Security K9 Specialist

Intermountain Health

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Security K9 Officer is responsible for the protection and safety of employees, patients, and visitors while on hospital property. This role plays a crucial part in maintaining safety and security within healthcare facilities by conducting routine rounds, responding to incidents, and utilizing a trained K9 for deterrence, detection, and search and rescue. The officer is also responsible for the training and care of the K9, documentation, customer assistance, and specialized investigations. The position involves working closely with the Safety and Security Department and adhering to professional standards and policies.

Requirements

• Must have and maintain a valid Driver’s License.
• Current Basic Life Support Certification (BLS) for healthcare providers or willing to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Completion of K9 handler training and certification through National Police Canine Association (NPCA) within 90 days.
• Strong interpersonal skills, especially in deescalating strong emotional situations.
• Excellent animal handling skills.
• Strong observational abilities.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• Providing a suitable living environment for the K9 is essential for its health, happiness, and performance in its security duties.
• Home inspections will be conducted to ensure adequate indoor living conditions and outdoor space to provide a safe and controlled environment for the dog to exercise, play, and train.
• Providing adequate space allows for bonding and better success with their training, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness in law enforcement duties.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated previous experience as a K9 handler or in a similar security role is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine rounds on the interior and exterior of the facility, including parking areas.
• Responds promptly to dispatch calls, performs scene assessments, gathers relevant information, resolves conflicts, and completes appropriate documentation.
• Conducts routine patrols of the healthcare facility with a trained K9 to deter and detect suspicious activities.
• Responds to alarms and security-related incidents, utilizing the K9 for search and detection of illegal substances, explosives, or contraband.
• Assists in search and rescue missions within the facility, especially in cases of missing persons or emergency evacuations.
• Ensures the safety of patients, staff, and visitors by monitoring for potential threats and taking appropriate action.
• Trains and cares for the K9, ensuring its health, fitness, and skills are maintained at optimum levels.
• Documents and reports all incidents and irregularities to superiors, maintaining accurate records of K9 activities and health and maintaining training logs weekly.
• Provides directions and information to patients, visitors, employees, and volunteers while in the facility or on rounds.
• Investigates incidents and writes detailed reports.
• Maintains crowd control with canine.
• Patrols hospital.
• Conducts drug searches.
• Ensures a minimum of 250 hours of annual training for the canine.
• Is responsible for the total care and maintenance of the canine.
• Conducts detailed investigations of complex cases, including controlled substance/drug irregularities.
• Interviews individuals.
• Liaises with Internal Audit, police, and DEA as appropriate.
• Participates in mandatory training and certifications at hire, weekly, and annually.
• Performs all functions according to established policies, procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, and professional standards.
• Provides excellent service to all customers of Intermountain Health.
• Teaching the dog to comply with commands or signals from the handler (Obedience Training).
• Using techniques and strategies to encourage desired behaviors and discourage unwanted ones (Behavior Modification).
• Provides medical care to the K9 in case of injury or illness (Canine First Aid).
• Rewards good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime to reinforce learning (Positive Reinforcement).

Benefits

• Generous benefits package that covers a wide range of programs to foster a sustainable culture of wellness that encompasses living healthy, happy, secure, connected, and engaged.
• PEAK program supports caregivers in the pursuit of their education goals and career aspirations by providing up-front tuition coverage paid directly to the academic institution.
• The PEAK program offers 100+ learning options to choose from, including undergraduate studies, high school diplomas, and professional skills and certificates.

What This Job Offers

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