Security Officer

Title: Security Officer

State Role Title: 69113

Hiring Range: $41,687 minimum, negotiable, based on relevant years of experience

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Southern Va Mental Health Inst

Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/svmhi/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental services support individuals by promoting recover, 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 is 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 we;; 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, minimizes contraband entering the facility, and minimizes 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 primarily work a "hybrid schedule" of Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm. May be required to work a rotating schedule, including the possibility of overtime, to meet facility/departmental needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Possess a valid driver’s license without any court ordered restrictions.
A valid Virginia security guard license or the ability to obtain within six months of employment is required.

Additional Considerations

Experience as a Security Officer in a psychiatric healthcare facility, acute care, long-term or correctional setting.
Veterans and people with National Service.
Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Applicants must list all relevant experience that you wish to be considered for this position. Applicants will be provided confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

A fingerprint-based criminal history check and reference checks are required for the selected candidate for this position. Under Virginia Code §37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services is prohibited from employing or using as volunteers, persons who have been convicted of specific “barrier” crimes or persons who may be the subject of pending “barrier” charges.

DBHDS facilities are no longer required to ensure that all staff members are vaccinated against COVID-19. However, facilities encourage and educate staff on the benefits, and continue to offer COVID-19 vaccination programs to staff, residents/clients. Employees may be required to disclose immunization status for purposes of infection prevention and/or management of outbreaks. Upon acceptance of a job offer, new recruits will be asked to disclose their vaccination status (and for those fully vaccinated, proof of vaccination) during the pre-employment process. If you have any questions, contact the Office of Human Resources.

Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process: In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS, to get their Certificate of Disability. To obtain a Certificate of Disability go to: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx, or call DARS at 800-552-5019. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview process per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact Human Resources at (434) 773-4208 for assistance.

DBHDS is an equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities are open to all regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability. Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TTY.

SVMHI uses Form I-9 and E-Verify in the verification of eligibility for employment.

SVMHI is a smoke and vape-free facility in all buildings and outside facility grounds.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 434-421-3060

Email: svmhihr@dbhds.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.