Armed School Security Officer (ASSO) 195

Sylvania; Scranton (Lackawanna County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Sylvania in Scranton seeks two Armed School Security Officers (ASSO) to provide a professional armed security presence at district schools, deter threats, and respond to emergencies under the Sergeant's direction.

The roles require patrols, drills, incident reporting, and compliance with FERPA and district post orders. Shifts are 10 months, 8 hours, Monday–Friday, with day or second shift assignments; NASRO training and related certifications preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.
• Current Act 235 Lethal Weapons Certification and License to Carry Firearms.
• NASRO Basic SRO Course or Act 67-approved equivalent.
• CPR/AED/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days).

Responsibilities

• Lead the frontline safety presence under the Sergeant’s direction.
• Respond to threats, disturbances, or safety violations per protocol.
• Patrol assigned areas, monitor entrances/exits and perimeters.
• Complete detailed incident reports and maintain confidentiality as required by FERPA.

Skills

High school diploma

PA Driver's license

Judgment under stress

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

NASRO Basic SRO Course

Act 67-approved equivalent

CPR/AED/First Aid

Job description

Job Title: Armed School Security Officer (ASSO) 195- 2 positions available

Department: Safety and Security

Salary: In Accordance with the Act 93 Agreement

Reports to: Sergeant

Work Schedule: Full-time, 10-month position, 8-hour shifts, Monday-Friday, Assigned shift may be day or second shift

Building: All School District Facilities

Date Posted: September 16, 2026

Application Deadline: September 30, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Armed School Security Officer is responsible for providing a professional, armed security presence at district schools to deter threats, respond to emergencies, and promote a safe learning environment. Reporting to the assigned Sergeant, the ASSO conducts patrols, supports drills, and responds to incidents in accordance with district and legal protocols. This role is essential to maintaining visible safety coverage and readiness at all school buildings.

CORE EXPECTIONS:

• Uphold district safety mission and demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and respect.
• Maintain alertness and visibility while engaging positively with students and staff.
• Adhere to all district, state, and federal laws, policies, and certification standards.

WORK HOURS:

Level Standard Shift* Second Shift*

Elementary 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM -

Intermediate 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM -

High School 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Floater (As Assigned) - 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM

*Hours may change to meet operational needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Leadership & Oversight

• Serve as the frontline safety presence under direction of the Sergeant.
• Model professionalism and appropriate conduct for students and peers.
• Provide feedback and status updates to supervisors regarding safety issues.

2. Emergency Preparedness & Response

• Respond immediately to threats, disturbances, or safety violations.
• Follow IC/NIMS protocols to stabilize scenes until relieved by a higher-ranking official.
• Participate in district emergency drills; assist with movement, supervision, and post-drill debriefs.
• Support reunification and evacuation efforts during real emergencies.

3. Training, Awareness & Prevention

• Complete all required annual training and certifications.
• Report observed behavioral threats or vulnerabilities to the Sergeant.
• Assist in maintaining a safe school climate through positive student engagement.

4. Security Infrastructure & Operations

• Patrol assigned areas and monitor entrances, exits, and perimeters.
• Conduct safety inspections, surveillance monitoring, and traffic/visitor control.
• Carry and secure district-issued firearms and safety equipment at all times.
• Operate and monitor radios, cameras, and other systems as trained.

5. Policy, Compliance & Evaluation

• Complete and submit detailed incident reports in the district format.
• Adhere to use-of-force protocols and district post orders.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information in compliance with FERPA and school policy.

6. Grant & Program Management

• None assigned at this level.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide security at school events, athletic activities, and special programs.
• Fill coverage gaps at other school locations as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Sergeant, Deputy Chief, or Chief of Safety and Security.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED required
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license
• Current Act 235 Lethal Weapons Certification and License to Carry Firearms (Title 18 Pa.C.S. § 6109).
• Completion of NASRO Basic SRO Course or Act 67-approved equivalent (or ability to complete within 12 months).
• Current CPR/AED/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days).
• Clearances: Act 34, Act 114, Act 151, Act 168, and negative TB test.
• Strong judgment, communication skills, and professionalism under stress.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of Act 120 Municipal Police Academy, PA State Police Basic Training, or equivalent academy.
• Prior school-based law enforcement or security experience.
• Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS:

• Must be able to stand, walk, or run for extended periods; climb stairs and ladders; maintain balance on uneven surfaces; and push, pull, or lift 50 pounds or more.
• Must have the ability to patrol large campuses efficiently, respond rapidly on foot to emergencies, and operate in both indoor and outdoor environments under varying conditions.
• Required to wear district-issued safety equipment, including soft body armor, and carry communication devices (e.g., portable radio) throughout the entire shift.
• Must be able to operate district vehicles, radios, and other security equipment under stress.
• Adequate visual and auditory acuity is required for strong situational awareness and firearms proficiency.
• Must maintain high levels of physical readiness, mental alertness, quick decision-making, and stress resilience to perform effectively during crises.
• Must also be able to function in high-stress environments with frequent interruptions, remaining calm, focused, and capable of making sound decisions under pressure.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in and around schools, occasionally in adverse weather. Exposure to stressful and potentially dangerous situations is inherent. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.