Armed Security Officer - St Vincent

About the Role

Uniformed, armed security position responsible for providing a visible deterrent to criminal activity, ensuring the safety of patients, associates, and visitors, and protecting hospital buildings, assets, and premises. The role involves responding to emergency codes, internal/external disaster events, conducting preliminary investigations, and performing other security-related tasks as directed by supervisors. Flexibility in hours and ability to rotate between facilities, including travel, is required. CHRISTUS-approved uniforms must be worn in accordance with dress code requirements.

Responsibilities

• Conducts frequent security patrols of facilities and grounds as assigned.
• Identifies and reports trends related to security issues and recommends actions.
• Takes initial information for incident reports, ensuring factual, well-written submissions by the end of the assigned shift.
• Responds promptly to service requests via supervisor, telephone, radio, email, or other correspondence.
• Manages lost and found items, patient valuables, and personal property according to policy.
• Enforces CHRISTUS Health rules, regulations, policies, and state laws.
• Controls and enforces facility parking through patrols, citations, towing, or booting.
• Assists clinical/non-clinical associates with combative patients or visitors.
• Demonstrates competence in client care responsibilities, addressing age-specific and developmental needs.
• Operates security systems, including the Attendant Console, paging system, security radios, CCTV, and overhead paging.
• Uses PCs to generate electronic reports, incident reports, and emails.
• Reports safety hazards observed during security rounds.
• Adapts assessment and care methods to accommodate physical, cultural, and age-specific needs.
• Demonstrates proficiency with handguns, handcuffs, batons, non-crisis intervention techniques, and two-way radios.
• Performs other duties as assigned, maintaining mental alertness at all times.

Frequent exposure to aggressive behavior, emotionally charged situations, hazardous conditions (e.g., fires, chemical spills), and varying weather conditions. Requires physical fitness for walking, standing, stooping, lifting, and restraining individuals. Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, the ability to make immediate decisions, handle multiple tasks, and manage personal stress.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum two (2) years of armed security experience (may be substituted by honorable military service).
• Law enforcement or healthcare security experience preferred.
• Verbal de-escalation training must be completed within 60 days of hire.
• BLS certification required within 60 days of hire.
• Expandable baton, defensive tactics, firearms, weapon qualification, and firearms retention training must be completed prior to authorization to carry.
• Successful completion of pre-employment and post-offer assessments, including psychological evaluations (MMPI-2-RF-PCIR, CPI, PPSSR, PEI) and a clinical interview.
• Valid Driver’s license with an acceptable driving record (no more than one moving violation or chargeable accident within 12 months).

Licenses and Certifications

• For Texas positions: Active Level 3 Commission with the Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Bureau (TDPSPSB). New hires must obtain their commission prior to hire or provide proof of active status if the pocket card has not yet been received.
• For New Mexico positions: Officers may not carry a weapon until completing 40 hours of training and receiving a letter of authorization from the CHRISTUS Vice President of Security.
• For Louisiana positions: Officers may not carry a weapon until completing 40 hours of training and receiving a letter of authorization from the CHRISTUS Vice President of Security.

Schedule

Full-time, 12-hour shifts from 6 PM to 6 AM.