Security Team Specialist I-Westfield Youth Service Center

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Westfield, MA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is the juvenile justice agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We work with young people who are detained or committed and provide detention, custody, diagnosis, education and support to young people ages 7-21. Most of the youth served are between the ages 14 and 18. The Department promotes positive change for the youth committed to our care, and has been on the forefront of de-institutionalization, in part, by providing adolescent-focused rehabilitation to youth in residential treatment. The Security Specialist I will conduct surveillance and patrol assigned areas; perform security checks of buildings and grounds; monitor security cameras and equipment; monitor youth, clients or residents’ curfew and electronic monitoring devices; determine extent of violations and take appropriate action; maintain and review the operations log; and respond to emergency situations.

Requirements

• At least one (1) year of full-time or equivalent part-time, experience in work involving the protection and/or security of buildings, equipment or individuals, or any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
• Applicants applying for positions within the Department of Youth Services, Department of Mental Health and Department of Public Health are required to obtain and maintain a valid certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and first aid.
• Applicants applying for positions within the Department of Youth Services are required to obtain and maintain a valid certification in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
• Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years

Nice To Haves

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to report emergencies to 911 and designated emergency responders, ability to write clearly and produce legible Incident Reports, ability to read and understand all posted warning and danger signs of potential hazards, safety instructions and Owner Policies.
• Proficiency with access control, video management and communication system platforms, experience with Genetec Security Center preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to remain calm in emergency situations, excellent judgement and the ability to evaluate situations, identify critical issues quickly and accurately and respond appropriately in accordance with departmental policy and procedures.
• Ability to research, investigate, and compile information, document and relate information, ability to document and relay information clearly and accurately.
• Ability to mediate conflict with tact, diplomacy, and professionalism, ability to maintain professional composure, and adapt to changes in the external environment and organization.
• Ability to produce written routine correspondence, including logs and reports.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively at various social levels and across diverse cultures.
• Ability to maintain composure when dealing with authorities, executives, clients, staff, and the public, occasionally under conditions of urgency and in pressure situations.
• Ability to deal with stressful situations, such as challenging individuals who are in or approaching an unauthorized area.
• Ability to deal with multiple tasks concurrently.
• Ability to use discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Prior experience in similar security work, a person of mature judgment and ability to think and act quickly in an emergency.
• The ideal candidate should be flexible and adaptable and have the ability to work as part of a team.
• The ideal candidate is flexible and responsive to change.

Responsibilities

• Monitor surveillance cameras and patrol assigned interior and exterior areas including parking areas; check locks, maintain security by conducting searches for contraband, preventing incidents and ensuring the safety of staff, clients, residents and youth throughout the facility.
• Inspect fire and other safety equipment in and around the facility in accordance with established agency procedures and standards to maintain safety of the property, staff, youth, clients and other occupants.
• Respond to emergency situations by administering first aid, locking down unsecured areas, calling for assistance and performing other actions necessary to gain control of the situation and maintain the safety of all parties involved.
• Gather information in accordance with established procedures in the occurrence of an incident; enter relevant information into the operations log or electronic client information system to maintain a record of incidents and activities and to share information in an organized manner with the appropriate authorities.
• Based on assignment, conduct curfew monitoring phone calls to youth placed in the community as determined by regional agency management.
• Take the appropriate action, in accordance with authorized procedures, to handle specific violations or to respond to emergency situations.
• Notify other staff and call for assistance to handle emergency situations.
• Assist in the evacuation of youth, clients, residents or students in drills or emergency situations.
• Receive and respond to telephone calls from both internal and external parties to provide requested information and guidance to other departments within the facility, other agencies and the general public.
• Transport youth, clients or residents who may be injured or restrained, to various areas within the facility to ensure the security of all staff, youth, residents and clients.
• Receive, screen, register and direct visitors to determine visitation eligibility, to preserve order in the facility and to maintain the well-being of residents.
• Based on assignment, incumbents maintain electronic records of staff vehicle registration and vehicle identification and manage employee identification cards.
• Lock down the facility based on the facility administrator’s authority.
• Determine if restraints are necessary when transporting youth.
• Deny the transition or transport of youth, clients or residents.
• Refuse access to visitors.
• Assist in the evacuation of youth, clients, residents or students in drills or emergency situations.
• Receive and respond to telephone calls from both internal and external parties to provide requested information and guidance to other departments within the facility, other agencies and the general public.
• Transport youth, clients or residents who may be injured or restrained, to various areas within the facility to ensure the security of all staff, youth, residents and clients.
• Receive, screen, register and direct visitors to determine visitation eligibility, to preserve order in the facility and to maintain the well-being of residents.
• Based on assignment, incumbents maintain electronic records of staff vehicle registration and vehicle identification and manage employee identification cards.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits
• Outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package.
• Work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree