Security Officer, Central Office

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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 340,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of Network Safety Support Manager, the Security Officer performs routine security functions to ensure the protection of property and the safety of Central Office staff, manages access to the building; monitors any incidents and escalates them to the supervisor; performs related duties as required. Must possess superior customer service skills. Since the security officers are often the first contacts, influencing the public’s view of the entire organization, they must project a positive image in accordance with the image the Board of Education wants to maintain.

Principal Accountabilities and General Responsibilities:

• creens visitors, using access control systems and security screening apparatus to ensure the safety of the building and that visitors go directly to their designated areas.
• Maintains the highest levels of professionalism and customer service to employees, vendors, guests by greeting customers in a friendly and courteous manner setting a positive tone for the day.
• Maintains organization's stability and reputation by complying with legal requirements, Board policies, CPS Office of Safety and Security Accountability standards, and departmental posted orders and best practices.
• Maintains a safe environment by monitoring and setting building and equipment controls. Secures premises and personnel by patrolling property; monitors surveillance equipment; inspects buildings, equipment, and access points.
• Permits entry; manages access control of personnel and visitors into and out of CPS Office Buildings.
• Completes preventive maintenance requirements to ensure equipment functionality following manufacturer's instructions. Troubleshoots equipment malfunctions calling for repairs; prevents losses and damage by reporting irregularities.
• Informs violators of policy and procedures; alerts appropriate supervisor/authorities of trespassers. Directs others in emergencies as they arise. Reports unusual activity or suspicions of safety issues to the Security Supervisor or administration in a timely fashion. Documents incidents in a timely manner, capturing details and participants’ data.
• Maintains the cleanliness of the front desk and surrounding area.
• Maintains and controls the lobby during large events to ensure a smooth flow of guests without interrupting normal business functions and the safety of visitors and staff at various meetings and functions.
• Participates in professional development trainings to increase knowledge and skills.

Qualifications / Skills:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required, Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• A minimum of 2-3 years of highly successful related experience, including experience with CPS technology systems.
• Basic knowledge of school business processes (i.e., Verify Door Swipe Module) and methods of providing site security and safety.
• Proficiency with MS Office and Excel, Google applications, surveillance monitoring software.Ability to type.
• Ability to keep up with fast paced environment and to multi-task.
• Sound judgment and knowledge of ethical practices.
• Problem solving skills; ability to take charge, especially in emergency situations.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions; ability to take personal responsibility for mistakes and learn from them, while consistently following up with analysis and corrective action.
• Strong oral communication skills, human relations and interpersonal skills; team oriented.
• Effective listening skills; ability to effectively communicate back to the customer in a clear, concise and friendly manner whatever they need to get across to the person, whether it be directions or instructions to leave the premises; good communication also involves smiling when appropriate, making eye contact and displaying open posture.
• Dependability, politeness, show of interest and concern, tact, discreetness, maintaining confidentiality, impartiality, calmness, patience and helpfulness with visitors and / or Central Office staff.
• Impeccable attendance and punctuality.

Conditions of Employment:

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.
• Be Fully Vaccinated or Submit to Weekly COVID-19 Testing - Employees are required to be fully vaccinated within 30 days of their hire date. Full vaccination is defined as at least two weeks after your second shot of a two-shot vaccination course, or at least two weeks after a one-shot vaccination course. Unvaccinated staff must submit to weekly testing.