Safety Specialist

Job Overview

Location/Schedule: This is a floating position that works shifts across four health centers in the Portland Metro Area. A $1.00/hr. floating premium is added to the base pay rate listed. The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Position: Safety Specialist

Program: Security

About Us: Cascadia Health delivers Whole Health Care™. We provide mental health services, addiction recovery support, primary care, wellness programs, permanent housing solutions, and affordable housing to people of all ages. Our mission is to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve.

Description: The Safety Specialist at Cascadia Health plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of our clients, staff, and facilities. Operating as an unarmed security guard, the Safety Specialist maintains a calm, approachable presence while proactively monitoring for potential safety risks. The ideal candidate fosters a trauma-informed and compassionate environment, upholding Cascadia’s commitment to wellness and safety.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor and maintain security across assigned facilities, responding to incidents in a professional, non-confrontational manner.
• Conduct regular safety checks and patrols to ensure a secure environment for clients and staff.
• Assist with de-escalating tense situations, using trauma-informed practices to ensure all individuals feel respected and supported.
• Report and document any safety concerns, incidents, or suspicious activities in accordance with established procedures.
• Collaborate with team members, including clinical staff, to address potential risks and contribute to overall safety plans.
• Provide assistance during emergencies, including facilitating safe evacuations when necessary.
• Engage with clients and staff in a friendly, approachable manner to promote a sense of safety and security across Cascadia Health facilities.

Qualifications:

• A current certification by the State of Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards & Training (DPSST), as an Unarmed Safety Professional, is required. The Safety Specialist will not perform safety/security duties without first having completed DPSST Unarmed Security Professional Training and certification. 
• Must maintain current DPSST Security Professional certification to retain employment in this position.
• Previous experience in safety/security and familiarity with behavioral and mental health environment is preferred.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word & Excel).
• CPR Certification (training provided post-hire).

Working Conditions:

• Environmental: Worked is performed at an outpatient setting on the outside of the property and requires the Safety Specialist stay onsite at all times while on shift. The nature of the work dictates that an employee is alert and attentive during their assigned shift. Rest breaks and meal periods are subject to interruption. 
• Operating Hours: Periodically, staff may be required to work a double shift if the need arises, due to staffing requirements within each program. On-call Safety Specialists must have the ability to work a flexible work schedule and be available to cover a minimum of 12 shifts per quarter. Schedules may vary depending on program.
• Mental: The Safety Specialist will have a varied routine which requires the ability to address new and usual circumstances in which outcomes may negatively affect costs, employee morale or clients. There is a degree of unpredictability, disruptions, requiring flexible time management. The pace of the Safety Specialist job is widely variable. There are times of relative inactivity regarding specific safety duties when secondary duties can be accomplished. There are low-stress routine elements of safety procedures that need to be accomplished every shift. Often there are both routine and crisis situations occurring at the same time. The Safety Specialist must be ready to take immediate action, be able to effectively multi-task and simultaneously direct staff team efforts in dealing with circumstances presented.
• Physical Demands: The Safety Specialist will be routinely expected to perform various tasks requiring moderate physical effort. Receiving and delivering ground deliveries to the Health Centers, assisting with moving and storing of Health Centers property, and assisting disabled clients and staff. The Safety Specialist will periodically be expected to deal with the disposal of large garbage items, including shopping carts, left on Health Centers property. The Safety Specialist will coordinate assistance from other staff if any specific physical demand requires dealing with over 50 pounds. The Safety Specialist must have the ability to assist the team in providing safety to all residents and staff in potentially volatile situations.

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, contact us at 503-963-7654.
 

This position is represented by a labor union.

Benefits

We offer generous benefits for our full-time and part-time employees (20 hours pro-rated) including:

• Generous Paid Time Off Package Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year!
• Medical and Dental Coverage (begins 1st of the month following 30 days after hire date)
• VSP Vision Discount Plan
• 403(B) Retirement Savings (Pre and post-tax plans with up to 8% employer matching contribution!)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Medical, dependent care, and transportation options)
• Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave
• Length of Service Award
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance
• Student loan forgiveness options

Wellness Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bicycle Reimbursement
• Discounted Fitness Memberships
• Trauma Support Team

Starting Rate Range in USD ($)

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