Security Officer (Wage)

Security Officer

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, 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, minimizing contraband entering the facility, and minimizing 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 four 7-hour shifts, including weekends from 12 : 00 a.m. - 7 : 30 a.m. or as scheduled by the security supervisor to meet business needs.