School Resource Officer (Police Officer [Certified/Sworn])

City of Harrisonburg; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated School Resource Officer to join its team. This rewarding role involves ensuring safety in schools, mentoring students, and collaborating with school administration. As a vital part of the community, you will engage with students, provide assistance during crises, and implement crime prevention strategies. The position offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and a $10,000 hiring incentive, making it an excellent opportunity for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people. If you are a certified law enforcement professional looking to impact your community positively, this role is for you.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Benefits

Life Insurance

Paid Leave

Holidays

Hazardous Duty Benefits

Qualifications

• Certified as a Law Enforcement Officer through DCJS or equivalent.
• High School Diploma or GED required; college degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide police presence in schools to deter crime and support students.
• Assist with safety and security measures in school environments.
• Investigate crimes related to school activities and maintain communication.

Skills

Law Enforcement Certification

Crisis Intervention

Communication Skills

Mentoring

Education

High School Diploma or GED

College Degree or Military Experience

Tools

Police Equipment

Communication Devices

Job description

$10,000 HIRING INCENTIVE AVAILABLE TO NEW OFFICERS*

The City of Harrisonburg is currently accepting applications for individuals interested in becoming a School Resource Officer with the Harrisonburg Police Department (HPD). Candidates must be currently certified as a Law Enforcement Officer through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the Federal Government, or another state. HPD offers a rewarding career plus an excellent benefits package, including enhanced hazardous duty through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS).

The School Resource Officer position has a preferred hiring range of $26.60 - $28.93 per hour (equivalent to $55,328 - $60,174 annually); however, an exact salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate's qualifications/experience and in compliance with City policy. This position is a specialty assignment that is grant-funded, with the renewal of funding sought each year.

*$10,000 Hiring Incentive
Date of Hire	$5,000
Completion of Initial Period of Employment (12 Months for Certified Police Officers)	$5,000

As a School Resource Officer, you'll:

• Provide a police presence in Harrisonburg City Schools to deter crime and provide a positive role model.
• Assist with the continued safety and security of the schools, including door checks, lunchroom patrol, hall monitoring, and monitoring of bus loading and unloading.
• Assist school administration with disruptive students and visitors.
• Provide assistance to suicidal and depressed students, including taking appropriate measures to ensure that they get professional counseling such as family assistance or TDO.
• Assist guidance counselors with various issues concerning student disagreements or fights.
• Attend monthly faculty meetings.
• Meet with school administration on a daily basis to share information and plans of action.
• Instruct law-related classes to students and faculty.
• Establish and maintain good rapport with students and faculty.
• Apply crime prevention techniques to improve the safety and security of the school.
• Act as a mentor to students to improve relations and decrease criminal/disruptive behavior.
• Serve on the school safety committee and other related safety committees as required.
• Attend various School Resource seminars and conferences to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the best strategies for the School Resource Officer Program and a working knowledge of current juvenile law.
• Investigate crimes that occur within the school and those that occur in the community that are related to school activities.
• Communicate with School Administration regarding appropriate punishment/prosecution of crimes in the school involving students.
• Establish a system of crime reporting within the school to prevent negative peer pressure among the students.
• Establish programs/procedures to reduce truancy problems, including periodically patrolling youth hangout areas such as malls and other locations.
• Coordinate and be actively involved in youth programs such as PULSAR and Explorers.
• Communicate with patrol officers and investigators frequently to exchange information regarding juvenile crimes related to the middle and high schools.
• Assist the Crime Prevention Unit with activities, such as child fingerprinting, child safety seat inspections, Police Department tours for children, and other related events as required.
• Attend and participate in events, such as Neighborhood Watch meetings, Citizen Advisory Meetings, National Night Out, parades, public education events, and other public-related events.
• Perform all the duties of a Patrol Officer when required.
• Perform all other duties as required.

Minimum Requirements:

• Currently certified as a Law Enforcement Officer through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the Federal Government or another state.
• High School Diploma or GED. College Degree or Military Experience, preferred.
• 21 years of age at time of application.
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident Alien with an application for Naturalization filed and pending with Immigration Services, if DCJS-approved.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable record per City policy.
• Availability to work a shift assignment that coincides with school hours and be available outside of these hours, as needed.
• Must live or be willing to move within a one (1) hour drive of Harrisonburg, VA.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements for this position.

Screenings:

• DMV Driving Record Review;
• Drug Screen;
• Personal History Statement;
• Criminal Background Investigation, including Social Media Review & Fingerprinting;
• Credit Check;
• Physical Abilities Test;
• Job-Specific Physical;
• Psychological Evaluation; and
• Polygraph.

To Apply: All candidates must submit a complete City of Harrisonburg online employment application, including previous work experience and education history, in order to be considered. This position may close at any time after 10 calendar days. (posted 02/07/2025)

If you have questions after reviewing this information, please contact the Human Resources Department at 540.432.8920 or [e-mail]. Applicants who require reasonable accommodations during the application process should contact Human Resources. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in the recruitment process.

Veterans and minorities are encouraged to register and apply.

The City provides an excellent benefits package including health insurance, retirement (VRS with Enhanced Hazardous Duty Benefits, & MissionSquare), life insurance, paid leave, and holidays.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

The City of Harrisonburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.