Public Safety Officer 2

Dauphin County • Harrisburg, PA

15d • Onsite

About The Position

Dauphin County Public Safety is hiring a full-time, armed (Act 235) safety and security officer. Public Safety Officers protect the buildings, facilities, and properties of Dauphin County. Employees serve conditionally during a probationary period and must complete and pass formal and informal training, instruction, and practice. The starting rate is $23.32 per hour.

The position involves monitoring and patrolling County buildings and parks, screening visitors, responding to alarms and other requests for security services, assisting law enforcement and emergency services, providing first aid and CPR/AED, maintaining order, and documenting incidents and other required information. Officers interact with County departments, public agencies, and the public and provide security for County events. Overtime and mandated hours may be required based on operational needs.

The work takes place indoors and outdoors, sometimes in adverse weather, lighting, temperatures, ventilation, noise, or other conditions. Officers may be on call or assigned mandatory shifts based on operational needs, and may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, communicable diseases, or disruptive individuals. The role has substantial physical demands, including standing for up to 12 hours, frequent walking and stair climbing, occasional lifting up to 50 pounds, and the ability to respond physically during altercations.

Requirements

• High school graduation or an accredited equivalency program.
• Pennsylvania Lethal Weapons Training Act 235 certification.
• Ability to speak and understand English, including spelling, usage, and grammar, and to communicate clearly orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding Department and County information and records.
• Ability to understand and apply Department and County policies and directives.
• Personal integrity and honesty.
• Ability to work effectively with associates and maintain relationships with peers, superiors, and subordinates.
• Alertness and ability to detect problems or potential problems.
• Knowledge and ability to use security equipment, including firearms, electronic disabling weapons (EDWs), chemical agents, batons, other defensive equipment, and restraints.
• Ability to maintain order and security, react quickly and calmly in emergencies, enforce rules, and understand individual and group behavior, including the behavior of people under restraint.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to obtain training, certifications, and clearances required by Department policy or operational needs.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver's license.
• Must pass a favorable pre-employment and criminal background check.
• Ability to stand for up to 12 hours and walk frequently, with occasional sitting, twisting, bending, kneeling, stooping, and reaching.
• Ability to infrequently resist force or apply force during physical altercations, and occasionally secure a person or apply restraints with or without resistance or assistance.
• Ability to move frequently throughout the workday; occasionally lift up to 50 pounds; and occasionally walk, jog, or run over uneven surfaces.
• Ability to frequently ascend and descend at least 20 steps at a time and frequently bend and twist at the waist.
• Ability to occasionally move quickly, start and stop suddenly, and run at full speed for 20 to 100 yards.

Nice To Haves

• One year of security, corrections, or law enforcement experience, or a combination of experience and education/training in a related field (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Monitor buildings to help ensure the safety and security of visitors and staff, and stand watch according to post or detail requirements.
• Screen visitors for weapons and prohibited items using electronic devices and/or manual methods, and secure items as necessary.
• Observe behavior for suspicious persons or signs of disturbance.
• Make routine indoor and outdoor patrols, check alarm systems, and respond to alarms and requests for security services.
• Identify and report potential safety, structural, and environmental hazards on County property.
• Summon and assist law enforcement and emergency services when necessary.
• Administer first aid and CPR/AED to injured or distressed people on or around County properties.
• Quell disturbances and remove or assist in removing people who need to leave the premises.
• Open, lock, or secure doors, gates, and other barriers as necessary.
• Direct visitors to appropriate buildings, departments, or individuals.
• Maintain lost-and-found records, report lost items, and secure found items.
• Complete required logs, reports, and forms.
• Interact with County departments, public agencies, and the public.
• Operate telephones, portable radios, metal detectors, and other security-related equipment.
• Monitor County buildings using CCTV, card-access, and fire-monitoring systems.
• Patrol and secure Dauphin County parks as required.
• Provide security for County events.
• Work overtime and/or mandated hours in accordance with operational needs.
• Perform other job-related duties and attend meetings and training as required.

What This Job Offers

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