Forensic Security Officer I

Dhss/Samh•Dover, DE

12d

About The Position

The Delaware Psychiatric Center’s Jane E. Mitchell (JEM) Building provides 24-hour security across three shifts for 42 male and female Department of Correction clients and approximately 80 staff. The facility houses clients in a Level 5 security setting. Security officers enforce institutional rules, regulations, and policies; conduct foot patrols and room and building searches; monitor clients during meals and group activities; and respond to potential crisis and emergency situations. The role helps maintain the safety and security of clients, staff, visitors, and state property. Officers observe client behavior, communicate changes to clinical staff, control access to secure areas, monitor alarms and surveillance systems, and respond to psychiatric emergencies, hazards, and other incidents. The position may also require preparing logs, statistical information, 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.
Possession of a valid driver's license that is not suspended, revoked, canceled, or disqualified.

Responsibilities

Observe client behavior, alert nursing and clinical staff to behavioral changes, monitor visitor conduct, and take action to 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 concerning safety, security, and orderliness.
Protect state property and the safety and location of staff and visitors, including by controlling ingress and egress through secure access points in the forensic building and units.
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 the building perimeter for weapons or other contraband, and take client counts.
Provide general information and directions to forensic unit visitors.
Prepare logs, statistical information, incident reports, and use-of-force reports as required.