and purpose. It is the policy of The Mount Vernon School is to conduct business and provide equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, age, gender, religion, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.