Security Officer III

About the role

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) at Terrell State Hospital and help create a positive impact in the lives of Texans. The Security Officer III provides senior‑level security services, supports the Security Supervisor, patrols the campus, conducts investigations, assists patients, staff and visitors, and may perform temporary switchboard duties, fire alarm response, and emergency phone line support.

Responsibilities

• Patrol hospital grounds to monitor and mitigate trespassing, vandalism, emergencies, and other unusual occurrences.
• Provide security for the campus, open gates, and direct visitors.
• Inspect and safeguard buildings, property, and equipment.
• Write reports and document incidents; download video requests from the Rights Protection department.
• Answer the hospital telephone switchboard, fire alarm system, and emergency response line as needed.
• Check points of ingress/egress to prevent unauthorized departures/escapes.
• Investigate and document thefts, fires, vehicle accidents, unauthorized departures, and weather‑related events.
• During the Security Supervisor’s absence, prepare the department schedule and review reports.
• Represent the security department in meetings and events as directed.
• Respond to fire alarms, determine the nature of the emergency, reset alarms, and escort fire‑department personnel.
• Provide crisis intervention, assist staff with disruptive or combative patients/guests, and escort disruptive individuals off campus.
• Operate state vehicles to transport patients, employees, and visitors; maintain inspection forms for preventive maintenance.
• Participate in disaster response, recovery, or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, which may require alternate shift patterns or locations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of alarm devices, traffic and parking regulations, and emergency response procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills for interaction with patients, staff, and the public.
• Effective written and verbal communication; ability to write succinct security incident reports.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to patrol grounds, detect incidents, and take appropriate mitigation actions.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Physical stamina to walk or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to drive out‑of‑town and operate a wheelchair van.

Requirements

• Valid Texas driver’s license (or obtain within 90 days of hire); out‑of‑state license requires certified driving record and an eligible driving record per HHSC Fleet Management policy.
• Current CPR/AED certification preferred; willingness to obtain certification within 6 months required.
• Four + years continuous experience in law enforcement, security, or corrections or three + years security experience in a mental‑health facility.
• Pass fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and required registry checks (CANRS, Nurse Aid, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, LEIE).
• Male applicants 18‑25 must be registered with Selective Service; all applicants must be at least 18 years old (21 years for Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants).
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy; vaccination required for certain disease exposures, with mask or other measures if influenza vaccination is declined.
• Flexibility to work overtime, extended hours, rotating or alternate shift patterns as needed.

Benefits

• 100 % paid employee health insurance for full‑time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time‑off benefits.
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement.
• Additional benefits detailed on the “Benefits of Working at HHS” webpage.

Pay

Salary range: $3,500.00 – $4,837.08 per month (Pay Frequency: Monthly). Salary Group: TEXAS‑A‑15. Position is non‑exempt.

Schedule

• Day shift (may require rotating schedule, extended shifts, or overtime).
• Not eligible for telework.
• Travel up to 10 % of time.