Clinical Hospital Security Officer

About the role

The University of Iowa Health Care department of Safety and Security is seeking a Clinical Hospital Security Officer. This position is responsible for protecting patients, visitors, employees, and hospital property by rounding in assigned areas, engaging patients, and promoting a safe and therapeutic environment while enforcing hospital policies.

Responsibilities

• Protect patients, visitors, and employees by providing surveillance of Behavior Health Units.
• Collaborate with departmental staff (RNs, Behavioral Health Consultants, Unit Clerks, Psychiatric Nursing Assistants, etc.) to protect patients, visitors, and employees.
• Respond to and assist in controlling combative patients.
• Aid in re-direction and de-escalation of patient situations.
• Prevent aggressive behavior.
• Intervene in patient, visitor, and/or staff confrontations using least restrictive methods.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Maintain a professional image and demeanor.
• Utilize interpersonal skills and customer service abilities to create a positive environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
• Deter vandalism, theft, and abuse through routine patrols.
• Support and enforce all security policies and procedures.
• Complete appropriate documentation of various incidents.
• Perform security checks, patrol facility, and monitor special assignments.
• Conduct incident investigations and provide documentation for follow-up.
• Report and follow-up on all safety and fire hazards.
• Respond to lock/unlock doors, respond to entrapments or elevator issues, and assist in traffic/parking enforcement.
• Perform safekeeping procedures.
• Respond to and resolve emergencies such as fire, HazMat, security alarms, and patient/visitor/staff assists.
• Maintain a working knowledge of computers to process data, operate fire alarm systems, and security systems.
• Complete mandatory education and training to maintain organization- and department-specific competencies and requirements.
• Maintain applicable certifications.

Requirements

• Two years’ experience in security and safety, or fire safety, or law enforcement; or
• One year of post-high school education related to security and safety and one year of experience in security and safety; or
• Two years of post-high school education related to security and safety.

• Possession of appropriate driver’s license and ability to meet UI Fleet Safety Standards.
• Ability to obtain basic certification from International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) within 6 months of hire and maintain certification for duration of employment.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience working with Behavioral Health patients.
• Experience using Epic.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate and redirect negative behavior in a courteous and direct manner.
• Experience as a Psychiatric Nursing Assistant, Hospital Support Person, or in a like position.

Desirable Certifications

• Health Safety Professional (HSP).
• Crisis Prevention Institute Instructor certified.
• Crisis Intervention Training (CIT).
• Safety Care Training.
• Satisfactory completion of the established Psychiatric Nursing Assistant Training Program or an equivalent program.