What are the responsibilities and job description for the Safety and Security Specialist position at Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care?
Position Summary
Reporting to and under the supervision of the Compliance and Risk Management Department (CRM), the Security Specialist is responsible for being on-site to observe, intervene when appropriate, and report serious incidents involving persons and property. This position requires excellent communication skills and competency in computer and handheld radio technology.
The employee in this position is responsible for the satisfactory performance of tasks related to their post orders. Some assignments may require skills that can readily be learned on the job. Many tasks assigned may be routine and repetitive in nature. The work location and hours may vary.
Physical Security
- Physically intervene as needed to mitigate unlawful activity and unsafe behaviors.
- Monitors activity using available security technologies.
- Lock and unlock doors, and other areas, as necessary for the operations of the building.
- Respond to security alarms, fire alarms, and show of support incidents.
- Visually monitors the facility, both inside and out, by walking around the property.
- Will remain stationary (static) in key areas as needed for the location.
- Some positions may require vehicle patrol between various Valley Cities locations.
General Safety
- Assist with providing a safe and well-maintained environment for staff, clients, and visitors.
- Other duties as assigned to facilitate staff and patient safety.
- Protect property and staff by maintaining a safe and secure environment in accordance with Post Orders.
- Provide escorts on VC property as needed for safety concerns.
Reporting
- Acts as the initial reporting party to law enforcement and other emergency responders.
- Is responsible for notifying the appropriate staff during emergent incidents.
- Observes and reports unlawful or unsafe activity to the appropriate authority.
- Responsible for documenting incidents or pertinent information in the daily security log.
Verbal Intervention
- Provide excellent customer service at all times, maintaining professional composure.
- Use verbal de-escalation and interpersonal communication when interacting with escalated persons
General Operations
- Enforcement of parking violations in agency owned parking lots.
- Follows administrative policies, rules, applicable laws as authorized.
De-escalation (Verbal and Physical Safety Interventions)
- In order to observe & identify early signs of unsafe and crisis behaviors, performs walking patrols both inside and outside of the facility and surrounding property.
- Responds to clients having a mental health crisis according to training, policy, and procedures. Use authorized verbal, physical interventions, and disengagement skills for the appropriate situations.
- Work with facility health care staff to coordinate the appropriate response for people in a crisis.
Vehicle Patrol
- Performs vehicle patrols between multiple Valley Cities properties, in conjunction with another Security Specialist.
Minimum Qualifications
- 1 year experience in a professional security role.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Basic computer skills and experience using common office programs.
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
- Pass required background checks.
- Ability to work independently and also receive instructions.
- Has reliable transportation to and from work sites.
- Excellent verbal/written communication skills with the ability to write/type legibly.
- Ability to maintain a current and valid state driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications
- Minimum 2 years as a licensed security officer, in law enforcement, or military service.
- Minimum 1 year experience in a healthcare or mental health industry.
- An associate degree in general studies, emergency operations, mental health, or healthcare.
- Advanced training in verbal and/or physical de-escalation and the ability to learn other methods.
- Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course (EVOC or equivalent).
Working Conditions
- Work is performed inside and outside in varying temperatures and weather conditions.
- Exposed to frequent interactions with people experiencing a mental health crisis.
- May occasionally be required to push, move, or lift up to 150 pounds.
- Physical duties may require upper and lower body strength.
- Position requires the individual to stand/walk for long periods during the shift.
