Public Safety Officer -BMH/Limbo

Centra Medical Group•Bedford, VA

About The Position

The Public Safety Officer (Non-Sworn) is a professional, uniformed first-responder position within Centra Health’s Department of Public Safety. The role provides emergency response, public safety, physical security, protection, and preparedness services throughout the organization. It is an entry-level training position intended to prepare qualified candidates to advance into a sworn law enforcement role within Centra Public Safety. Continued employment is conditional on completing required departmental training, certifications, and applicable law enforcement requirements. The officer is expected to demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, integrity, effective communication, and composure in emergency, confrontational, and potentially dangerous situations. The position involves regular interaction with patients, visitors, staff, law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and the public, while supporting a safe healthcare environment and patient- and family-centered care. After completing the Non-Sworn program and required law enforcement training, individuals advancing to a sworn position will be entrusted with law enforcement authority and responsibilities, including enforcing applicable laws, investigating incidents, detaining individuals when legally authorized, and making arrests when necessary. Travel is expected between Centra-owned facilities and assigned training locations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid driver's license.
Ability and willingness to successfully complete all required Public Safety and law enforcement training.
Ability to work variable shifts, weekends, holidays, and during emergency situations as assigned.
Ability to perform the physical and mental functions associated with emergency response, de-escalation, physical intervention, and use-of-force situations.
Ability to communicate professionally and effectively during routine, stressful, and emergency situations.
Ability to prepare accurate and professional written reports and documentation.
Must meet applicable federal, state, local, and departmental requirements for carrying and using a firearm and eventual appointment to a sworn law enforcement position.
Must be able to comply with applicable federal, state, and local firearm-possession and carry requirements, including prohibitions related to controlled substances.

Nice To Haves

At least six months of relevant professional experience in law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services, hospital security or hospital public safety, or military service.
Comparable public safety, emergency response, or protective-service experience involving use of force, physical intervention, de-escalation, emergency response, or management of confrontational situations.
Prior law enforcement, military police, hospital public safety, emergency response, or similar protective-services experience beyond the minimum required experience.
Prior training or experience in de-escalation, crisis intervention, defensive tactics, use of force, report writing, or emergency response.
IAHSS Basic Certification.

Responsibilities

Monitor the conduct of patients, visitors, staff, and others on Centra property, and respond appropriately to safety, security, and public safety concerns.
Identify, approach, and interview unauthorized or suspicious persons as appropriate.
Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service throughout assigned Centra facilities.
Help de-escalate aggressive, combative, emotionally distressed, or disruptive individuals using approved verbal and physical intervention techniques.
Use approved physical control and restraint techniques when necessary and authorized, including assisting with patients who pose an immediate threat to themselves or others, consistent with applicable law, departmental procedures, and hospital policy.
Develop the knowledge, judgment, communication skills, and practical abilities needed to transition into a sworn law enforcement position.
Participate in required training in de-escalation, use of force, legal authority, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency response, report writing, and other assigned law enforcement or public safety functions.
Complete accurate, detailed, clear, and professional incident reports and other required documentation.
Monitor video surveillance systems, security alarms, fire alarms, and other safety systems, and respond according to established protocols.
Patrol hospital buildings, parking areas, grounds, and other Centra-owned or operated properties.
Monitor parking areas, document violations, and enforce applicable parking regulations.
Perform and support weapons screening and detection operations using fixed and handheld detection equipment in accordance with established protocols.
Identify, assess, and appropriately respond to weapons-detection alarms or potential threats; conduct secondary screenings while maintaining professionalism and safety.
Secure property, equipment, restricted areas, and other locations to prevent theft, damage, unauthorized access, or other negative outcomes.
Prepare designated helipad areas for safe helicopter arrivals and departures.
Ensure proper identification, documentation, logging, and release of deceased persons from the morgue, funeral home, and applicable in-hospital dead-on-arrival cases.
Handle radio traffic, telephone calls, pages, and requests for Public Safety services.
Provide notary public services when properly commissioned and authorized.
Work collaboratively with local law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, and other public safety agencies when necessary.
Perform other duties as directed by the Sergeant and/or Public Safety leadership.