Canine Security Officer

Mercy Medical Center • Baltimore, MD

3h • Onsite

About The Position

The Canine Security Officer uses a canine animal while performing security duties to help provide a secure environment for patient care at the Medical Center. The officer protects patients, visitors, and staff by patrolling buildings, property, and grounds, and responds to, evaluates, and assists in mitigating security-related issues.

The role includes conducting investigations into criminal and non-criminal matters, preparing written investigative reports, and entering them into the computerized Incident Report System. The officer operates access-control and CCTV/digital recording systems, including entering or changing employee access levels and retrieving data when requested. The position requires effective handling of a large canine dog and providing a suitable residential environment for the canine, subject to approval by the Mercy Canine Unit Captain and Director of Security.

The officer must complete the canine handler course provided by Mercy Medical Center and attend healthcare security training offered by the Medical Center through the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS). The position may require working varied schedules, including weekends and holidays, overtime, and remaining at Mercy for two to three days during adverse weather or special security situations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least two years of experience in law enforcement or public contract security, or one year of healthcare security experience.
• Ability to obtain a Special Police Commission through the City of Baltimore Police Department.
• Successful completion of the canine handler course of instruction provided by Mercy Medical Center.
• Valid Maryland driver’s license, or a valid driver’s license from a neighboring state jurisdiction (PA or DC) if that is the employee’s permanent primary residence; a suspended or revoked Maryland license must not be on file.
• Ability to attend IAHSS training when offered by Mercy Medical Center and pass the required certification examination to become certified.
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude, including the ability to use one or more of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Meditech (if applicable), Epic (if applicable), and Performance Manager/NetLearning.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English in an understandable manner.
• Ability to work independently, make independent decisions when circumstances warrant, and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and deal tactfully with personnel, visitors, patients, physicians, customers, and the general public; good interpersonal communication and written communication skills.
• Flexibility, personal integrity, ability to function effectively as part of a team, and ability to work harmoniously with others.
• Knowledge of safety and security duties and use of safety and security equipment.
• Knowledge of security duties, security equipment, and laws applicable to arrests, handcuffing, trespassing, and special police commissions.
• Working knowledge of computerized access-control systems and CCTV and digital recording systems.
• Ability to type accurately at 20 words per minute.
• Knowledge of legal requirements for conducting investigations and interviewing witnesses and suspects.
• Knowledge of Joint Commission Standards applicable to Safety, Security, and the Environment of Care.
• Ability to work a variety of schedules, including weekends and holidays, and overtime.
• Ability to remain at Mercy for two to three days when adverse weather or special security situations warrant.
• Ability to provide a suitable residential environment for a canine dog as required and approved by the Mercy Canine Unit Captain and Director of Security.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with and knowledge of security/law-enforcement canine handling.

Responsibilities

• Patrol buildings, property, and grounds with a canine to protect patients, visitors, and staff.
• Respond to, evaluate, and assist in mitigating security-related issues.
• Investigate criminal and non-criminal matters, prepare written investigative reports, and enter reports into the computerized Incident Report System.
• Operate the computerized access-control system, including entering or changing employee access levels.
• Operate the CCTV and digital recording system and retrieve data upon request.
• Effectively handle a large canine dog and provide a suitable residential environment for the canine, as required and approved.
• Attend required canine-handler and healthcare-security training and complete applicable certification requirements.
• Work varied schedules, including weekends and holidays, and work overtime as needed to support the Medical Center’s security needs.
• Remain at Mercy for extended periods of two to three days when adverse weather or special security situations warrant.

Benefits

• Competitive health, prescription, vision, and dental benefits and a wellness credit for eligible employees.
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match and a catch-up provision.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and company-paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Mental health resources and other employee wellness opportunities through the Employee Assistance Program.
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability benefits for eligible employees.
• Voluntary benefits.
• Discounts on auto and home insurance and Verizon plans.
• Mercy’s Rewards & Recognition Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED