Security Team Specialist I - 1st & 2nd Split Shift (32 Hours) - Taunton State Hospital

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Taunton, MA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Mental Health’s Southeastern Area, Taunton State Hospital, is hiring a Security Team Specialist I to perform security-related duties that support the safety and security of the institution and the population it serves. The role includes monitoring the facility through patrols of buildings, grounds, and adjacent areas; enforcing Department of Mental Health regulations and policies; and supporting other sites in the Southeast Area as needed. The primary work location is Taunton State Hospital, a 62-bed inpatient facility providing continuing care to adults with major mental illnesses. The schedule is 32 hours per week on split shifts: Sunday and Monday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Scheduled days off are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The position requires a current, valid Class D Massachusetts motor vehicle operator’s license. Employees in this role must obtain and maintain valid CPR, AED, and first-aid certifications. The position is subject to the state hospital vaccination regulation for COVID-19 and influenza, or required mitigation measures. The minimum entrance requirement is one year of full-time or equivalent part-time experience involving the protection or security of buildings, equipment, or individuals, or an equivalent combination of experience and qualifying substitutions. An associate’s degree or higher in a related field may substitute for the required experience. A criminal background check and verification of education, licenses, and certifications will be completed as part of the pre-hire process.

Requirements

Ability to follow verbal or 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 Commonwealth laws.
Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing, and knowledge of correct English usage.
Ability to exercise discretion in handling and safeguarding confidential information and to maintain reports and files in accordance with regulatory, statutory, and policy requirements.
Current and valid Class D Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
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 required experience and substitutions.
A related associate’s degree or higher may substitute for the required experience.
Must obtain and maintain valid CPR, AED, and first-aid certification.
Must acknowledge and attest to COVID-19 and influenza vaccination status or take required mitigation measures under the applicable regulation.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual or multilingual abilities.
Previous employment in the human services field, particularly experience with mental illness or other disabilities in a hospital setting.

Responsibilities

Patrol buildings and grounds at routine intervals by foot and motor vehicle to maintain facility 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 items; and operate and monitor electronic security and fire-detection systems.
Issue parking citations or take other authorized action to control illegal parking on campus roads and in 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, federal, and local law-enforcement agencies through the Security Specialist chain of command.
Respond to medical and psychiatric emergencies, help coordinate emergency response services, assist 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; maintain the daily security log; and use and maintain computer-based information and reporting systems.
Complete required classes offered by or required by Staff Development and the Director of Security, and conduct investigations as directed by supervisors.
Transport clients and patients in accordance with Department of Mental Health policy and procedure.
Immediately report noteworthy events under applicable critical communications and facility notification policies, including events affecting normal building operations and events requiring law-enforcement, medical, or fire response.
Communicate appropriately with staff and clients based on age, cultural, and psychosocial needs, and refer or direct individuals to an appropriate person, service provider, or agency.
Perform other related duties as assigned.