Public Safety Officer

Caring Health Center•Springfield, MA

44d•Onsite

About The Position

The Public Safety Officer is responsible for responding promptly to emergency and non-emergency situations, opening and closing the facility, maintaining a prominent presence to deter criminal behavior, and communicating clearly with staff and other departments. This role involves escorting individuals, coordinating with other officers to manage disruptive behavior, documenting incidents, and ensuring a secure and welcoming environment. The position requires flexibility in scheduling, including nights, weekends, and overtime, and may involve travel to different site locations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
1–3 years of experience as a security guard/officer
1–3 years of experience in healthcare, public safety, social services, or related environments
Must meet the physical demands of the position
Reliable, punctual, and able to perform occasional physical activity such as walking, standing, or responding quickly in emergencies
Required Driver's License
CPR Certified
MOAB (Management of Aggressive Behavior) training
NIMS IC 100, 200, 700, and 800 certifications
IHASS basic security training and catch training
Knowledge of crisis intervention, de-escalation, and supportive engagement techniques
Ability to recognize early warning signs of agitation or distress
Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective in high-stress or emergency situations
Demonstrates sound judgment under pressure
Avoids escalation through appropriate posture, tone, and use of force
Knows when and how to escalate concerns appropriately
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including compassionate interaction with diverse populations
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, individuals seeking assistance, and the general public
Ability to work collaboratively with clinical, behavioral health, administrative, and support staff
Supports trauma-informed, patient-centered, and culturally responsive care
Reliable and professional in behavior and appearance
Maintains a consistently courteous and respectful demeanor with the public
Supports dignity, privacy, and patient rights while maintaining safety
Awareness of environmental hazards in collaboration with the facilities team
Basic computer literacy for documentation and reporting (e.g., Compliatric)
Ability to accurately document incidents in a timely and objective manner
Understanding the importance of documentation for risk management, compliance, and quality improvement.
Ability to use and monitor video surveillance systems

Nice To Haves

Some college coursework or vocational training in behavioral health, social services, or a related field preferred
Training will be provided if the candidate is otherwise eligible for CPR Certification

Responsibilities

Respond promptly (within 2–3 minutes) to emergency and non-emergency situations as reported by staff, maintaining a thorough understanding of all emergency codes and procedures.
Open and close the facility, ensuring doors are properly secured, alarms are activated or deactivated, all individuals have exited, and the building is safe and secure at the start and end of each day.
Shut off lights and unnecessary equipment and ensures all interior and exterior doors are secured at closing.
Maintain a prominent presence throughout the Health Center to deter criminal behavior and prohibited activities.
Communicate clearly and coordinate with Public Safety Officers, staff, and other departments to manage patient transports, address safety concerns, and respond to hostile or disruptive behavior.
Escort visitors, patients, and personnel to various locations within the Health Center, including assisting with wheelchair transports as needed.
Coordinate with other Public Safety Officers to manage hostile or disruptive behavior and ensure safe interactions for patients, staff, and visitors.
Direct patient concerns or complaints to the appropriate staff or department and provide relevant contact information.
Accurately document incidents, safety concerns, and events according to organizational policies and HIPAA requirements.
Report any incidents involving visitors, patients, or staff that could result in injury, property loss, or harm to the organization.
Willingness to work shifts outside of the regularly assigned schedule to ensure complete coverage at the facility.
Represent the Department in meetings, events, and training opportunities as requested.
Follow all organizational, regulatory, and safety policies to ensure a secure, professional, and welcoming environment.
Commute/Travel to different site locations as needed and/or scheduled.