Security Team Specialist I - All Shifts - Taunton State Hospital

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Taunton, MA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Mental Health, Southeastern Area, Taunton State Hospital is seeking a Security Team Specialist I to perform security duties that help protect the institution and the people it serves. The role monitors facility safety by patrolling buildings, grounds, and adjacent areas and enforces Department of Mental Health regulations and policies. The primary work location is Taunton State Hospital, with support for other Southeastern Area sites as needed. The position is scheduled for 40 hours per week, with hours and days determined by the employer and two consecutive days off. Shifts may include 6:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; 1:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.; or 11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m. Taunton State Hospital is a 62-bed inpatient facility providing continuing care to adults with major mental illnesses. The hospital incorporates recovery principles and a rehabilitation philosophy into treatment and works with inpatient treatment teams to facilitate patients’ return to the community. The Department of Mental Health works to provide access to mental health services and supports, establish standards for effective and culturally competent care, promote recovery and self-determination, protect human rights, and support training and research. The position requires a current and valid Massachusetts Class D motor vehicle operator’s license. Employees in this role must obtain and maintain valid CPR, AED, and first aid certifications. The role is subject to state requirements concerning COVID-19 and influenza vaccination or required mitigation measures. A criminal background check is conducted on the recommended candidate, and education, licenses, and certifications are verified.

Requirements

At least one year of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in work involving the protection or security of buildings, equipment, or individuals, or an equivalent combination of experience and permitted substitutions.
Ability to follow verbal and written orders and instructions.
Ability to work independently or as a team member with minimal supervision.
Ability to work long hours under severe weather conditions.
Ability to interact professionally, calmly, and courteously with clients, employees, visitors, and others under stressful or threatening conditions.
Ability to deal safely and efficiently with violent or verbally aggressive clients or other persons in accordance with Department of Mental Health policies, procedures, regulations, and Massachusetts laws.
Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing, with knowledge of correct English usage.
Ability to exercise discretion in handling and safeguarding confidential information and maintaining reports and files according to applicable regulatory, statutory, and policy requirements.
Current and valid Massachusetts Class D motor vehicle operator’s license.
Obtain and maintain valid CPR, AED, and first aid certifications.
Acknowledge and attest to COVID-19 and influenza vaccination status or comply with required mitigation measures, as applicable to the position.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual or multilingual ability.
Previous employment in the human services field, particularly experience with mental illness or other disabilities in a hospital setting.
An associate’s degree or higher in a related field may substitute for the required experience.

Responsibilities

Patrol buildings and grounds on foot and by motor vehicle at routine intervals to maintain safety and security and detect or prevent criminal activity.
Maintain order among visitors, clients, and employees; issue keys, photo identification cards, and other access-control means.
Operate and monitor electronic security and fire-detection systems.
Issue parking citations or take other authorized action to control illegal parking on campus roadways and parking lots.
Assist the judicial system by issuing court papers as directed and provide security during court hearings.
Organize, participate in, and document searches for missing clients and dependent persons.
Maintain liaison with State Police and federal and local law-enforcement agencies through the Security Specialist chain of command.
Respond to medical and psychiatric emergencies and help coordinate emergency response services.
Assist local, state, and federal agencies during disasters and conduct routine inspections of fire alarms and related equipment.
Document investigations, inquiries, inspections, and other safety and security matters; prepare incident and accident reports and maintain the daily security log.
Use and maintain computer-based information and reporting systems.
Complete required mandatory classes and conduct investigations as required or directed by supervisors.
Transport clients and patients in accordance with Department of Mental Health policies and procedures.
Immediately report noteworthy events according to Department of Mental Health critical communications and facility notification policies, including events affecting normal building operations and events requiring law-enforcement, medical, or fire response.
Communicate with staff and clients in a manner appropriate to age, cultural background, and psychosocial needs, and direct individuals to appropriate people, service providers, or agencies.
Perform other related duties as assigned.