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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 330,000 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.

The Office of Safety and Security serves as the critical department to partner with school principals and other CPS staff members to ensure that all schools strive towards the goal of establishing a safe environment for our students.

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Network Safety Support Manager, the Central Office Security Officer performs routine security functions to ensure the protection of property and the safety of Central Office staff.  This position monitors access to the building, and addresses any incidents, escalating them as appropriate. 

The Central Office Security Officer will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Manages access control of personnel and visitors into CPS Office Buildings. Screen 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.
• Maintain the highest levels of professionalism and customer service to employees, vendors and guests by greeting customers in a friendly and courteous manner.
• Positively influence 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.
• Maintain a safe environment by monitoring and setting building and equipment controls. 
• Secure premises and personnel by patrolling property; monitor surveillance equipment; inspect buildings, equipment, and access points.
• Complete preventive maintenance requirements to ensure equipment functionality following manufacturer's instructions. Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and request repairs as appropriate; Prevents losses and damage by reporting irregularities.
• Inform violators of policy and procedures; alert appropriate supervisor/authorities of trespassers. Reports unusual activity or suspicions of safety issues to the Security Supervisor or administration in a timely fashion. Document incidents in a timely manner, capturing details and participants’ data.
• Direct personnel and visitors in cases of emergency. 
• Maintains the cleanliness of the front desk and surrounding area.
• Maintain and control the lobby during large events, various meetings and functions to ensure a smooth flow of guests without interrupting normal business functions and the safety of visitors and staff.
• Participates in professional development training to increase knowledge and skills.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Central Office Security Officer must possess the following qualifications: 

Education Required: 

• High school diploma or GED equivalent 
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred

 Experience Required: 

• A minimum of two (2) years of highly successful related security experience
• Experience with technology systems including Google applications, Verify, and surveillance monitoring systems such as Genetec, Rapid Eye, CCTV

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Basic knowledge of school business processes (i.e., Verify Door Swipe Module) and methods of providing site security and safety.
• Projects a consistently positive image in accordance with the image of the Board of Education. 
• Proficiency with MS Office and Excel, Google applications and surveillance monitoring software. 
• Ability to thrive and multi-task in a fast-paced environment. 
• Possess sound judgment and knowledge of ethical practices.
• Problem solving skills; Ability to make decisions and execute them, especially in emergency situations.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions; Ability to take accountability 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 communication skills including oral and listening skills.  Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and friendly manner, whether communicating directions or instructions to leave the premises, consistently displaying good eye contact and an open posture.
• Demonstrate dependability, politeness, genuine interest and concern, tact, discretion, impartiality, calmness, patience and helpfulness with visitors and / or Central Office staff.
• Demonstrate impeccable attendance and punctuality
• Possess superior customer service skills.

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. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
• Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19- Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. “Up-to-date” on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.