Security Behavioral Health

DCH Health Care Authority•Northport, AL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Security Officer assigned to the Behavioral Health Unit ensures the safety and security of patients, staff, visitors, and hospital premises within the behavioral health department. The role involves managing challenging behavioral situations, de-escalating potential conflicts, and responding to emergencies while maintaining a calm, supportive presence. The officer is expected to remain alert to safety risks and follow protocols while respecting the sensitive nature of the unit and protecting patients and hospital personnel. The position requires onsite physical presence and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment. The officer must communicate with individuals at all levels, exercise sound judgment, and use a compassionate, vigilant, and professional approach. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
CPR and First Aid certification.
State-mandated security training or licensing.
Strong communication, observation, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to communicate with individuals at all levels.
Self-directed, with sound judgment and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations.
Ability to perform the essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Normal hearing and vision, or hearing and vision corrected within the normal range.
Ability to walk, stand, push, stoop, bend, stretch, lift heavy loads, and potentially perform physical intervention.
Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts.
Physical presence onsite is essential.

Nice To Haves

Experience in security, law enforcement, or behavioral health.
Certification in crisis intervention or de-escalation techniques, such as CPI or Healthy Interventions.

Responsibilities

Monitor and secure the premises to prevent unauthorized access or disturbances.
Conduct regular patrols of the unit and ensure areas are safe and free of hazards.
Respond promptly to alarms, emergencies, incidents, codes, and other safety-related protocols.
Help prevent and de-escalate potentially volatile situations, using non-violent crisis intervention techniques.
Maintain a calm and respectful presence to support a secure and therapeutic environment.
Assist clinical staff with non-physical interventions to manage patient behavior.
Support enforcement of unit policies while treating patients with dignity and respect.
Observe and report unusual patient behavior and security concerns.
Operate and monitor surveillance systems as necessary.
Prepare detailed reports of incidents, safety checks, and other relevant activities using hospital reporting systems and other required tools.
Follow hospital policies, procedures, safety regulations, and confidentiality requirements, including HIPAA and other legal standards.
Complete initial and ongoing training in behavioral health, de-escalation, and crisis management.
Attend and participate in staff meetings and education.
Collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure appropriate responses to patient needs.
Meet performance, patient and employee satisfaction, and financial standards outlined in performance evaluations.
Meet compliance requirements in the Employee Handbook and adhere to DCH Behavioral Standards and DCH Health System policies and procedures.
Build positive relationships with patients, families, coworkers, colleagues, and oneself.
Perform essential duties in a way that protects patients, visitors, and employees; identify and reduce unsafe practices, risks, and hazards.
Use electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software, and the intranet.
Perform other duties as assigned.