Weapons Screening Officer

UPMC•Williamsport, PA

7h•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 prohibited or potentially harmful objects, and follows established policies, procedures, and protocols for screening. The position may also include maintaining an assigned post or patrolling hospitals, buildings, grounds, garages, and associated areas to deter criminal activity and document activity. Officers monitor security, fire, and environmental alarms; respond to problems, disputes, unusual circumstances, and requests for assistance; and provide customer service to patients, families, visitors, and staff. The role requires carrying a department-issued firearm and maintaining proficiency with firearms and other emergency equipment in accordance with department policy and applicable laws.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Meet one of the listed background pathways: corrections officer training at a state or federal academy with annual firearm qualification; honorable discharge from the U.S. military; five years of full-time armed security experience requiring 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 at least 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 communicate effectively and defuse potentially combative situations with people from diverse backgrounds.
Psychological fitness to handle stress and potentially dangerous conflict situations.
Physical fitness, strength, stamina, and full-body mobility sufficient to respond to crisis interventions and medical emergencies; the physical fitness standard includes the ability to chase, apprehend, and subdue criminal 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.
Be able to perform as a security officer when necessary.
Successfully complete Act 235 academic and firearms training modules within six months after hire and maintain Act 235 with firearms certification through renewal.
Meet Act 235 audio and visual standards at the time of 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 eye and hearing tests with appropriate correction.
Demonstrate the ability to perform activities within the 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 the required clearances and certifications, including Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal, Act 33 with renewal, Act 34, Act 34 with renewal, and Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal.

Responsibilities

Operate weapons detection equipment at designated entrances to screen people, bags, and other belongings.
Monitor the weapons detection system, identify objects that may be harmful or prohibited, communicate instructions to people being screened, and ensure compliance.
Take appropriate action when a threat or object triggers an alarm; take possession of and secure weapons or prohibited objects, and document them as required.
Coordinate with Public Safety team members and UPMC staff to address security issues or threats identified during screening.
Assist visitors, staff, and other individuals 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, document unusual occurrences, and prepare daily activity and security reports as required.
Maintain a security presence at assigned posts or patrol hospitals, buildings, grounds, garages, and associated areas; use a watch tour clock or similar device when applicable.
Remain alert to unauthorized people, unusual physical conditions, and mechanical malfunctions; report or resolve problems as appropriate.
Contact UPMC Police Officers or other law enforcement about incidents, suspicious activity, and hazards when necessary.
Monitor security, fire, and environmental alarms; respond to alarms and assist when needed.
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 hospital or facility and provide information as requested.
Assist handicapped and elderly people upon arrival and departure when needed, and ensure an adequate supply of wheelchairs is available at the hospital 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 licenses, complete mandatory training, and perform in accordance with system-wide competencies and behaviors.
Carry the department-issued firearm for the protection of life, as governed by department policy and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Maintain proficiency with firearms and other emergency equipment as directed by department policy.
Perform other duties as assigned.