Security Officer at Discovering Talents Academy

Location: Gwarinpa, Abuja (FCT)

Job Summary

• The Security Officer at Discovering Talents Academy (DTA) is the frontline guardian responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of all individuals (students, staff, visitors) and properties within the school premises.
• This role demands constant vigilance, strict adherence to security protocols, and a professional demeanor to maintain a secure and orderly environment.
• The Security Officer is crucial in upholding DTA's commitment to providing a safe and conducive atmosphere for learning and growth.

Key Responsibilities
Access Control & Visitor Management:

• Serve as the primary point of contact at the school gate and entrance, providing a polite and professional welcome to all visitors, parents, and guardians.
• Politely inquire about the purpose of visits and direct individuals appropriately.
• Ensure the school gate is locked at all times when the security officer is inside the premises, and maintain a visible presence at the gate during all entry and exit movements.
• Control and manage all entries and exits, ensuring no staff member leaves without a valid gate pass and no unauthorized individuals enter or exit without proper approval.
• Ensure all visitors properly utilize the visitor’s book for sign-in and sign-out.
• Prohibit unsolicited or unforeseen visitors from direct entrance without prior authorization.
• Exercise extra caution and vigilance during pupil pick-up times, raising an alarm for any strange or new faces.

Perimeter & Premises Security:

• Conduct regular perimeter patrols (at least five times daily) to maintain situational awareness and observe any irregularities.
• Ensure no school property leaves the premises without explicit knowledge and authorization from management.
• Conduct thorough inspections of any suspicious luggage or items entering or exiting the premises.
• Immediately report any security breaches, suspicious activities, or incidents to the Admin Officer or Head of School.
• Ensure all necessary security measures and protocols are duly observed and implemented.
• At the close of work daily, diligently check and switch off every electrical switch in the building.

Facility & Environmental Oversight:

• Unlock the school gate and arrange outdoor equipment (e.g., toy cars) in the morning.
• Ensure the frontage and gate area are swept and washed daily.
• Activate central electrical switches and water control for cleaning duties in the morning.
• Deactivate security lights between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM.
• Pump water via the borehole three times daily at designated hours (10:30 AM-11:00 AM, 2:00 PM-3:00 PM, 5:30 PM-6:00 PM), adhering to proper generator and switch protocols.
• Trim and water flowers, and activate security lights between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM in the evening.
• Ensure all school buses are properly locked at the close of work.
• Conduct a thorough survey of the premises for at least 30 minutes at 2:00 AM nightly to ensure all areas are secure.

Communication & Reporting:

• Direct all general public inquiries to the Admin Officer, as the Security Officer is not authorized to disseminate organizational information to the public.
• Raise an alarm for afternoon pick-up to alert staff when parents/guardians begin arriving.
• Engage parents/guardians politely, emphasizing the need for patience until closing hours.
• Communicate using the English language while on duty.

Policy Adherence & Professional Conduct:

• Strictly adhere to DTA's resumption times (6:30 AM Mon-Fri, 7:00 AM Sat), dress code (smart uniform, ironed clothes, polished boots), and personal hygiene standards.
• Maintain alertness and avoid gossiping, loitering, or illicit talking/gatherings at the gate.
• Uphold the non-discrimination principle, treating every person with equal respect and courtesy.
• Strictly prohibit soliciting financial aid or gifts from parents/guardians or other stakeholders.
• Exercise extra caution during pick-up periods due to increased activity.

Qualifications

• Education: Minimum of a Secondary School Leaving Certificate.
• Experience: Proven experience in a security role, preferably within a school, corporate, or residential setting.
• Knowledge: Basic understanding of security protocols, access control, and emergency procedures.
• Skills: Strong observational skills, attention to detail, ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergencies, and basic communication skills.
• Personal Attributes: Vigilant, responsible, reliable, punctual, honest, and possessing a strong sense of integrity.

Key Competencies:

• Physical Security & Access Control
• Vigilance & Situational Awareness
• Emergency Response
• Communication & Reporting
• Policy Adherence
• Integrity & Professionalism
• Problem-Solving (basic security issues)
• Physical Fitness & Stamina
• Commitment to Safety & Order.