Public Safety Officer

Forrest General Hospital • Hattiesburg, MS

9d

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Chief and Assistant Chief of Police, the Public Safety Officer provides customer- and guest-oriented management of the hospital environment to help ensure public safety. The role performs public safety, law enforcement, and investigative duties to protect life and property; prevent crime; apprehend criminals; and enforce applicable federal, state, and local laws to prevent losses due to accidents and incidents. The officer communicates and interacts appropriately with patients, families, and visitors of all age groups, with sensitivity to cultural and religious beliefs.

The position requires courteous, compassionate communication with patients, families, visitors, and employees; enforcement of laws and hospital policies; identification and response to safety hazards; and appropriate responses to security threats. The officer documents weekly safety surveys and safety-related incidents, provides escorts upon request, helps isolate disruptive individuals in a safe area, and uses appropriate force in accordance with hospital policies and guidelines. The role also involves handling cadavers as part of routine morgue processing.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to communicate clearly, read, write and document thoroughly, and follow written or oral instructions.
• Ability to successfully complete continuing in-service training.
• Valid driver's license due upon hire.
• MS Board of Law Enforcement Standards and Training Certification: required within one year of hire for full-time employees; required for part-time/PRN employees.
• Ability to interact with others, make judgmental decisions, and demonstrate initiative.
• Understanding that the possibility of physical confrontation increases the likelihood of injury.
• Ability and willingness to conform to hospital standards.

Nice To Haves

• College education preferred.
• One year or more of law enforcement experience preferred; extensive related work experience may substitute.

Responsibilities

• Provide customer- and guest-oriented management of the hospital environment to support public safety.
• Perform general public safety, law enforcement, and investigative duties to protect life and property.
• Prevent crimes, apprehend criminals, and enforce applicable federal, state, and local laws and hospital policies.
• Communicate and interact appropriately with patients, families, visitors, and employees, showing sensitivity to cultural and religious beliefs.
• Complete and document safety surveys weekly, identify hazards, take appropriate action, and contact maintenance when needed.
• Respond immediately to security threats, provide escorts upon request, and isolate disruptive individuals in a safe area.
• Document safety-related incidents in approved reports, gathering relevant information and recording detailed accounts of events.
• Apply appropriate force during altercations in accordance with hospital policies and guidelines.
• Handle cadavers as part of routine morgue processing.

What This Job Offers

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