Public Safety Officer -Gretna limbo/Variable hours

The Public Safety Officer (Non-Sworn) is a professional, uniformed first-responder position within the Department of Public Safety. This position provides emergency response, public safety, physical security, protection, and preparedness services throughout the Centra Health organization.
This is an entry-level training position designed to prepare qualified candidates for advancement into a sworn law enforcement role within Centra Public Safety. Successful Non-Sworn Public Safety Officers will be expected to complete all required departmental training, certifications, and applicable law enforcement requirements necessary for advancement.

The Public Safety Officer (Non-Sworn) must demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, integrity, communication skills, and the ability to remain composed during emergency, confrontational, and potentially dangerous situations. This position requires regular interaction with patients, visitors, staff, law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and members of the public.
Public Safety Officers (Non-Sworn) are expected to consistently contribute to a safe and secure healthcare environment while recognizing and supporting patient- and family-centered care.
 

Upon successful completion of the Non-Sworn Public Safety Officer program and required law enforcement training, individuals advancing into a sworn Public Safety Officer position will be entrusted with law enforcement authority and responsibilities. Sworn officers are expected to enforce applicable laws, investigate incidents, detain individuals when legally authorized, and affect arrests when necessary.

• Monitors the conduct of patients, visitors, staff, and other individuals on Centra property and responds appropriately to safety, security, and public safety concerns.
• Identifies, approaches, and interviews with unauthorized or suspicious persons as appropriate.
• Responds to emergency and non-emergency calls for service throughout assigned Centra facilities.
• Assists with de-escalating aggressive, combative, emotionally distressed, or otherwise disruptive individuals using approved verbal and physical intervention techniques.
• Uses approved physical control and restraint techniques when necessary and authorized, including assisting with patients who present an immediate threat to themselves or others in accordance with applicable law, departmental procedures, and hospital policy.
• Develops the knowledge, judgment, communication skills, and practical abilities necessary to transition into a sworn law enforcement position.
• Participates in required training involving de-escalation, use of force, legal authority, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency response, report writing, and other law enforcement/public safety functions as assigned.
• Completes accurate, detailed, clear, and professional incident reports and other required documentation.
• Monitors video surveillance systems, security alarms, fire alarms, and other safety systems and responds according to established protocols.
• Conducts patrols of hospital buildings, parking areas, grounds, and other Centra-owned or operated properties.
• Monitors parking areas, documents violations, and enforces applicable parking regulations.
• Performs and supports weapons screening and detection operations in accordance with established protocols, including the use of fixed and handheld detection equipment.
• Identifies, assesses, and responds appropriately to weapons detection of alarms or potential threats, conducts secondary screenings, and maintains professionalism and safety throughout all interactions.
• Secures property, equipment, restricted areas, and other locations as necessary to prevent theft, damage, unauthorized access, or other negative outcomes.
• Prepares designated helipad areas for the safe arrival and departure of helicopter traffic.
• Ensures the proper identification, documentation, log-in/log-out, and release of deceased persons from the morgue, funeral home, and in-hospital dead-on-arrival (DOA) cases as applicable.
• Handles radio traffic, telephone calls, pages, and requests for Public Safety services.
• Provides notary public services when properly commissioned and authorized.
• Works collaboratively with local law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services, and other public safety agencies when necessary.
• Performs other duties at the direction of the Sergeant and/or Public Safety leadership.
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Travel Required: Travel is expected between Centra-owned facilities and assigned training locations.

Expectations

• Ability and willingness to successfully complete all required Public Safety and law enforcement training.
• Ability to work variable shifts, weekends, holidays, and during emergency situations as assigned.
• Ability to perform the physical and mental functions associated with emergency response, de-escalation, physical intervention, and use-of-force situations.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively during routine, stressful, and emergency situations.
• Ability to prepare accurate and professional written reports and documentation.
• Must meet all applicable federal, state, local, and departmental requirements associated with carrying and using a firearm and eventual appointment to a sworn law enforcement position.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license.
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NOTE: On-the-job and departmental training will be provided as a condition of continued employment.

IMPORTANT: This position is intended to serve as a pathway to a sworn law enforcement position within Centra Public Safety. Candidates should understand that advancement will involve increased legal authority and responsibility. Upon meeting all applicable training, certification, and appointment requirements, sworn officers will be expected to enforce laws, conduct investigations, detain individuals when legally authorized, make arrests when probable cause exists, and use reasonable force when necessary and legally justified.

All applicants must be able to comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements for possessing and carrying a firearm, including applicable prohibitions related to controlled substances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of six (6) months of relevant professional experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Law enforcement
  • Fire service
  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
  • Hospital security or hospital public safety
  • Military service
• Other comparable public safety, emergency response, or protective-service experience involving responsibilities such as use of force, physical intervention, de-escalation, emergency response, or management of confrontational situations
• Prior law enforcement, military police, hospital public safety, emergency response, or similar protective-services experience beyond the minimum required experience.
• Prior training or experience in de-escalation, crisis intervention, defensive tactics, use of force, report writing, or emergency response.
• IAHSS Basic Certification.