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

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated individuals to join their team as School Resource Officers. This rewarding role involves ensuring safety in schools, mentoring students, and engaging with the community. Ideal candidates will be certified Law Enforcement Officers with a passion for youth mentorship and public safety. The position offers a competitive salary, a $10,000 hiring incentive, and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans. If you are committed to making a positive impact in your community and have the qualifications to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply and become a vital part of the Harrisonburg Police Department.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Benefits

Paid Leave

Holidays

Life Insurance

Qualifications

• Must be a certified Law Enforcement Officer through DCJS or equivalent.
• 21 years of age and a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.

Responsibilities

• Provide police presence in schools to deter crime and mentor students.
• Assist with school safety, including monitoring and crisis intervention.
• Instruct law-related classes and maintain communication with school staff.

Skills

Law Enforcement Certification

Crisis Intervention

Community Engagement

Physical Fitness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

College Degree or Military Experience

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.

The selected candidates for Police Officer positions will be subject to the following screenings and must receive satisfactory results:

• 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;
• Polygraph.

Due to the sensitive nature of this position's essential functions, the successful applicants selected for the role will be required to submit a completed Personal History Statement. At a later date, more information will be provided to the candidates selected for this step in this process.

The following documents are some examples of what will be required at a later phase in the process: Social Security Card, Driver's License, Passport, Birth Certificate, Marriage/Divorce Documents, DD214, Sealed College Transcripts and High School Diploma. These documents are not required at the time of the Personal History Statement submission. When the applicable documents are requested by the Harrisonburg Police Department, you will be expected to provide them.

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.