School Resource Officer - Deputy Sheriff

Exciting Opportunity to Begin Your Career as a School Resource Officer at Portsmouth Sheriff's Office!

Join a Dynamic Team, where Career Advancement is Encouraged and Professional Development is Supported

As a School Resource Officer, enjoy a Competitive Salary rate starting at $55,000k.

And that's not all- You'll also receive a Valuable VRS Retirment Plan with Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Supplement, ensuring financial security for your future.

The Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office seeks Virginia DCJS-Certified Law Enforcement officers to serve primarily as School Resource Officers (SRO).

Mandatory: Basic Law Enforcement certification and at least 3 years as a Certified Deputy

The School Resource Officer (SRO) position is responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of criminal violations that happen on Portsmouth Public City Schools property or events. The SRO position works on a fixed schedule. The SRO position also requires work outside the normal schedule to complete the mission. This includes but is not limited to dances, athletic events, and shift extensions.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• As sworn law enforcement officers, the SRO will assume a leadership role in law enforcement and public safety matters in schools. The law enforcement role can be effective when the officer is assigned to a school.
• Assumes primary responsibility for handling all calls for service from the school and coordinates the response of other police resources to the school.
  
• Serves as a liaison between the school and the police and provides information to students and school personnel about law enforcement matters.
  
• Is advised of all situations where other units within the law enforcement agency have provided services to the school.
• Provides information to the appropriate investigative units of crimes or leads that come to the attention of the officer.
  Is kept advised of all investigations by other units that involve students from his/her assigned school.
• Ensures school administrator safety by being present during incidents that may involve weapons, controlled dangerous substances or in such cases that the student's emotional state may present a serious risk to the administrator.
• Adhere to the guidelines of the MOU with Portsmouth Public Schools.

Preferred Skills and Abilities:
Certified as a School Resource Officer

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability, interest, and skills necessary to work with youth, school personnel, and the public to solve problems
• Desire to serve as an SRO based on a sound understanding of roles and responsibilities associated with the assignment
• Ability to work well with children and youth either as a law enforcement officer or in other substantive roles (e.g., volunteer work, coaching, church youth activities)
  
• Character traits known to be associated with SRO success (e.g., calm, approachable, patient, empathetic, flexible, mature, able to work with people from diverse populations)
• Evidence of dependability, sound judgement, and ability to work hard and independently
• Ability to work effectively with students, parents, teachers, and school administrators
• Understanding of the importance of diversion programs and alternatives to arrest
• Respect for youth and families of all backgrounds and cultures
• Understanding of developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed practices for interacting with youth
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong public speaking ability
• Effective law-related teaching and mentoring skills
• An interest in promoting and enriching the lives of youth
• Knowledge of the specific needs and local concerns of the community

What We Value:

The Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office is committed to serving our citizens with compassion and integrity. Dedicated to the well-being of our community, we will build trust, foster goodwill, promote civic pride, and as a department, strive to reflect the diverse populations we serve.

• Honor
• Service
• Integrity

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance (VRS Virginia Retirement System *Group & Optional*)
• Annual /Sick/ Birthday Leave
• Flexible Spending Account
• Tuition Assistance (Liberty University special rates)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Legal Resources
• Short Term Disability
• Fitness Memberships
• Wellness Programs
• TicketsatWork 

The Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer