Walton County Sheriff's Office - School Resource Deputy

Position Summary 

Under the general supervision of a Sergeant or designee, the Deputy Sheriff – School Resource Deputy (SRD) performs law enforcement duties and provides security, mentorship, and educational services within assigned schools. The SRD is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for students, faculty, and staff while fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the school community. This position serves as a visible and active law enforcement presence on campus, a resource for crime prevention and safety education, and a liaison between the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, school administrators, and the community.

Qualifications 

• Education – High school diploma
• Valid Driver License
• Certifications – Meet requirements and standards of the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission as authorized by F.S.S. 943.13

Essential Job Functions 

This list of functions, duties, responsibilities, skills, and physical abilities is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as deemed necessary.

• Provide a law enforcement presence on assigned school campuses to ensure safety and security of students, staff, and visitors.
• Patrol school grounds, buildings, and surrounding areas to deter criminal activity, unauthorized access, and potential threats.
• Investigate criminal activity occurring on school property or involving students and staff; prepare detailed reports and testify as required.
• Enforce federal, state, and local laws as well as school policies when appropriate.
• Respond to emergencies, including medical incidents, disturbances, and potential threats to safety.
• Develop and present safety and crime prevention programs to students, staff, and parents.
• Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with students to encourage trust, mentorship, and responsible behavior.
• Collaborate with school administrators and district personnel on threat assessments, crisis response planning, and disciplinary matters involving criminal or safety concerns.
• Participate in safety drills, lockdown procedures, and emergency response coordination with school staff.
• Serve as a liaison between the Sheriff’s Office, the school district, and other community organizations involved in student welfare and juvenile justice.
• Attend meetings, training, and school functions as directed to enhance coordination and community engagement.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive student or school information.
• Regular and prompt job attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned or as lawfully directed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills 

• Ability to communicate effectively and build rapport with students, parents, teachers, and administrators.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive situations involving juveniles.
• Ability to de-escalate tense or emotional situations calmly and professionally.
• Skill in applying Florida criminal and juvenile laws within the educational environment.
• Ability to prepare accurate, clear, and objective written reports and deliver effective presentations.
• Ability to recognize behavioral or environmental indicators of potential safety threats.
• Ability to serve as a positive role model and mentor for youth while maintaining firm and fair law enforcement authority.
• Ability to work independently within the school setting while maintaining close coordination with the Sheriff’s Office chain of command.
• Proficiency in maintaining situational awareness and responding effectively to emergencies.
• Ability to comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act.

Key Competencies 

• Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, juvenile law, and school-based policing practices.
• Knowledge of Sheriff’s Office General Orders, standard operating procedures, and applicable Florida Statutes.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention, threat assessment, and juvenile diversion strategies.
• Understanding of adolescent development and effective communication strategies with youth.
• Ability to promote a safe, supportive, and respectful school environment.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development in both law enforcement and school safety practices.
• Ability to represent the Sheriff’s Office positively in the school and community setting.

Physical Requirements 

• Must meet satisfactory medical standards as stated on FDLE Form CJSTC 75A and agency medical clearance.
• Visual acuity of 20/30 vision standard in each eye; if corrective lenses are required, uncorrected vision should be no worse than 20/100 in each eye.
• Hearing acuity shall not exceed 25 decibels at 500, 1000, or 2000 Hz, nor exceed 30 decibels at 3000 Hz in either ear.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• Ability to perceive sounds at normal voice range and through radios or sirens.
• Ability to maintain physical conditioning sufficient to restrain and control individuals when necessary.
• Ability to operate authorized firearms safely and proficiently from multiple positions under varying conditions.
• Ability to stand, walk, and patrol for extended periods on school grounds and within buildings.
• Ability to perform all job functions without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
• Ability to complete validated physical abilities testing and meet other sworn physical standards as required by the agency.

Benefits 

• 24 - Hour Access to 2 Agency Gyms
• Florida State Retirement System - 3% Employee Contribution
• Health, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Insurance
• Annual Leave, Sick Leave & Paid Holidays
• Deferred Compensation Plans Available
• Tuition Assistance for College Courses
•  Employee Assistance Program: counseling services for employees, immediate family, and members of your household
• Education Pay: Sworn employees can earn incentive pay through education
• Physical Fitness Program: Participants Can Earn up to $2,160 Per Year

The Walton County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Walton County Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Pursuant to applicable state and federal law, preference and priority shall be given to certain service members and veterans (including spouses and family members of such service members and veterans), and certain service members may be eligible for a waiver of post-secondary educational requirements as provided in Chapter 295, Florida Statutes.