Public Safety Officer-BMH FT/ Evenings

Centra Health•Bedford, VA

10d

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 Centra’s organization. It is an entry-level training position intended to prepare qualified candidates for advancement into a sworn law enforcement role within Centra Public Safety. Officers must complete required departmental training, certifications, and applicable law enforcement requirements for advancement. The position requires sound judgment, professionalism, integrity, effective communication, and composure in emergency, confrontational, and potentially dangerous situations. Officers interact regularly with patients, visitors, staff, law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and members of the public, while supporting a safe healthcare environment and patient- and family-centered care. After completing the Non-Sworn Public Safety Officer program and required law enforcement training, an individual may advance to a sworn Public Safety Officer position. Sworn officers are entrusted with law enforcement authority and responsibilities, including enforcing applicable laws, investigating incidents, detaining individuals when legally authorized, making arrests when legally justified, and using reasonable force when necessary and legally justified. Travel between Centra-owned facilities and assigned training locations is expected. Departmental and on-the-job training will be provided as a condition of continued employment.

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 comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements for possessing and carrying a firearm, including applicable prohibitions related to controlled substances.
Understand that advancement to a sworn law enforcement position involves increased legal authority and responsibility, including enforcing laws, conducting investigations, detaining individuals when legally authorized, making arrests when probable cause exists, and using reasonable force when necessary and legally justified.

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, military service, or comparable public safety, emergency response, or protective-service work 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 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 present an immediate threat to themselves or others in accordance 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.
Assess and respond to weapons-detection alarms or potential threats, conduct secondary screenings, and maintain professionalism and safety during interactions.
Secure property, equipment, restricted areas, and other locations to prevent theft, damage, unauthorized access, or other negative outcomes.
Prepare designated helipad areas for the safe arrival and departure of helicopter traffic.
Ensure proper identification, documentation, log-in/log-out, and release of deceased persons from the morgue, funeral home, and in-hospital dead-on-arrival cases, as applicable.
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.