Security Officer III-Canine Officer

About the role

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people's lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based.

The Security Officer III (Canine Handler) performs highly complex (senior-level) Security Services work and supports the Security Supervisor with department goals and objectives. Work involves use of a canine partner, patrolling grounds; conducting initial investigations as needed; providing direction and/or assistance to patients, staff, and visitors. The Canine Handler is responsible for all aspects of the canine partner's care and training. The Canine Handler will be assigned work as a Security Shift Supervisor or Officer when necessary to meet the needs of the department. Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned 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.

Responsibilities

• Attend work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned
• Deploy canine partner in various settings, such as vehicle searches, building searches, and perimeter sweeps to detect contraband
• Control and handle canine partner, particularly in potentially dangerous situations
• Conduct regular training exercises to maintain canine partner's proficiency and readiness for deployment and coordinate mandated off-site training with certified trainers
• Responsible for canine partner's daily needs, including feeding, water, grooming, and exercise
• Maintain awareness of canine partner's physical condition and ensure proper veterinary care
• Provide crisis intervention, when necessary, assist staff with controlling disruptive or combative patients or guests, and escort disruptive people off hospital grounds
• Patrol hospital grounds to monitor and mitigate unusual occurrences such as trespassers, vandalism, and emergencies
• Document the location and nature of any detected contraband, providing evidence for law enforcement
• Maintain training and health related records
• Detain individuals suspected of unauthorized access to buildings, property, and restricted work areas, as well as those involved in vandalism or other illegal activities, with a primary focus on intercepting contraband introduced from outside sources and utilizing a canine team to support enforcement and detection efforts
• Review and assess existing security policies and provide suggestions for improvements or updates to enhance safety measures
• Communicate guidelines related to vehicle movement and parking requirements to ensure understanding and compliance by staff and visitors
• Monitor and direct daily activities and work performance of Security Officers as needed
• Adjust 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
• Provide security to the hospital campus
• Open hospital gates as appropriate
• Provide direction and assistance to visitors
• Patrol grounds, inspecting and safeguarding buildings, properties, and equipment
• Write reports and document incidents or events in and around the hospital grounds
• Actively participate and/or serve in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for 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 continuous work experience in law enforcement, security or corrections required
• OR three years or more security experience in a mental health facility required
• Experience working with dogs in a law enforcement or military capacity preferred
• 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
• Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy
• Current CPR/AED certification preferred, willingness to be certified within 6 months required
• Must attend initial off-site intensive training with canine partner for 4-6 weeks
• Attend periodic training with certified trainer

Qualifications

• Knowledge of alarm devices
• Knowledge of traffic and parking regulations
• Knowledge of emergency response procedures
• Skills in personal interaction with patients, staff, and the public
• Skills with written and verbal communication, to include the skillset necessary 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
• Ability to drive 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, and numerous opportunities for career advancement.

Pay & Schedule

• Salary range: $3,500.00 - $4,837.08 per month
• Shift: Day
• Not eligible for telework
• Travel up to 10%
• Full time
• May be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends
• Flexibility in work hours may be required; may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours