Weapons Screening Officer

UPMC•Harrisburg, PA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Weapons Screening Officer is responsible for helping maintain a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, staff, and UPMC-owned and adjacent properties. The role operates and maintains weapons detection equipment at designated entrances, identifies weapons and other harmful or prohibited objects, and follows established procedures for screening and responding to threats. The officer may also maintain an assigned security post or patrol UPMC facilities and surrounding areas, monitor alarms, respond to incidents and unusual circumstances, and contact UPMC Police Officers or other appropriate law enforcement when necessary. The position provides professional customer service and assistance to patients, families, visitors, and staff. It may include directing traffic, enforcing traffic and parking regulations, escorting people within facilities, assisting with vehicle problems, helping elderly or handicapped people, and maintaining access controls. Officers document incidents and screening activity, complete reports, maintain required certifications, and complete mandatory training. The position carries a department-issued firearm for protection of life under department policy and applicable laws, and requires maintaining proficiency with firearms and other emergency equipment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Meet at least one of the listed experience or training pathways: state- or federal-academy-trained Corrections Officer required to qualify yearly with a firearm; honorable discharge from the U.S. military; five years of full-time armed security experience requiring yearly firearm qualification; Pennsylvania MPOETC Act 120 basic training or equivalent police academy training; Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers police officer training; qualifying 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 Senior Security Officer.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively, communicate, and diffuse potentially combative situations with people from all walks of life.
Psychological fitness to handle stress and potentially dangerous conflict situations.
Physical fitness and strength and stamina to respond to crisis interventions and medical emergencies.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Availability for all shifts.
Wear a bulletproof vest.
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 credential through 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, including the physical demands needed to chase, apprehend, and subdue criminal suspects and respond to emergencies.
Have good hand-eye coordination and pass an eye and hearing test with appropriate correction.
Be able 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 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 screening systems, identify potentially harmful or prohibited objects, communicate instructions to individuals being screened, and ensure compliance.
Take appropriate action when the system alarms; secure items identified as 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 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 and document unusual occurrences; prepare daily activity and security reports as required.
Maintain an assigned security post or patrol hospitals, buildings, grounds, garages, and associated areas to deter criminal activity and identify unauthorized persons, unusual conditions, and mechanical malfunctions.
Report and document activities, suspicious behavior, incidents, and hazards; contact UPMC Police Officers or other law enforcement when necessary.
Monitor security, fire, and environmental alarms; respond to alarms and assist as needed.
Direct traffic, enforce traffic and parking regulations, and assist with vehicle problems according to policy and training.
Escort, assist, and direct patients and visitors within facilities and provide information as requested.
Assist elderly and handicapped people upon arrival or departure and ensure an adequate supply of wheelchairs at hospital entrances.
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 in accordance with department policy and applicable laws and regulations; maintain proficiency with firearms and other emergency equipment.
Perform security officer duties when necessary and other duties as assigned.