Guest Services and Security Guard (Part Time)
Serving Seniors helps San Diego County’s low-income seniors overcome poverty through whole-person, wraparound support including meals, housing, health and social services, and enrichment activities. Our flagship Gary & Mary West Senior Wellness Center in downtown San Diego operates 365 days a year, offering integrated care, health and social services, housing navigation, enrichment activities, lifelong learning, and a Cyber Café.
About the role
The Guest Services and Security Guard plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and supportive environment at the Serving Seniors Wellness Center during weekend operating hours. This position serves as a central security point, partnering closely with the Health and Social Services (HSS) team and Nutrition Team during meal services to monitor client activities and proactively address potential issues. The role requires a balance of firm boundary-setting and compassionate, de-escalation-focused engagement to support our community of low-income and elderly clients, including those experiencing homelessness.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a primary point of contact at the entrance of the building, fostering a welcoming and secure atmosphere.
- Build rapport with clients while maintaining professional boundaries to support a safe community environment.
- Consistently and fairly enforce the Client Code of Conduct, addressing violations with firmness, respect, and dignity.
- Clearly communicate facility rules and expectations to clients.
- Respond promptly to incidents within the facility, including client disputes, medical alerts, and behavioral issues.
- Employ conflict de-escalation strategies and techniques to resolve situations peacefully and safely.
- Conduct thorough investigations into policy violations and security incidents.
- Draft detailed, accurate, and objective incident reports for all occurrences.
- Maintain and catalog all incident reports in the designated system, ensuring records are organized, accurate, and accessible for review by management.
- Partner closely with the HSS and Nutrition teams to share information, coordinate on client support strategies, and ensure a unified approach to client management.
- Communicate critical incident information to all site staff as appropriate.
- Monitor interior common areas by touring spaces, including the lobby, dining room, and lounges, to ensure a safe and orderly environment.
- Identify and report any safety hazards, maintenance issues, or security vulnerabilities.
- Act as a key responder for internal emergencies, such as medical events or altercations, and follow established protocols, including the use of alert processes.
- Assist in providing meal services at the Wellness Center as required.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of security experience.
- Experience working with vulnerable populations, including homeless, low-income, or elderly individuals, is highly preferred.
- Valid California Guard Card.
- Valid California driver's license.
Skills
- Well-versed in conflict de-escalation strategies and techniques, with the ability to remain calm and composed under pressure.
- Ability to communicate boundaries and enforce policies clearly, firmly, and respectfully without being passive or overly aggressive.
- Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport and interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with varying needs.
- Excellent written communication skills with the ability to draft clear, concise, and accurate incident reports.
- Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team, especially in partnership with social services staff.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to quickly assess situations and determine the appropriate course of action.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Onsite position, primarily stationed at the entrance of the Wellness Center but requires mobility throughout the facility.
- Regularly required to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods.
- Must be able to respond quickly to incidents anywhere within the building.
- Occasionally lift and move up to 20 pounds.
Schedule
Part-time weekend schedule: Saturday and Sunday, during Wellness Center operating hours.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package, including 100% employer-paid medical and dental coverage for eligible employees.
- Paid holidays and paid time off for all employees.
- Floating holiday for all employees.
- Up to a 3% match on 403(b) retirement plans for all employees.