Armed Security Officer, Full-Time, Days

Suffolk, VA – First shift (Days), 7:00am – 3:30pm, every other weekend.

About the role

Responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, staff, and property at the assigned healthcare facility. Duties include proactive patrols, access control, incident response, de-escalation of disruptive behavior, and collaboration with clinical staff and local law enforcement. Must demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and the ability to respond effectively in high-stress healthcare environments.

As an Armed Security Officer, you will perform all duties of an unarmed officer and possess the ability to exercise discretion regarding the use of a weapon, utilizing it only in times of extreme attack when all non-violent options have been exhausted. An offer of employment is contingent on passing pre-employment screening, including a fitness assessment and psychological evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Assist clinical staff with managing aggressive, combative, or disruptive patients or visitors using approved de-escalation techniques.
• Enforce enterprise policies, rules, and regulations in a fair and professional manner.
• Coordinate with local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency responders when necessary.
• Provide a physically safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, and employees.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent (Required).
• HANDLE WITH CARE Certification (HWC) (Required).
• Certified Healthcare Security Officer (CHSO) Certification, International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS) (Required).
• State DMV Motor Vehicle Record and current valid Driver’s license (Required).
• One of the following is required:
  • Private Security Services Registration – Armed with VA Department Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), or
  • Private Protective Services/Armed – Certification with NC Department of Public Safety (NCDPS).
• 1 year of security, military, police, or related experience (Preferred).

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
• Adoption, Fertility, and Surrogacy Reimbursement up to $10,000.
• Paid Time Off and Sick Leave.
• Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave.
• Emergency Backup Care.
• Long-Term, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans.
• Life Insurance.
• 401k/403B with Employer Match.
• Tuition Assistance – $5,250/year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education.
• Student Debt Pay Down – $10,000 Reimbursement for certifications and free access to complete CEUs and professional development.
• Pet Insurance.
• Legal Resources Plan.
• Opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if established system and employee eligibility criteria are met.

About the facility

Sentara Obici Hospital is a 175-bed, state-of-the-art facility located on Godwin Boulevard in Suffolk, VA. As a recognized accredited Primary Stroke Center and Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, it specializes in orthopedic and spine, heart and vascular, advanced imaging, gynecological and comprehensive breast services, behavioral health, maternity, weight loss surgery, and a heartburn treatment center.