Public safety K-9 Armed Officer

Responsibilities

• Conduct person-borne firearm-detection patrols at hospital entrances, Emergency Departments, EMS areas, parking structures, and public corridors, ensuring threats are neutralized and escalated through proper Public Safety procedures.
• Assist during EMS offloads and high-risk clinical scenarios providing an additional Public Safety presence.
• Support general Public Safety Operations including alarms, escorts, suspicious persons/property, and response to safety calls.
• Maintain accurate training and utilization records for all deployments, alerts, and incidents in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintain all assigned canine-related equipment and company-assigned vehicles consistent with departmental management policies.
• Perform liaison rounding duties to cultivate close partnerships with all departments and units.
• Deliver security awareness education to team members to leverage their assistance in the overall security of the site.
• Liaise with state and local law enforcement and first responder agencies.
• Coordinate, brief, and monitor every law enforcement prisoner patient guard to ensure policy compliance and prevent unsafe practices.
• Maintain current Department training standards in radio communications, verbal de-escalation, stabilization, CPR, application of clinical restraints, conducted energy weapon (Taser), including training on all department-issued equipment and requirements identified in the Annual Training Plan.

Requirements

• K-9 Certification through International Police Work Dog Association with assigned canine, with at least 16 hours of monthly K-9 related maintenance training (Certification must be received within the first 3 months from hire date).
• Security Officer Healthcare Certification (CHSO) issued by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) must be obtained within two years of appointment to this role (recertification is not required).
• For North Carolina teammates: Armed Guard License issued by NC Private Protective Services maintained through training and competency assessments.
• For Illinois teammates: Firearm Owners Identification Card (FOID) issued by the Illinois State Police.
• For Wisconsin teammates: Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) license issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
• For Illinois teammates: Must meet State of IL Department of Financial and Professional Regulation licensing requirements and obtain a Firearm Control Card (FCC) for Proprietary Personnel within 90 days of hire.
• Valid driver’s license issued by the Division of Motor Vehicle.
• Certified in Conducted Energy Weapon (e.g., TASER) use within 90 days of hire and periodically thereafter.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• 4 years of experience in a security or public safety role that includes responding to emergent situations and identifying/resolving risks; OR completion of 30 credit hours in Criminal Justice, Police Science, or similar field with 3 years of work experience, including 1 year in a security/safety role.
• Illinois team members must have completed the State of Illinois 40-hour armed course with semi-automatic pistol endorsement.
• Willingness to carry a department-authorized firearm while on duty.
• Illinois team members must annually achieve a passing score of 70% or greater on the State of IL Mandatory Annual Active Duty and Retired Officer Handgun Qualification Course of Fire, unassisted. Probationary Officers must complete range qualification within their 90-day probationary period.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise mature judgment and sound reasoning while maintaining a courteous and tactful demeanor, even with verbally aggressive individuals.
• Demonstrated experience in quickly assessing dangerous situations and taking appropriate action.
• Demonstrated ability in verbal and written communications.
• Ability to use a computer for documentation (Microsoft Word, Excel, web navigation, and database entry).
• Must successfully pass background investigation, drug screen, pre-placement physical, and psychological screening assessment post-offer, pre-employment, and periodically thereafter. Teammates already employed in Public Safety Officer position prior to 7-28-24 will have 18 months to comply.
• Ability to defend self and/or others in physical confrontations when de-escalation fails and there is cause to detain a non-cooperative person committing a criminal act or fleeing; ability to physically restrain a person against their will.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including hearing radio and telephone communications at both high and low decibels with clear diction and no impediments.
• Ability to interact appropriately with all team members, patients, and visitors, especially under difficult circumstances.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• 20/20 vision in both eyes or correctable to 20/20 with corrective lenses.
• May be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive, and radiation hazards; protective clothing must be worn as necessary.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Frequent exposure to aggressive behavior and emotionally charged situations.
• Must be able to handle personal stress and possible violence.
• Must be physically fit and able to walk all areas of the facilities and grounds, restrain individuals, and assist nursing staff with lifting patients of all sizes.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.