Security Officer III

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at every stage of your life and work journey.

About the Role

The Security Officer III performs highly complex (senior-level) security services work. This role is a senior Security Officer position that supports the Security Supervisor with department goals and objectives. Work involves patrolling grounds, conducting initial investigations as needed, and providing direction and/or assistance to patients, staff, and visitors. Responsibilities also include temporary switchboard duties such as answering the hospital telephone switchboard, the fire alarm system, and the emergency response phone line. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Other duties include actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

Responsibilities

• Patrols hospital grounds to monitor and mitigate unusual occurrences such as trespassers, vandalism, and emergencies.
• Monitors and directs daily activities and work performance of junior security officers as needed.
• Adjusts daily activities of security officers assigned to shift to ensure objectives of the department are met in accordance with directives of the security supervisor based upon tasks and personnel available.
• Provides security to the hospital campus, opens hospital gates as appropriate, and provides direction and assistance to visitors.
• Patrols grounds, inspecting and safeguarding buildings, properties, and equipment.
• Writes reports and documents incidents or events in and around the hospital grounds.
• Downloads video requests from the Rights Protection department.
• Performs temporary switchboard duties as requested, including answering phone and calls from service via dispatch (switchboard), the fire alarm system, and emergency response phone line.
• Checks points of ingress and egress to assist in the prevention of unauthorized departures/escapes.
• Investigates and documents unusual incidents such as thefts, fire, vehicle accidents, unauthorized departures, and weather-related events.
• During the absence of the Security Supervisor, performs administrative duties such as preparing the department schedule and reviewing reports.
• Represents the security department in meetings and events at the direction of the Security Supervisor or Directors.
• Reports to areas when fire alarms sound, determines the nature of the emergency, and resets alarms as needed. During an actual fire emergency, escorts the fire department to facilitate access and mitigation of impact to hospital, staff, and patients.
• Provides crisis intervention when necessary, assists staff with controlling disruptive or combative patients or guests, and escorts disruptive people off hospital grounds.
• Operates State vehicles to transport patients, employees, and visitors on or off the hospital grounds. Maintains inspection forms to ensure preventive maintenance and the safe operation of vehicles.
• Actively participates in disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation, which may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Requirements

• Four years or more of continuous work experience in law enforcement, security, or corrections or three years or more of security experience in a mental health facility.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure.
• Current CPR/AED certification preferred; willingness to be certified within 6 months required.
• Must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide, Employee Misconduct, and List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).
• Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required, including overtime and/or extended hours.
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. In the event you choose not to be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of alarm devices, traffic and parking regulations, and emergency response procedures.
• Skills in personal interaction with patients, staff, and the public, as well as written and verbal communication, including the ability to write succinct security incident reports.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office Programs.
• Ability to patrol grounds, detect incidents, and take appropriate action to mitigate impact to campus.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Physical ability to walk or stand for considerable lengths of time.
• Ability to drive out-of-town and operate a wheelchair van.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
• A defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time off benefits.
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement.

Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Pay

Salary Range: $3,500.00 - $4,837.08 per month.

Schedule

• Full-time, regular position.
• Shift: Day shift.
• Travel: Up to 10%.
• Not eligible for telework.