School Resource Officer (SRO)

Porter County Educational Services; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 44,000 - 53,000; Part time

Job summary

Porter County Educational Services is seeking a School Resource Officer for SELF in Indiana. The role focuses on preventive safety, student-centered support, disability-aware approaches, and trauma-informed responses at a special education facility.

The SRO will build trust with students, monitor campus areas, and respond to emergencies using de-escalation techniques. A valid Indiana law enforcement certification and basic training are required, with potential for specialty training within

Qualifications

• Strong conflict de-escalation and crisis intervention abilities.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Collaborative mindset and understanding of education accommodations.
• Complies with board policies and workplace rules.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a calm, supportive, and professional presence that promotes a safe learning environment.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with students.
• Monitor campus areas during school hours to deter threats and maintain order.
• Respond to emergencies and safety concerns using de-escalation and disability-aware approaches.
• Apply trauma-informed practices consistent with each student's IEP/BIP while respecting rights and dignity.
• Collaborate with staff to support individualized behavioral response plans where appropriate.
• Assist with emergency drills adapted for students with special needs.
• Contribute to safety plan development as part of Safe School Committees.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams as required under Indiana School Safety statutes.
• Oversee staff training on safety plans and protocols.
• Conduct home visits to support students and families as directed.
• Provide safety-related instruction to students, staff and families.
• Maintain documentation of incidents and interventions.
• Protect privacy when handling educational records.
• Analyze data to improve safety operations.
• Support organizational objectives and promote program innovation.

Skills

De-escalation

Crisis intervention

Communication skills

Education collaboration

Education

College degree / law enforcement experience

Indiana law enforcement certification

Basic law enforcement training completed

SRO specialty training willing to complete

Clean criminal record for school employment

Job description

Position Type: School Resource Officer

Location: Special Education Learning Facility (SELF)

Start Date: as available

Qualifications and Certifications

• College degree and/or successful law enforcement experience


• Certified law enforcement officer in good standing


• Certification to make arrests through local law enforcement agencies


• Indiana law enforcementcertification/commission (or reserve/special deputy status meeting statutory requirements)


• Completion of mandated basic law enforcement training


• Willingness to complete required SRO specialty training within statutory timelines


• A record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment

Reports to: SELF School Principal

Position Summary: The SRO at SELF School is a member of the school safety team, focused on preventive safety, student-centered support, disability-aware approaches, and trauma-informed responses.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain a calm, supportive, and professional presence that promotes a safe learning environment


• Build positive, trusting relationships with students


• Monitor campus areas during school hours to deter threats, prevent unauthorized access, and maintain order


• Respond to emergencies, behavioral crises, or safety concerns using de-escalation and disability-sensitive approaches


• Apply trauma-informed practices and behavior support consistent with each students IEP/BIP while respecting students' rights and dignity


• Collaborate with staff to support individualized behavioral response plans where appropriate


• Assist with emergency preparedness drills adapted to the needs of students with special needs


• Assist in development and implementation of the school's safety plan as part of Safe School Committees


• Participate in or lead multidisciplinary teams (e.g., threat assessment teams) as required under Indiana School Safety statutes


• Oversee and support staff training on school safety plans, procedures, and protocols


• Conduct home visits to support students and families at the direction of school administration


• Provide instruction and/or training to students, staff, and families on safety related topics at the direction of school administration


• Ensure accurate documentation of incidents, interventions, and safety activities


• Uphold privacy protections when interacting with students and handling educational records


• Analyze data to improve school safety and security operations


• Help implement strategies to accomplish organizational objectives and advance the change process, encourage program innovation, and help resolve problems.


• Maintain open and effective communication with stakeholders

Skills and Competencies

• Strong conflict de-escalation and crisis intervention abilities


• Effective written and oral communication skills


• Collaborative mindset and understanding of education and individualized accommodations


• Complies with workplace rules and board policies

Preferred Experience

• Experience with special education populations, developmental disabilities, trauma-informed care, and de-escalation techniques


• Prior school-based experience

Working Environment

• Presence in a special education facility with students requiring diverse supports and interventions


• Team-oriented collaboration with teachers, aides, therapists, administrators, and safety specialists


• Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines


• Potential for exposure to adverse weather conditions and seasonal temperature extremes


• Potential for exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases


• Potential for interaction with individuals exhibiting aggressive or disruptive behavior

Terms of Employment

• 180 Days


• Hourly rate of $45 per hour, 6 hours per day