Weapons Screening Officer

UPMC•Harrisburg, PA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Weapons Screening Officer is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, staff, and UPMC-owned and adjacent properties. The officer operates and maintains weapons detection equipment, detects and identifies weapons or other objects that may cause harm or be used to commit violence, and follows established policies, procedures, and protocols for weapons detection. The role may also include maintaining an assigned security post or patrolling UPMC hospitals, buildings, grounds, garages, and associated areas to deter criminal activity and report or address incidents, suspicious activity, hazards, and unusual circumstances. The officer monitors security, fire, and environmental alarms; responds to problems, disputes, and unusual circumstances; and provides customer service to patients, families, visitors, and staff. The position involves documenting incidents and activity, assisting with traffic and parking enforcement, escorting and directing people, and working cooperatively with UPMC Police Officers, other law enforcement, and UPMC staff. Officers carry a department-issued firearm in accordance with department policy and applicable laws, and must maintain proficiency with firearms and other emergency equipment. This role is based at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital. Applicants must be available for all shifts. Officers are required to wear a bulletproof vest and be able to perform security officer duties as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Meet at least one of the listed experience or training pathways: corrections officer training at a state or federal academy with annual firearm qualification; honorable discharge from the United States military; five years of full-time armed security experience with annual firearm qualification; MPOETC Act 120 basic training or equivalent police academy training; Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers police officer training; federal agent experience; military police training; five years of qualifying law enforcement experience involving a firearm as an essential tool and annual firearm training and qualification; or three years as a UPMC Security Officer with the rank of Security Officer – IAHSS or Sr. Security Officer.
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact and communicate effectively and de-escalate potentially combative situations with people from diverse backgrounds.
Psychological fitness to manage stress and potentially dangerous conflict situations.
Physical fitness, strength, stamina, and full-body mobility sufficient to respond to crisis interventions and medical emergencies; physical demands include chasing, apprehending, and subduing criminal suspects.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Available to work all shifts.
Wear a bulletproof vest and be able to perform security officer duties when necessary.
Pass a thorough background and criminal record check.
Complete Act 235 with Firearms, including academic and firearms training modules, within six months after hire; meet Act 235 audio and visual standards at hire and maintain the certification with renewal.
Successfully complete UPMC Armed Weapons Screening Officer Training upon hire and all UPMC-mandated weapons and firearms training.
Successfully pass the UPMC Physical Fitness Standard.
Have good hand/eye coordination and pass an eye and hearing test with appropriate correction.
Be able to perform activities within a medium physical demand category under U.S. Department of Labor guidelines.
Hold Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.
Have a driver's license.
Maintain Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting, Act 33, Act 34, and Act 73 FBI Clearances with renewal.

Responsibilities

Operate weapons detection equipment at designated entrances to screen people, bags, and other belongings.
Monitor the weapons detection system, identify potentially harmful or prohibited objects, provide screening instructions, and ensure compliance.
Take appropriate action when a threat or object alarms, secure identified weapons or prohibited items, and document actions as required.
Coordinate with Public Safety team members and UPMC staff to address security issues or threats found during screening.
Assist people passing through screening areas in a professional manner.
Inspect and maintain weapons detection equipment, and report malfunctions to Public Safety leadership.
Maintain accurate screening records and document unusual occurrences; prepare daily activity and security reports as required.
Maintain a security presence at an assigned post or patrol hospitals, buildings, grounds, garages, and associated areas to deter criminal activity.
Monitor for unauthorized persons, unusual physical conditions, and mechanical malfunctions; report or resolve problems as appropriate.
Contact UPMC Police Officers or other appropriate law enforcement about incidents, suspicious activity, or hazards when necessary.
Monitor security, fire, and environmental alarms; respond to alarms and assist as needed.
Direct traffic on hospital property, enforce traffic and parking regulations, and assist with vehicle problems in accordance with policy and training.
Escort, assist, and direct patients and visitors within the hospital or facility, and provide information as requested.
Assist handicapped and elderly people upon arrival and departure and ensure an adequate supply of wheelchairs at the entrance.
Work cooperatively with local police departments and authorities; respond to requests for assistance and help locate patients.
Lock designated doors after regular business hours and unlock them at the start of business hours.
Maintain required certifications and licensing, complete mandatory training, and perform in accordance with system-wide competencies and behaviors.
Carry the department-issued firearm for the protection of life in accordance with department policy and applicable laws and regulations.
Maintain proficiency with firearms and other emergency equipment as directed by department policy.
Perform other duties as assigned.