Security Officer (Full-Time)

Title: Security Officer

CHARACTERISTICS OF CLASS:

Under direct supervision, responsible for ensuring patron and staff safety and preventing theft and damage to Chicago Park District property by controlling Chicago Park District grounds and facilities or guarding a fixed post. Patrols ground on foot, motorized patrol or vehicles as assigned. Provides security at Chicago Park District sponsored events.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Patrols parks, beaches, pools and all Chicago Park District facilities.
• Guards against illegal entry, vandalism, fire hazards, theft and other violations or hazards.
• Performs security tasks at locations specified or as directed by a security supervisor.
• Collaborates with the Chicago Police Department to exchange information on changing crime patterns within the Chicago Park District. This Includes participation at beat meetings as well as in person dialogues with the District Commander or designee and CAPs office on a weekly basis.
• Using judgment and discretion, intervenes in potentially troublesome situations to prevent or reduce the likelihood of criminal activity.
• Responds to emergencies.
• Prepares security department reports. Testifies in court.
• Performs other related security duties as required and/or specified by the Director of Security.
• Escorts staff to fitness for duty evaluations.
• Escorts discharged staff, trespassers, and other unwelcome parties off the premises.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Training and Experience:

The following groups possess the necessary training and experience for the Security Officer (M) position: (1) law enforcement officers or Cook County Correctional Officers who retired in good standing within the past two years from a city, county, or state police department in the State of Illinois or (2) current Chicago Park District hourly Security Guards. Must be without medical restrictions and continue to be without medical restrictions or on an approved ADA restriction while working for the Chicago Park District.

Certification Requirements:

Must be previously certified by Illinois Local Government Law Enforcement Officers Training Board as a law enforcement officer or Cook County correctional officer. Must have and maintain a valid State of Illinois Driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of procedures governing arrest, search and seizure, civil rights, de-escalation and evidence of criminal procedure. Ability to write clear and accurate reports; ability to testify in court; ability to apply first aid; skill in communicating and interacting with others.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Work is typically performed in varied settings, involving standing, walking and sitting for extended periods of time. Security Guards perform duties indoors and outdoors during inclement weather conditions. Must be physically able to run or move quickly for short distances, climb stairs, bend, stoop and lift 50 pounds. Work involves frequent repetitive hand and wrist motions, and frequent need for oral, written and auditory communication. Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as dirt, dust, fumes, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Benefits:

As a full-time Chicago Park District employee in a position covered by the District’s Agreement with SEIU Local 73, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive Group Insurance benefits including health, life, dental and vision plans.
• 13-20 days of paid vacation time annually (13 days for first year of employment).
• 12 days of paid sick time annually which carryover year to year.
• 4 paid personal days per year.
• 13 paid holidays per year.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave (upon meeting FMLA eligibility)
• Pension plan through the Park Employees' and Retirement Board Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund, a system covered by the State of Illinois' Reciprocal Act.
• Deferred Compensation Program – voluntary supplemental retirement plan.
• Optional pre-tax programs – Transit
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.
• Free Admission to most Chicago museums.

Local 73 SEIU