What does working in high school security in San Diego entail? I'm considering this path post-high school, and I'd like some information on the job duties and any necessary skills or qualifications.
Working as a high school security officer in San Diego requires a focus on ensuring safety within the school premises and maintaining an orderly environment for students, staff, and visitors. Job duties generally include monitoring entry and exit points, circulating the school to ensure security, mediating conflict situations, and responding to emergencies.
Some of your primary responsibilities would be:
1. Monitoring: This involves supervising students and visitors as they move through the school during the day, as well as after school hours for extracurricular activities. You may also be tasked with making sure that no unauthorized people or items enter the school.
2. Conflict Resolution: You may often find yourself in situations where you need to defuse tensions and prevent conflicts among students from escalating. This requires strong interpersonal and communication skills.
3. Emergency Handling: In the event of emergencies, you'll be expected to respond promptly and usher students and staff to safety, in line with the school's emergency protocols.
Regarding qualifications, while a high school diploma or GED is typically the bare minimum, some security positions might require a degree or certification in fields related to law enforcement or security management. Police, armed service, or other security background could be advantageous, although experience in a school or youth community center can also be very valuable.
Most districts will likely require some form of training or certification. In California, for example, this might be the Guard Card training specified by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, along with a clean criminal record.
Finally, remember to develop skills advantageous to the job: observation, decision-making, conflict resolution, and most importantly, effective communication. It's also very helpful to have some understanding of adolescent psychology and behaviors to better communicate with and understand the student population you'll be working with.
It's highly recommended to check specific requirements with local school districts or private security companies in your area for more detailed information. Best of luck with your decision!
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