Security Team Specialist I - All Shifts - Taunton State Hospital

The Department of Mental Health (DMH), Southeastern Area, Taunton State Hospital is seeking a dynamic candidate to serve as a Security Team Specialist (STS I). The incumbent will perform security related duties to ensure the safety and security of the institution, and the population served.  Monitor the safety of facility by patrolling building, grounds and adjacent areas. Incumbent will enforce Department of Mental Health Regulations and Policies. 

Please Note: The selected candidate's work schedule will be 40 hours per week, hours and days are to be determined, however they will have two consecutive days off. The primary work location will be Taunton State Hospital; however, this position will support all sites in the Southeast Area as needed. 

Shift Schedules:

1st Shift: 6:00am to 2:00pm or 7:00am to 3:00pm

2nd Shift: 1:00pm to 9:00pm or 3:00pm to 11:00pm

3rd Shift: 11pm to 7am

 
Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Patrols the buildings and grounds at routine intervals by foot and motor vehicle in order to maintain site/facility safety and security and to detect and prevent criminal activity.
• Maintains order among visitors, clients and employees. Issues keys, photo identification cards and other means of access control. Operates and monitors electronic security and fire detection systems.                 
• Issues parking citations or takes other authorized action to control illegal parking on the roadways and parking lots of the Campus. 
• Assists the Judicial system by the issuance of court papers to employees, clients, or as otherwise directed by the Director of Security or their designee.  Provides security during court hearings by insuring a safe and secure hearing process.
• Organizes, participates and documents search procedures for missing clients and dependent persons.  Maintains liaison with State Police, Federal and local Law Enforcement agencies through the Security Specialist chain of command structure.
• Responds to medical and psychiatric emergencies, assists in the coordination of emergency response services, assists local, State and federal agencies during disasters, performs routine inspections of fire alarms system and related equipment.
• Maintains accurate documentation of all investigations, inquiries, inspections and other safety/security. Prepares accurate and concise incident/accident reports consistent with the established Security Specialist reporting system as well as DMH incident reporting requirements. Maintains the daily security log. Uses and maintains computer-based information and reporting systems.
• Completes required mandatory classes offered by or as required by Staff Development, and the Director of Security, and the conduct’s investigations as required or directed by supervisors.
• Transport’s clients and patients in accordance with DMH policy and procedure.
• Immediately reports noteworthy events in a manner consistent with DMH Critical Communications Policy, Site/Facility administrative notification policies and procedures, and in accordance with directives to notify the Director of Security and/or Designee of any event affecting normal operation of the building. All events requiring Law Enforcement /Medical, or Fire response also need immediate notification to Security Director.
• Communicates with staff members and clients (patients) in a manner that is appropriate to age, cultural, and/or psychosocial need and can refer or direct individuals to an appropriate person, service provider, or agency.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to follow verbal or written orders and instructions.
• Ability to work independently or as a team member with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work long hours under severe weather conditions.
• Ability to interact with the clients, employees, visitors, and others having business with the Institution in a professional, controlled courteous manner under stressful and threatening conditions.
• Ability to deal with violent and verbally aggressive clients or other persons in a safe, efficient manner consistent with DMH Policies, Procedures, Regulations, and the General Laws of the Commonwealth.
• Ability to communicate clearly in verbal and written format. Knowledge of the principals of the correct usage of the English language.
• Ability to exercise discretion in receiving, handling and safeguarding confidential information, maintaining reports and files in accordance with regulatory strict statutory and policy requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Given population served, bilingual or multilingual candidates. 
• Previous employment in the human service field and specifically experience with mental illness or other disabilities in a hospital setting.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a current and valid Class D Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator’s License required for this function.

About Taunton State Hospital:

Taunton State Hospital (TSH) operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is a 62-bed inpatient facility that provides continuing care inpatient services to adults with major mental illnesses.  The hospital is a leader in the successful integration of the Principles of Recovery and a rehabilitation philosophy into the treatment model and a part of the Southeast Area which works closely with the inpatient treatment teams to facilitate patients’ discharge back to the community.

DMH Vision and Mission:

The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research. This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers, and communities.

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122, Option 4.