Security Behavioral Health

DCH Health System•Northport, AL

4d•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. Officers remain alert to safety risks while respecting the sensitive nature of the unit and following protocols to protect patients and hospital personnel. The position requires a compassionate, vigilant, and professional approach; effective communication with people at all levels; sound judgment; and the ability to remain calm in high-stress situations. The officer collaborates with clinical staff and multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment. Physical presence onsite is essential.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
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.
Strong communication, observational, and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations.
CPR and First Aid certification.
State-mandated security training or licensing.
Ability to meet the physical demands of walking, standing, pushing, stooping, bending, stretching, lifting heavy loads, and potential physical intervention.
Normal hearing and vision, or corrected to within normal range.
Ability to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts; onsite physical presence 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 unit patrols and ensure areas are safe and free of hazards.
Respond promptly to alarms, emergencies, and incidents within the unit.
Help prevent and de-escalate potentially volatile situations.
Maintain a calm, respectful presence that supports 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, and safety regulations, and maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and other legal standards.
Complete initial and ongoing training in behavioral health, de-escalation techniques, and crisis management.
Attend and participate in staff meetings and education.
Participate in emergency response efforts, including codes and other safety-related protocols.
Use non-violent crisis intervention techniques to manage challenging situations safely.
Collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure appropriate responses to patient needs.
Maintain performance, patient and employee satisfaction, and financial standards outlined in performance evaluations.
Meet compliance requirements outlined in the Employee Handbook and adhere to DCH Behavioral Standards and DCH Health System policies and procedures.
Perform essential job functions in a manner that ensures safety; identify and reduce unsafe practices and take appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards.
Use electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software, and intranet.
Perform other duties as assigned.