Security Officer - 3rd shift

Security Officer - 3rd Shift

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services support individuals by promoting recovery, self-determination, and wellness in all aspects of life. DBHDS operates 12 facilities : 8 behavioral health facilities for adults, a training center, a psychiatric facility for children and adolescents, a medical center, and a center for behavioral rehabilitation. State facilities provide highly structured, intensive services for individuals with mental illness, intellectual disability, or need substance use disorder services. DBHDS is committed to a life of possibilities for all Virginians. This position will work at SVMHI is a 72-bed, Joint Commission and CMS accredited inpatient psychiatric hospital operated by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). The Security Services Department is responsible for identifying hazards / risks to the safety and security of patients, visitors, and staff at Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute (SVMHI) as well as developing, implementing and monitoring the programs needed to eliminate, correct or minimize those hazards and risks. The department is responsible for the day to day operations of providing for the safety and security of patients, visitors, and staff. Some of the duties of this position include monitoring entrances to the facility and facility grounds (interior and exterior) to ensure visitors, patients and employees comply with SVMHI's and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)' policies and procedures, maintaining a safe and secure environment, minimizes contraband entering the facility, and minimizes patient elopement risks. This position will also serve as a DI-201 facility investigator to conduct unbiased investigations of abuse, neglect or exploitation of clients when assigned these duties by the Facility Director.

Some of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for this position include : Demonstrated ability to work independently using resourcefulness, sound judgment, integrity and tact. Ability to react appropriately in routine and emergency situations to deal effectively with patients, visitors, staff, law enforcement officials and the general public. Ability to read and write detailed reports with attention to detail including correct grammar. Physical ability to make walking rounds and to intervene, restrain and or transport physically aggressive or combative patients. Ability to work with patients with psychiatric disabilities. Ability to complete facility sponsored TOVA (behavior management program) training. Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with the ability to effectively explain policies and procedures to visitors or staff. The incumbent must be able to render credible testimony in a court of law. Ability to work in a secure and locked environment with individuals who are experiencing acute symptoms of mental illness and / or additional forensic / legal involvement. This position will be required to work five 8-hour shifts, including weekends from 11 : 00 p.m. - 7 : 30 a.m. or as scheduled by the security supervisor. This position may also be required to work overtime to meet facility / departmental needs.

Minimum Qualifications :

Possess a valid driver's license without any court ordered restrictions, which must remain active throughout employment. A valid Virginia security guard license or the ability to obtain within six months of employment is required. This must remain active throughout employment. This position will also require : Demonstrated ability to work independently using resourcefulness, sound judgment, integrity and tact. Ability to react appropriately in routine and emergency situations; to deal effectively with patients, visitors, staff, law enforcement officials, and the general public. Ability to read and write reports, physical ability to make walking rounds and to intervene, restrain and or transport physically aggressive or combative patients. Ability to work with patients with psychiatric disabilities. Ability to complete facility sponsored Therapeutic Options (behavior management program) training. Safely operate a motor vehicle. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with the ability to effectively explain policies and procedures to visitors or staff; must be able to render credible testimony in a court of law.

Additional Considerations :

Experience as a Security Officer in a psychiatric healthcare facility, acute care, long-term or correctional setting. Training / prior experience in Police Science, Security, Law Enforcement, Corrections or related field. Veterans and people with National Service. Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English. Graduation from high school or equivalent.