Public Safety Officer

Overview

Under the immediate direction of the Manager and / or Supervisor of Security & Public Safety, provides protective services to the South Shore Hospital community in a professional and supportive manner. Performs a variety of security and safety related functions focusing on the protection of patients, visitors, employees, medical staff, volunteers and Hospital assets.

Responsibilities

Conducts proactive patrols (patrols with a purpose) of the Hospital campus, including parking lots and satellite buildings.

Identifies security vulnerabilities, safety hazards and violations of Hospital policy. Takes immediate correction action to mitigate the vulnerability or hazard, if possible. Collaborates with other departments to either mitigate or resolve, if warranted. Reports deficiencies to Supervisor / Lead Officer, and documents via an incident report or work order for required follow up and resolution.

• Inspects perimeter doors, offices, suites, patient care areas, satellite buildings and other locations to assure that areas are secured in accordance with scheduled closings and department polices and procedures.
• Provides escorts to patients, visitors, staff and others in conformance with established procedures.
• Enforces Hospital smoking policy while on patrol.
• Assures that all employees and other appropriate members of the Hospital community are in possession of a Hospital identification badge and that it is clearly visible. Consistently challenges all individuals without visible identification in an appropriate and courteous manner.
• Assures that all unauthorized or suspicious individuals are identified. Appropriate follow up measures are implemented and documentation is completed.
• Provides directions (personally escort to desired location, when possible) and answers questions in a courteous and service oriented manner.
• Assure that satellite building burglar alarm systems are armed in accordance with established closing schedules.
• Patrols parking lots during shift change and at other times in accordance with established guidelines.

Provides access control.

Grants access to locked areas and buildings to authorized staff in possession of a Hospital identification badge. Restricts access to those individuals who have no authorized business on campus in accordance with established policies and procedures. Responds to all such call in a timely manner.

Responds to emergent situations involving escalating and violent patients, visitors and others.

Responds immediately in a safe and appropriate manner.

Responds immediately and appropriately to all emergencies and disaster situations.

Responds to Code Red and fire emergencies and initiates actions to remove or reduce potential fire hazards. As a first responder, takes a leadership role during a Code Red. Conducts fire drills and completes required critiques and reports.

Performs service related duties.

Service is provided in a prompt and courteous manner. Responds as soon as possible to all calls either assigned by two-way radio or telephone.

Qualifications

Minimum Education - Preferred

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Minimum Work Experience

Minimum of 6 months healthcare security and public safety experience required, preferably in an acute care hospital environment. 3-5 years healthcare security and public safety experience highly desirable.

Required Licenses / Registrations

MA Drivers (or CDL) Verification of an acceptable motor vehicle driving record, at time of hire, with annual verification required thereafter.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of community policing, risk analysis and crime prevention concepts and practices. Strong problem solving, critical and analytical thinking, good judgment with creative resolutions for positive outcomes. Ability to deal with and deescalate anxious / stressed people and manage aggression. Strong interpersonal and communication skills; positive image, tact and diplomacy required. Demonstrates results-oriented behavior. Able to recognize, acknowledge, respect and effectively interact with people of different ages and cultures; establish positive relationships; gain trust and respect of others. Work effectively both independently and in teams. Basic computer skills; use of access control, database software and communications equipment. Strong writing skills to provide and maintain documentation to support data. Aware of and adheres to safety measures for both patient and staff. Must be able to lift people / equipment, sit, walk and / or stand for extended periods of time and withstand adverse weather conditions.

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