Forensic Security Officer I

Dhss/Samh•Dover, DE

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Delaware Psychiatric Center’s Jane E. Mitchell (JEM) Building provides security for 42 male and female Department of Correction clients and approximately 80 staff. The facility operates 24 hours a day across three shifts and is classified as a Level 5 security facility, the highest level on the federal Bureau of Prisons’ security scale. The role enforces institutional rules, regulations, and policies; patrols patient units; searches rooms and buildings; monitors clients during meals and group activities; and responds to potential crises and emergencies. Security officers observe client behavior and alert clinical staff to changes, help de-escalate disruptive situations, respond to psychiatric emergencies, and maintain control of people and property. They manage secure access, monitor alarms and camera systems, conduct rounds and searches, and help ensure the safety of clients, staff, visitors, and state property. The position may also involve preparing logs, statistics, incident reports, and use-of-force reports.

Requirements

Six months of experience maintaining the security and safety of individuals and facilities.
Knowledge of security systems and surveillance equipment.
Valid driver's license that is not suspended, revoked, canceled, or disqualified.

Responsibilities

Observe client behavior, alert nursing and other clinical staff to behavioral changes, monitor visitor conduct, and de-escalate potentially violent or disruptive situations.
Respond to psychiatric emergencies involving combative clients; assist in detaining trespassers and violators; and search for missing clients.
Maintain control of people and property in accordance with policies for safety, security, and orderliness.
Protect state property and help ensure the safety and location of staff and visitors, including controlling ingress and egress through secure access points.
Answer internal emergency calls, relay information to appropriate authorities, and monitor internal alarm systems.
Use electronic intercom and closed-circuit camera systems to communicate with staff, verify authorized access, and grant sector-by-sector access from the control center.
Respond to internal hazards, risks, fires, and other emergencies.
Conduct regular rounds of forensic buildings, units, and the perimeter, and ensure safety devices on doors and windows are operable and secure.
Inspect and search clients, visitors, grounds, and building perimeters for weapons or other contraband, and conduct client counts.
Provide general information and directions to forensic unit visitors.
Prepare logs, statistical information, incident reports, and use-of-force reports as required.