Weapons Screening Officer

UPMC•York, PA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Weapons Screening Officer maintains a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, staff, and UPMC-owned and adjacent properties. The officer operates and maintains weapons detection equipment at designated entrances, identifies weapons and other harmful or prohibited objects, and follows established procedures for screening and threat response. The role may also include maintaining an assigned security post or patrolling hospitals, buildings, grounds, garages, and related areas to deter criminal activity and document activity. Officers monitor security, fire, and environmental alarms; respond to incidents, disputes, and unusual circumstances; and provide customer service and assistance to patients, families, visitors, and staff. The position is at UPMC Memorial Hospital, and the assigned shift is based on hospital need. Officers carry a department-issued firearm in accordance with department policy and applicable laws, wear a bulletproof vest, and must maintain firearms proficiency and required certifications and training.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Meet at least one stated experience or training pathway: corrections officer academy training with annual firearm qualification; honorable discharge from the U.S. military; five years of full-time armed security experience with annual firearm qualification; MPOETC Act 120 or equivalent police academy training; Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers police training; federal agent experience; military police training; five years of qualifying law enforcement experience with a firearm as an essential tool and annual firearm training and qualification; or three years as a UPMC Security Officer with rank of Security Officer – IAHSS or Senior Security Officer.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and defuse potentially combative situations.
Psychological fitness to deal with stress and potentially dangerous conflict situations.
Physical fitness, strength, and stamina sufficient to respond to crisis interventions and medical emergencies; physical fitness standards include the ability to chase, apprehend, and subdue suspects.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Pass a thorough background and criminal record check.
Availability for all shifts.
Wear a bulletproof vest.
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.
Successfully complete UPMC Armed Weapons Screening Officer Training upon hire and all UPMC-mandated weapons and firearms training.
Pass the UPMC Physical Fitness Standard.
Have good hand/eye coordination and pass an eye and hearing test with appropriate correction.
Demonstrate ability to perform activities in the medium physical demand category under U.S. Department of Labor guidelines.
Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Valid driver's license.
Maintain required certifications and clearances, including Act 235 with Firearms renewal, Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting renewal, Act 33 renewal, Act 34 renewal, and Act 73 FBI Clearance renewal.

Responsibilities

Operate weapons detection equipment at designated entrances to screen people, bags, and belongings; monitor the system and communicate screening instructions.
Identify alarms, threats, weapons, and prohibited objects; take appropriate action, secure identified items, and document as required.
Coordinate with Public Safety colleagues and UPMC staff to address security issues or threats identified during screening.
Assist people passing through screening areas professionally.
Inspect and maintain weapons detection equipment, reporting malfunctions to public safety leadership.
Maintain screening records and document unusual occurrences; prepare daily activity and security reports as required.
Maintain an assigned post or patrol UPMC hospitals, buildings, grounds, garages, and associated areas to deter criminal activity and identify unauthorized persons, unusual physical factors, and mechanical malfunctions.
Report and document activities, hazards, suspicious activity, and incidents; contact UPMC Police Officers or other law enforcement when necessary.
Monitor security, fire, and environmental alarms; respond to alarms and assist as needed.
Provide customer service to patients, families, visitors, and staff; respond to problems, disputes, and unusual circumstances.
Direct traffic on hospital property, enforce traffic and parking regulations, and assist with vehicle problems according to policy and training.
Escort, assist, or direct patients and visitors within the facility and provide information as requested.
Assist handicapped and elderly people upon arrival and departure and ensure wheelchairs are available at the hospital entrance, as needed.
Work cooperatively with local police departments and authorities; respond to assistance requests 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 according to 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.
Perform other duties as assigned and be able to perform as a security officer when necessary.