Public Safety Officer

Tufts Medicine•Boston, MA

27d•$22 - $27

About The Position

Under general supervision of the supervisor, the Public Safety Officer performs day-to-day duties related to protecting hospital assets and information and ensuring the safety of people on hospital property. The officer conducts proactive patrols of hospital buildings and grounds to help prevent fire, theft, vandalism, illegal entry, and bodily harm to patients, visitors, and staff. The role serves as an immediate and first responder to routine and emergency situations and documents safety and security incidents in accordance with department policies and procedures. This entry-level support role focuses on preventing workplace accidents and promoting health and safety awareness. Work is typically routine, closely supervised, and performed in a hands-on environment. Officers provide public safety and security services, respond to crises, assist with investigations and emergencies, and interact with patients, visitors, and staff with dignity, respect, courtesy, and professionalism. The role requires frequent standing and walking, including the ability to stand or walk for eight hours, climb multiple flights of stairs, and lift 50 pounds alone. Officers may work long, irregular, or unusual hours and may be required to work unanticipated overtime or holdovers to maintain minimum staffing. The work includes some exposure to outdoor elements, hazardous materials, and radioactive substances during patrols, as well as the possibility of injury during evictions or restraints. Officers must be able to work in confined or open environments and independently or as part of a team. The pay range is $21.53–$26.91, based on full-time equivalent. Individual offers consider relevant experience, certifications, education, skills, and internal equity. Tufts Medicine describes a comprehensive Total Rewards package supporting health, financial security, and career growth.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid state-issued driver's license.
Possess IAHSS Basic certification as a Healthcare Security Officer within one year of hire. Incumbents as of 9/1/2025 have one year from that date to obtain certification.
Proficient in communicating, reading, and writing in English.
Basic computer skills.
Ability to multitask and meet established deadlines.
Ability to assess potentially dangerous situations quickly, make sound decisions, and take appropriate action based on available information.
Emotional maturity, dependability, punctuality, diplomacy, tact, poise, self-confidence, and a positive approach.
Trustworthy, helpful, friendly, courteous, and disciplined.
Ability to stand and/or walk for eight hours, climb multiple flights of stairs, and lift 50 pounds alone.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including masks, gloves, or eye protection.
Ability to work long, irregular, or unusual hours, including possible unanticipated overtime and holdovers.
Ability to work in confined or open environments and independently or as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Criminal Justice or a related area.
Experience in the military, security, or police.
Security or first responder certifications, such as de-escalation/crisis response, CPR/AED, Stop the Bleed, or Nasal Naloxone Certification.
Graduation from an approved law enforcement training program or Police Academy and possession of, or ability to obtain, valid POST Certification from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Massachusetts License to Carry Firearms.

Responsibilities

Conduct internal and external patrols of hospital facilities and grounds; respond to routine and emergency calls, building alarms, and incidents involving restraint of violent patients or visitors.
Monitor assigned areas for suspicious activity and screen vendors and visitors entering the facility.
Provide escorts to patients, visitors, staff, and others in accordance with established procedures.
Identify security vulnerabilities, safety hazards, and violations of hospital policy; take immediate corrective action when possible, collaborate with other departments as appropriate, and report and document deficiencies for follow-up.
Take appropriate action during patient crisis interventions, seeking the safest possible outcomes and using the least invasive measures possible.
Ensure employees and other appropriate members of the hospital community display visible hospital identification badges, and courteously engage individuals without visible identification.
Grant access to locked areas and buildings to authorized staff with hospital identification badges and restrict access for individuals without authorized business on campus.
Maintain composure under stress and use trained verbal and nonverbal de-escalation strategies.
Provide professional, courteous, and respectful customer service to patients, visitors, and staff.
Participate in and coordinate investigations, conduct interviews, review recorded video, prepare case files, and catalog and secure evidence as required.
Assist with hospital emergencies and disasters, including crowd control and evacuations, as directed by supervisors.
Resolve problems, issues, concerns, and conflicts impartially by obtaining necessary facts.
Complete accurate and comprehensive incident reports for incidents on hospital property and comply with established procedures.
Seek support from a supervisor or fellow officers when warranted.
Maintain collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues and contribute to a positive work environment.
Complete department-required or department-provided training and courses.