The Security Officer assigned to the Behavioral Health Unit ensures the safety and security of patients, staff, visitors, and the premises within the hospital's behavioral health department. This role is critical in managing challenging behavioral situations, de-escalating potential conflicts, and responding swiftly to emergencies while maintaining a calm, supportive presence. Security Officers must remain alert to potential safety risks while respecting the sensitive nature of the unit, ensuring that all protocols are followed to protect both patients and hospital personnel.

Safety and Security:

1. Monitor and secure the premises to prevent unauthorized access or disturbances.
2. Conduct regular patrols of the unit, ensuring all areas are safe and free of hazards.
3. Respond promptly to alarms, emergencies, or incidents within the unit.
4. Assist in the prevention and de-escalation of potentially volatile situations.
5. Maintain a calm and respectful presence, helping to create a secure and therapeutic environment.
6. Assist clinical staff in non-physical interventions to manage patient behavior.
7. Support the enforcement of unit policies while treating patients with dignity and respect.
8. Observe and report any unusual patient behavior or security concerns.
9. Operate and monitor surveillance systems as necessary.
10. Provide detailed reports of incidents, safety checks, and other relevant activities utilizing hospital reporting and any other required
11. Adhere to hospital policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
12. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and other legal standards.
13. Complete initial and ongoing training in behavioral health, de-escalation techniques, and crisis management.
14. Attend and participate in staff meetings and education.

Crisis Intervention:

1. Participate in emergency response efforts, including various codes and other safety-related protocols.
2. Use non-violent crisis intervention techniques to manage challenging situations safely.
3. Collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure appropriate responses to patient needs.

Certifications:

1. CPR and First Aid Certification.
2. State-mandated security training or licensing.

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.

• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.

• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring a safe and supportive atmosphere for both patients and staff. A compassionate approach paired with vigilance and professionalism is essential.

Ability to communicate with individuals on all levels.  Must be self-directed, Must have sound judgement, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and not be afraid of rolling up the sleeves to deliver practical solutions.  Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

Education and/or Experience:  High school diploma or equivalent required. Experience in security, law enforcement, or behavioral health preferred. Certification in crisis intervention or de-escalation techniques (e.g. CPI, Healthy Interventions, etc). Strong communication, observational, and conflict-resolution skills.   Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Walking, standing, pushing, stooping, bending, stretching, and lifting heavy loads and potential physical intervention. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment. Required working evenings, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts

Physical presence onsite is essential.  Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range.  Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.