Texas Health and Human Services hiring Security Officer III in Waco, TX | LinkedIn (2024)

Job DescriptionThis position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights, and/or weekends.

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of each other, teamwork, and inclusivity? HSCS is dedicated to building a diverse community atmosphere where employees feel valued, supported, and accepted while providing specialized care for Texans in need. The HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals located throughout the state and one youth residential psychiatric center in Waco. The HSCS is a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. The hospitals provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Security Officer III performs complex (journey-level) security work and is responsible for maintaining a secure and protective environment at the State Hospital by observing, taking action, and reporting incidents or security violations involving the patients and initiating emergency response, as appropriate. Primary work involves monitoring alarms and surveillance cameras, patrolling the buildings and grounds, checking badges or proper identification at the campus gate, and handling after-hours emergency calls that would enhance the safety of State Hospital patients, employees, and visitors. The Security Officer III disseminates and coordinates emergency responses and information, and notifies facility management and law enforcement, if appropriate, in the event of emergency and/or security violation situations. The Security Officer III is responsible for identifying unfamiliar persons on campus and within the units as captured on surveillance cameras and during routine patrols. Ensures appropriate lighting for the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Completion of work requires the use of established methods and/or techniques and decisions are varied but based on well-defined guidelines.

Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor to ensure efficient operation of the patient care unit. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Monitors surveillance cameras in State Hospital buildings for unauthorized persons, fires, and unusual occurrences and incidents, and reports emergencies immediately upon discovery. Conducts routine patrol of buildings and grounds.
• Handles the dissemination and coordination of emergency responses and information, and notification to hospital management and law enforcement personnel, if appropriate, in the event of emergency and/or security violation situations.
• Assists in the apprehension of suspects, where reasonably possible, in cases of unauthorized entry into buildings and work areas, malicious mischief, or other violations.
• Prepares timely and accurate incident reports and other investigative reports relative to emergencies and/or security violations.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations for changes to security regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills Abilities

• Knowledge of building or premise security and use of surveillance equipment.
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations pertaining to building admissions and exits, and of alarm devices.
• Skill in oral and written communication, including writing incident and other investigative reports.
• Ability to communicate with potentially aggressive patients, visitors, and employees.
• Ability to patrol grounds, detect danger, and take appropriate action.
• Ability to prepare concise reports.
• Ability to remain calm, reasonable, and react quickly in an emergency situation.

Registration Or Licensure Requirements

• Must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Initial Selection Criteria

• Graduation from a standard high school or equivalent.
• Experience in law enforcement or security work.

Additional InformationApplicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, and HHS OIG list of Excluded Individuals/Entities. Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be at least 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Occasional other shift and weekend work is required along with rotating holidays.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

If you need assistance completing the online application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Waco Center for Youth is a psychiatric residential treatment facility that serves teenagers ages 13 through 17 with emotional difficulties and/or behavioral problems. Waco Center for Youth bases its treatment philosophy on the belief that both behavior change and an understanding of self and others are equally important in achieving significant long term success in treatment. The mission of Waco Center for Youth is “to give each youth a chance for change” by providing comprehensive psychiatric residential treatment services to emotionally disturbed adolescents of the state of Texas. The facility is operated by the Health and Human Services Commission and is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Facilities.

MOS Code11B/C, 18D, 19D/K, 31B/O, SB, SO, MA, 205, 741, OS, 0352, 5811, 8151, 8154, 8156, 3P0X1

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 11B/C, 18D, 19D/K, 31B/O, SB, SO, MA, 205, 741, OS, 0352, 5811, 8151, 8154, 8156, 3P0X1. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS