Public Safety Officer

Job Description Summary

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.

Job Description

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

a. Identifies security vulerabilities, 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.

b. 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.

c. Provides escorts to patients, visitors, staff and others in conformance with established procedures.

d. Enforces Hospital smoking policy while on patrol.

e. 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.

f. Assures that all unauthorized or suspicious individuals are identified. Appropriate follow up measures are implemented and documentation is completed.

g. Provides directions (personally escort to desired location, when possible) and answers questions in a courteous and service oriented manner.

h. Assure that satellite building burglar alarm systems are armed in accordance with established closing schedules.

i. Patrols parking lots during shift change and at other times in accordance with established guidelines.

2. Provides access control.

a. 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.

b. Documents access control activities in conformance with department policies and procedures.

c. Assures that the access control system operates as designed and secures areas in accordance with established schedule.

d. Secures designated lobby areas with stanchions upon the conclusion of visiting hours and reopens in conformance with established schedule.

e. Able to activate Hospital-lock down upon the order of the Supervisor or Lead Officer.

f. Assures that all material leaving the Hospital is inspected, if appropriate, and that only authorized articles are permitted to be removed.

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

a. Responds immediately in a safe and appropriate manner.

b. Identifies himself / herself by name and department.

c. Assumes command and control over the scene. Removes potential weapons and other items from the immediate area.

d. Communicates clearly and succinctly using de-escalation techniques.

e. Maintains proficiency in restraining patients by attending department sponsored training programs.

f. Post incident communicates positively and therapeutically with patient and family members in a manner consistent with our mission of a healing, caring and comforting.

g. Performs one-on-one observation with patients or patient details upon the request of a Supervisor or Lead Officer.

h. Documents occurrences in conformance with applicable guidelines.

4. Responds immediately and appropriately to all emergencies and disaster situations.

a. Responds to a 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.

b. Responds to a Code Adam (Infant / Child Abduction) as outlined in applicable policies and procedures. Familiar with the "typical abductor" profile and other data provided by the department. Able to initiate Hospital-wide lock-down.

c. Responds to a Code Disaster Alert , Code Disaster Internal and Code Disaster External as outlined in applicable policies and procedures. Able to assume Traffic Control Coordinator role and prepare the Security & Public Safety office / Administrative Control Center for the event.

d. Responds to a Code Blue (Bomb Threat) as outlined in applicable policies and procedures.

e. Responds to a Code Yellow (Chemical Spill) as outlined in applicable policies and procedures.

f. Responds to a Code Brown (Utility Interruption) as outlined in applicable policies and procedures. Able to execute department specific response.

g. Responds to a Code Silver (Hostage Situation / Person W / a Weapon) as outlined in applicable policies and procedures. Able to initiate Hospital-wide lock-down.

h. Responds to medical emergencies in non-patient care areas as trained.

i. Responds to other emergencies, including panic alarm activations and building burglar alarms, as trained.

j. Completes incident reports in conformance with department policies and procedures.

5. Performs service related duties.

a. 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.

b. Collects, receives, secures and returns patient valuables and property. Patient property is logged, documented and inventoried 100% of the time.

c. Responds to calls for morgue assistance.

d. Assists nursing staff and others with patient lifts.

e. Delivers food supplies and other material to patient care areas during the off-hours.

f. Assists with disabled motor vehicles (jump starts, lockouts, etc).

g. Assists Patient Transport staff during peak demand times.

h. Provides courier service during peak demand times and off-hours.

i. Returns valet cars to patients and visitors during the off-hours.

j. Assists patients and visitors locate "lost" motor vehicles.

6. Monitors the Hospital parking program.

a. Enforces the Hospital parking program in a fair and equitable manner.

b. Assures that only authorized vehicles are allowed access to parking areas and documents all violations of parking policy.

c. Responds to parking complains received from neighbors, abutters, local businesses, patients, visitors and employees. If possible, takes immediate steps to resolve the complaint. Communicates the concern to the responsible Operations Coordinator.

d. Patrols Hospital owned and operated parking lots.

e. Answers parking questions in a consistent and accurate manner.

7. Technology – Embraces technological solutions to work processes and practices.

a. Monitors the access control system. Able to unlock, lock and reset devices. Capable of initiating Hospital-wide lock-down.

b. Monitors the video surveillance system. Able to select the desired camera, operate the device and view recorded video data.

c. Monitors and responds to the activation of the infant protection system. Able to identify the involved patient, identify the cause of the alarm, clear the alarm and provide the required comments relative to the cause of the activation. Updates identification data throughout the course of the assigned shift and conducts a minimum of one check-and-balance or audit of the system.

d. Produces Hospital identification badges. Able to enter required data, take digital image, store and save image, and then produce badge. Capable of entering key identification number, employee number and the associated quality control measures.

e. Reports system malfunctions or maintenance needs to the responsible Operations Coordinator. Contacts approved vendors for required repairs and maintenance during the off-hours.

f. Able to access motor vehicle registration data.

8. Conducts initial investigations.

a. Responds to the scene of the incident and conducts an initial investigation. Follows established protocol for scene security, etc. Requests assistance from Supervisor or Lead Officer, if required.

b. Receives victim and witness statements. If possible, photograph the scene and other evidence.

c. Secures potential evidence in conformance with department policies and procedures.

d. Completes an initial incident report.

e. Forwards the incident report to the responsible Operations Coordinator for further follow up.

9. Completes incident reports and other required documentation.

a. Completes all incident reports prior to the end of the assigned shift.

b. Incident reports are objective, accurate, clear, chronological and concise, quotations are included. All individuals involved in incidents are identified.

c. The following questions are answered : What, Where, When, How, and Why.

d. Completes reports in the IRIMS database.

e. Completes shift and other reports as directed.

10. Coordinates the snow removal effort and responds to other weather related emergencies.

a. Monitors snowfall and contacts approved snow removal vendors.

b. Coordinates the snow removal effort, prioritizing specific entrances and parking lots based upon time of the day, day of the week, etc.

c. Monitors the services rendered by the vendors.

d. Assists patients, visitors, employees and other with "stuck" or stranded motor vehicles.

e. Transports employees and other to and from the Hospital, if service is authorized by department leadership.

f. Shovels and treats sidewalks and roadways, if requested by department leadership.

g. Responds to other weather related condition or emergencies that may impact Hospital's ability to meet the patient care needs of the community.

11. Safety Awareness - Fosters a "Culture of Safety" through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.

a. Attends all department sponsored safety training programs.

b. Makes appropriate use of personal protective equipment at all times.

c. Uses proper body mechanics when performing all aspects of job.

d. Adheres to respiratory etiquette guidelines.

e. Maintains a neat, organized work environment.

f. Operates department vehicles in a safe manner following the guidelines established in the fleet safety program.

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 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.