Mental Health Security Technician | Salem

State of Oregon • Salem, OR

5d • $4,512 - $5,691 • Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Health Authority’s Oregon State Hospital Security program is hiring Mental Health Security Technicians for positions based in Salem or Junction City, Oregon. The Oregon State Hospital provides patient-centered psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for adults who need hospital-level care, with the goal of supporting recovery and return to the community.

The technician monitors and controls access points, assesses physical security, conducts video surveillance and interior and exterior patrols, and looks for security breaches or unauthorized people. The role responds to emergencies, manages patient conduct, monitors patient status, assists with physical interventions and restraints, and supports patient transportation for in-house and off-campus appointments and outings. Other duties include developing and following security protocols, preparing incident reports, providing customer service to patients, staff, and visitors, assisting with admissions, processing mail, contacting Oregon State Police as needed, distributing badges and keys, and collecting and processing evidence.

This is an in-office, full-time, permanent, SEIU-represented position. Work involves caring for patients who may pose a danger to themselves or others and may include exposure to infectious disease, noise, bodily fluids, hazardous medications, behavioral interventions, and manual or mechanical restraints. Employees must frequently move up to 20 pounds, occasionally move up to 60 pounds vertically, and be able to stand, bend, twist, and squat for prolonged periods. Schedules may change with little notice and may include overtime or double shifts. Occasional driving or accompanying patients in vehicles may be required. A criminal records and driving records check meeting OHA criteria is required at hire and throughout employment.

Requirements

• At least one year of experience providing security services, or at least one year of experience providing direct care to patients in a mental health setting.
• Pass a criminal records and driving records check meeting OHA criteria at the time of hire and throughout employment.
• Ability to frequently move up to 20 pounds and occasionally move up to 60 pounds vertically.
• Ability to perform prolonged standing, bending, twisting, and squatting.
• Ability to work a schedule that may change with little notice and may include overtime or double shifts.
• Ability to occasionally drive or accompany patients in vehicles.

Nice To Haves

• Mental health or hospital experience, including understanding of mental health conditions and trauma-informed care.
• Relevant security, law enforcement, or corrections experience.
• Security camera or alarm monitoring experience.
• De-escalation skills and demonstrated ability to manage conflict using non-violent interventions.
• Leadership skills, including motivation, ethical behavior, discretion, and sound decision-making.
• Ability to collaborate with clinical staff, hospital leadership, and peers.
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively in high-stress situations.
• Clear, empathetic, and professional written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control access points and assess physical security.
• Conduct video surveillance monitoring and interior and exterior patrols for security breaches and unauthorized individuals.
• Respond to emergencies, call for assistance, and manage patient conduct.
• Monitor patients’ status, provide physical intervention assistance, and restrain combative or violent patients when necessary.
• Develop and implement security protocols and maintain knowledge of laws and regulations related to mental health security.
• Transport patients for in-house and off-campus outings and appointments, using restraints when necessary.
• Prepare clear and concise incident reports and other documents describing significant events.
• Provide customer service and support to patients, staff, and visitors.
• Assist with patient admissions, process mail, contact Oregon State Police as needed, distribute badges and keys, and collect and process evidence for investigations.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental benefits for the employee and qualified family members, with a low monthly out-of-pocket cost.
• Optional life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability.
• Deferred compensation savings program and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses.
• 11 paid holidays and 3 personal business days.
• 8 hours of monthly sick leave.
• Vacation accrual starting at 8 hours per month.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Training opportunities to support career growth with the State of Oregon.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed