Safety Specialist

Cascadia Health • Portland, OR

2d • $25 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

The Safety Specialist (identified elsewhere in the posting as Security Specialist) helps ensure the safety and security of Cascadia Health clients, staff, and facilities. This is an unarmed security role that requires a calm, approachable presence and proactive attention to potential safety risks. The specialist is expected to foster a trauma-informed, compassionate environment consistent with Cascadia’s commitment to wellness and safety.

The position is based at the Garlington Health Center in NE Portland, Oregon, and may require floating across four Portland Metro Area health centers as needed. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. A $1.00-per-hour floating premium is added to the listed base pay rate. The work is performed in an outpatient setting, including outside the property; the specialist must remain onsite during the shift. Breaks and meal periods may be interrupted. Double shifts may periodically be required due to staffing needs.

The position involves variable and sometimes unpredictable circumstances, including routine safety duties and crisis situations occurring at the same time. The specialist must remain alert, respond promptly, multitask, and help direct team efforts when needed. The role is represented by a labor union. Starting pay is $24.72–$25.84 per hour, plus the stated floating premium when applicable.

Requirements

• Current Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards & Training (DPSST) Unarmed Safety Professional certification is required before performing safety or security duties.
• Must maintain current DPSST Security Professional certification as a condition of continued employment in this position.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, such as Word and Excel.
• Must be able to travel to various Cascadia sites and community locations as needed.
• Must be alert and attentive during assigned shifts and able to respond promptly, multitask, and manage routine and crisis situations.
• Must be able to perform tasks requiring moderate physical effort and assist in potentially volatile situations.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in safety or security.
• Familiarity with behavioral and mental health environments.
• CPR certification; training is provided after hire.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain security across assigned facilities, responding to incidents professionally and non-confrontationally.
• Conduct regular safety checks and patrols to help maintain a secure environment for clients and staff.
• Assist in de-escalating tense situations using trauma-informed practices.
• Report and document safety concerns, incidents, and suspicious activities according to established procedures.
• Collaborate with team members, including clinical staff, to address risks and contribute to safety plans.
• Assist during emergencies, including facilitating safe evacuations when needed.
• Engage with clients and staff in a friendly, approachable manner to promote a sense of safety and security.
• Remain onsite and alert throughout assigned shifts.
• Assist with receiving and delivering ground deliveries, moving and storing Health Center property, and assisting disabled clients and staff.
• Coordinate assistance from other staff when a physical task requires handling more than 50 pounds.
• Assist the team in maintaining safety for residents and staff in potentially volatile situations.
• Travel to various Cascadia sites and community locations as needed.

Benefits

• Paid time off; full-time employees earn six weeks in their first year.
• Medical and dental coverage beginning the first of the month following hire.
• VSP Vision Discount Plan.
• 403(b) retirement plan with immediate 100% vesting and a company match of up to 3% per pay period, plus the possibility of an additional discretionary contribution of up to 5% at fiscal year-end.
• Flexible Spending Account options for medical, dependent care, and transportation expenses.
• Short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
• Paid bereavement and jury duty leave.
• Length of Service Award.
• Voluntary life insurance.
• Supplemental insurance.
• Student loan forgiveness options.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Bike-to-Work reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed