Security Officer

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Brief Job Description:

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

The Security Officer IV performs highly complex (senior-level) security services work. The Security Officer IV is the most senior Security Officer and supports the security supervisor with department goals and objectives. Work involves patrolling grounds; conducting initial investigations as needed; providing direction and/or assistance to residents, staff, and visitors. Responsibilities also include temporary switchboard duties such as answering the telephone switchboard as needed, the fire alarm system, and emergency response phone line. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Monitors surveillance cameras in the SSLC for unauthorized persons, fires, and unusual occurrences and incidents and reports emergencies immediately upon discovery. Reports abuse, neglect and/or exploitations allegations through proper channels if suspected during surveillance camera monitoring. Downloads video requests from authorized staff.

Monitors and directs daily activities and work performance of junior security officers as needed. Adjusts daily activities of security officers assigned to shift to ensure objectives of the department are met in accordance with directives of the security supervisor based upon tasks and personnel available.

Provides security to the SSLC. Monitors entrance/exit points. Provides direction and assistance to visitors. Patrols grounds, inspecting and safeguarding buildings, properties, and equipment and to monitor and mitigate unusual occurrences such as trespassers, vandalism, and emergencies, and takes appropriate action upon discovery of unauthorized persons or activities. Writes reports and documents incidents or events in and around the hospital grounds

Checks points of ingress and egress, to assist in the prevention of unauthorized departures. Investigates and documents unusual incidents such as thefts, fire, vehicle accidents, unauthorized departures, and weather-related events as assigned.

During the absence of the Security Supervisor, performs administrative duties such as preparing the department schedule and reviewing reports. Represents the security department in meetings and events at the direction of the security supervisor or directors. Evaluates and makes recommendations for changes to security regulations.

Reports to areas when fire alarms sound, determines the nature of the emergency and resets alarm as needed. During an actual fire emergency, escorts the fire department to facilitate access and mitigation of impact to hospital, staff, and patients. Assists with fire drills and other proactive life safety checks as directed.

Provides crisis intervention when necessary, assists staff with controlling disruptive or combative individuals or guests, and escorts disruptive people off SSLC grounds. Handles the dissemination and coordination of emergency responses and information, and notification to facility management and law enforcement personnel, if appropriate, in the event of emergency and/or security violation situations. Assists in the apprehension of suspects, where reasonably possible, in cases of unauthorized entry into buildings and work areas, malicious mischief, or other violations.

Performs temporary switchboard duties as requested. Answers phone and calls from service via dispatch (switchboard) as needed, the fire alarm system, and emergency response phone line.

Operates State vehicles and/or golf carts to transport individuals, employees, and visitors on or off the SSLC grounds.

Prepares timely and accurate documentation relative to emergencies and/or security violations.

Maintains inspection forms to ensure preventive maintenance and the safe operation of vehicles.

Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of the building or premises security, use of surveillance equipment, and of the rules and regulations pertaining to building admissions and exits, and of alarm devices.

Knowledge of traffic and parking regulations

Knowledge of emergency response procedures

Skill in oral and written communication, including writing incident and other investigative reports.

Ability to communicate with potentially aggressive residents, visitors, and employees.

Ability to patrol grounds, detect danger, and take appropriate action.

Physical ability to walk extensively, run occasionally, and assist in restraining during an emergency.

Ability to drive a state-vehicle.

Ability to prepare concise reports.

Ability to train others.

Ability to remain calm, reasonable, and react quickly in an emergency situation.

Skill in defusing potentially difficult situations.

Skill in monitoring and assessing situations and determining appropriate response.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must possess valid Texas driver’s license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date. Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Initial Screening Criteria:

High School diploma or equivalent.

At least two (2) years of work experience in security, law enforcement, or military is required; five (5) years is preferred.

At least two (2) years of experience as a lead worker or supervisor; four (4) years is preferred.

Work experience with people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and/or mental health issues in a residential setting is preferred.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/ Entities (LEIE).

Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form