School Resource Officer

Position Title: School Resource Officer (SRO)

Location: Great Hearts Partner Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy Upper School (16115 Poplar Tent Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078)

Reports To: Headmaster

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly

Role Description:

Great Hearts is now accepting applications for a School Resource Officer (SRO) to support the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and visitors at Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy in Huntersville, North Carolina.

As schools grounded in classical education, our academies seek a professional who is committed to fostering a safe, secure, and orderly learning environment while building positive relationships with students, families, faculty, and staff. The School Resource Officer will serve as a visible and trusted presence on campus and will work collaboratively with Academy leadership to promote school safety, security, emergency preparedness, and effective emergency response.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, strong communication skills, and the ability to interact positively with students of all ages. Candidates must be willing to undergo all required background checks and meet applicable North Carolina law enforcement certification and School Resource Officer training requirements.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Maintain a visible and professional presence on campus to promote a safe and secure learning environment.
• Monitor school grounds, buildings, entrances, parking areas, and other campus facilities for safety and security concerns.
• Assist Academy leadership with the development, implementation, and review of school safety and security procedures.
• Support emergency preparedness efforts and participate in the planning and implementation of emergency response procedures and drills.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies, incidents, and potential threats occurring on school property or during school-related activities.
• Collaborate with Academy leadership, faculty, staff, and appropriate law enforcement or emergency service agencies regarding campus safety concerns.
• Build positive, professional relationships with students and serve as a trusted resource for students, faculty, and staff.
• Provide age-appropriate education, guidance, and support related to school safety, law enforcement, and responsible citizenship when appropriate.
• Assist in identifying and addressing potential safety concerns, threats, or other situations that may affect the well-being of the school community.
• Support appropriate threat assessment and intervention processes in collaboration with school leadership and other qualified personnel, as applicable.
• Maintain accurate and timely reports, records, and documentation related to incidents, safety concerns, and assigned responsibilities.
• Participate in required meetings, training, and professional development related to school safety and the School Resource Officer role.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling sensitive student, personnel, and school information.
• Perform other school safety and security responsibilities as assigned and consistent with applicable law, agency policies, and Academy procedures.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Current North Carolina law enforcement officer or deputy sheriff certification in good standing, as applicable.
• Eligibility to serve as a School Resource Officer under applicable North Carolina laws, rules, and training requirements.
• Completion of required North Carolina School Resource Officer training or the ability to complete required initial training within the timeframe established by applicable regulations and the employing law enforcement agency.
• Demonstrated knowledge of law enforcement procedures, school safety and security practices, and emergency response protocols.
• Ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment in stressful, emergency, and rapidly changing situations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, families, faculty, staff, law enforcement personnel, and community partners.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with children and adolescents while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Ability to prepare accurate reports and maintain required documentation.
• Successful completion of required criminal background checks and any other pre-employment screening requirements.
• Valid North Carolina driver's license and the ability to meet applicable agency driving requirements.

Preferred:

• Previous experience as a School Resource Officer or in a school-based law enforcement or campus safety role.
• Experience working with children and adolescents in educational or community settings.
• Training or experience in school safety planning, emergency management, threat assessment, crisis intervention, or de-escalation.
• Familiarity with North Carolina school safety laws, policies, and best practices.

Physical and Work Requirements:

• Ability to patrol school buildings and grounds and remain mobile throughout the workday.
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to emergency situations.
• Ability to perform the essential physical functions required of a sworn law enforcement officer, consistent with applicable agency standards.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
• Availability to participate in emergency response activities, training, meetings, and school-related events as required.

US Work Authorization is required.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal history background check and fingerprint clearance in accordance with state requirements.

Travel required: May need to travel locally for training and professional development opportunities.

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. 

Great Hearts Academies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.