Safety & Security Specialist

About the role

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is a dedicated team of over 400 professionals committed to fostering a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all in the Vanderbilt community, as well as the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Responsibilities

• Serve the community through proactive security post assignments or patrol functions including self-initiated activities.
• Monitor individuals as they pass through the weapon detector, ensuring thorough scanning.
• Afford assistance and guidance to visitors, helping them remove items from their person or explaining the process.
• Respond to non-police emergency calls such as alarms, hazardous material spills, and pedestrian/vehicular traffic control.
• Use trained tactics to assist in controlling, de-escalating, or restraining combative and/or violent patients as requested by medical personnel.
• Provide backup and assistance for other officers within guidelines specified in department policy and procedures.
• Respond to general security or safety hazard calls for service as directed.
• Maintain knowledge of the institutional Disaster Plan and the role of the Safety & Security Specialist in its administration.
• Maintain familiarity with personal protective equipment, including protective suits and N-95 respirators.
• Provide walking escorts as assigned.
• Provide security for events, including athletic events, concerts, speaking engagements, visiting dignitaries, commencement, and other events as assigned.
• Provide internal and external disaster assistance according to Departmental, University, and Medical Center policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with established procedures and protocols.
• Set up, operate, maintain, and store the weapon detector, ensuring it remains in good working condition and promptly reporting any malfunctions or issues to the shift supervisor.
• Actively monitor the weapon detector for alarm triggers and assess whether activations are caused by harmless items or potential threats.
• Perform secondary screenings on individuals who trigger alarms, using handheld detectors or physical patdowns as appropriate to locate and identify the source.
• Effectively communicate with VUPS and VUMC personnel to ensure a coordinated effort in maintaining security and responding to any potential threats detected by the weapon detector.
• Develop rapport with members of the university community as well as surrounding areas; participate in community relations activities.
• Assist the community members and provide courteous and professional customer service to individuals entering the security checkpoint, addressing any concerns or inquiries with patience and respect while maintaining security measures.
• Communicate VUMC policies and enforcement procedures to visitors, staff, and guests to ensure the safety of the community.
• Document any incidents, alarms, or unusual occurrences that happen during the shift and report them to the shift Supervisor.
• Investigate and write reports for non-criminal activities as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
• (Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide ongoing motor vehicle record monitoring)
• Must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation and drug screening in accordance with university and departmental standards.
• This training is typically completed during the first two weeks of employment. If training sessions are missed, all components must be completed within 30 calendar days of hire.
• At least 24 months of experience in roles requiring high levels of customer service, communication, and professionalism (e.g., hospitality, concierge, guest services, customer relations, public-facing service roles) is required.
• Security experience is strongly preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated stable employment history, reflecting reliability and dependability in prior roles.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with individuals from various backgrounds, are required.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm and composed under pressure and in potentially challenging situations is required.
• Attention to detail and the ability to consistently follow safety protocols and procedures is required.
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve is required.
• Ability to utilize electronic systems and two-way radio is required.
• 18 years of age is required.

Physical Requirements

• Stand for extended periods.
• Walk, climb, and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Meet written departmental standards on appearance/grooming.

Working Environment

• Required to work varying shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be able to work in inclement weather and various weather extremes.
• May encounter hazardous materials, infectious diseases, blood-borne pathogens, steam, car battery acid, loud noises, smoke, and fire.
• Must correctly use a TB Mask and other precautionary equipment.