14th St - Security

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey; New York (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey is seeking a Security Guard – Retail & Programs to protect employees, participants, customers, and assets across stores, programs, and donation centers. The role emphasizes visibility, safety, de-escalation, and professional conduct while enforcing access controls and monitoring for theft or policy violations.

Responsibilities include patrols, surveillance, incident reporting, and collaboration with management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Strong communication and judgment skills.
• Ability to write clear reports.

Responsibilities

• Maintain premises security and patrol facilities.
• Monitor entrances and restricted areas.
• Detect suspicious activity and report incidents.
• Complete daily logs and incident reports.
• Assist during emergencies.

Skills

Strong communication

Judgment

Calm under pressure

Report writing

Basic computer skills

Patrol experience

Customer service experience

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Goodwill Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (GWNYNJ) believes that the power of work and sustainable fashion is how we unlock the good in our communities. For over 100 years, we have helped people get jobs, stay employed, and progress in careers across New York and Northern New Jersey. We believe that diversity drives innovation and strengthens our workplace. We are committed to fostering our inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and abilities.

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc.

Job Description

Position Title

Security Guard – Retail & Programs

Department

Loss Prevention / Asset Protection

Reports To

Loss Prevention / Asset Protection Management and designated Store/Program Management

Cost Center

Classification

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Security Guard – Retail & Programs protects Goodwill employees, participants, customers, visitors, property, donations, merchandise, assets, and facilities while maintaining a safe, welcoming environment.

The Guard provides a visible security presence, observes and reports safety, security, and loss-prevention concerns, prevents unauthorized access, responds to incidents, and supports emergency response efforts.

Guards must use sound judgment, maintain professionalism, de-escalate situations when possible, and request law enforcement or emergency assistance when needed.

Essential Functions

• Premises Security
• Protect Goodwill facilities, including stores, programs, donation centers, warehouses, and offices.
• Maintain a visible security presence and conduct patrols.
• Monitor entrances, exits, and restricted areas.
• Identify and report suspicious activity, hazards, theft, vandalism, or trespassing.
• Report building security issues (doors, locks, alarms, lighting).
• Enforce access-control procedures and prevent unauthorized entry.
• Protect security credentials and never share access information.
• Retail Loss Prevention
• Monitor for theft, fraud, and policy violations.
• Observe and report suspicious behavior.
• Support investigations without interfering.
• Report suspected internal or external theft.
• Protect cash areas, merchandise, and assets.
• Donation Center Security
• Monitor donation and receiving areas.
• Prevent unauthorized removal or diversion of donations.
• Report suspicious donor, vendor, or visitor activity.
• Monitor loading docks and storage areas.
• Program & Participant Safety
• Maintain a safe environment for participants and staff.
• De-escalate conflicts when possible.
• Maintain professional boundaries.
• Assist during disputes or incidents.
• Request emergency assistance when needed.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• De-Escalation & Conflict Management
• Stay calm and professional.
• Use respectful communication.
• Avoid confrontation.
• Identify escalating behavior.
• Separate individuals when safe.
• Contact management or emergency responders as needed.
• Document incidents.

Guards are not police officers and must not exceed their authority.

Emergency Response

Respond to emergencies including fire, medical incidents, violence, threats, theft, and evacuations.

Actions

• Notify management.
• Call 911 when required.
• Follow emergency procedures.
• Assist with evacuation or containment.
• Secure the scene.
• Preserve evidence.
• Document incident.
• Fire & Life Safety
• Keep exits clear.
• Report hazards immediately.
• Know emergency equipment locations.
• Assist with evacuations.
• Do not interfere with safety systems.
• Camera & Security Systems
• Monitor CCTV and alarms when assigned.
• Report suspicious activity.
• Maintain confidentiality of footage.
• Report equipment issues.
• Access Control
• Monitor entry to restricted areas.
• Verify authorization when required.
• Prevent tailgating.
• Protect access credentials.
• Incident Reporting

Report incidents including theft, violence, accidents, emergencies, damage, trespassing, and safety issues.

Reports must be factual, clear, and timely.

• Evidence Handling
• Do not disturb evidence unnecessarily.
• Secure area if needed.
• Notify management.
• Follow chain-of-custody procedures.
• Emergency Responders
• Provide accurate information to responders.
• Assist with scene control.
• Notify management of response.
• Confidentiality

Protect all sensitive information including employee, participant, donor, security, and operational data. Share only with authorized personnel.

• Daily Duties
• Attend shift briefing.
• Conduct patrols.
• Monitor assigned areas.
• Respond to incidents.
• Complete reports.
• Secure post at shift end.

Reporting Requirements

Daily Log

Record shift activity, patrols, incidents, alarms, and observations.

Incident Reports

Required for theft, violence, emergencies, damage, and other significant events.

Escalation

Immediately report serious threats, violence, weapons, major theft, fire, or emergencies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Strong communication and judgment skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to write clear reports.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to stand and patrol for long periods.
• Security or customer service experience preferred.

Required Licenses / Certifications

New York

• NYS Security Guard Registration
• 8-hour pre-assignment training
• 16-hour on-the-job training
• 8-hour annual in-service training

New Jersey

• SORA registration and required training

GOODWILL TRAINING

Required Training Includes

• Security orientation
• Workplace violence prevention
• De-escalation
• Emergency response
• Incident reporting
• Access control
• Confidentiality
• CCTV procedures
• Customer/participant interaction
• Report writing

SECURITY AUTHORITY & LIMITATIONS

Guards may observe, deter, report, and respond to incidents.

Guards May NOT

• Act as police
• Conduct unauthorized searches
• Use excessive force
• Access confidential data without permission
• Share security credentials
• Leave post without authorization

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Guards protect people and property, identify risks, respond to incidents, and report concerns. They do not replace management or law enforcement.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Post compliance
• Attendance
• Incident reporting accuracy
• Response effectiveness
• Security awareness
• Professional conduct
• Confidentiality
• Communication
• Emergency response

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Standing and walking for long periods
• Indoor/outdoor patrols
• Nights, weekends, and holidays
• Emergency response situations
• Exposure to varied environments

REPORTING STRUCTURE

Security Guard → Store/Program Manager → Loss Prevention → Senior Leadership

Immediate escalation required for emergencies.

DOCUMENTATION

Maintain logs, incident reports, patrol records, and security documentation per company policy.

We believe in creating space for everyone to do their best work and have individual and collective impact. We believe that being your best self and helping others do the same is how we bring our mission alive. Even if you don’t think you meet all the qualifications listed for the job, we would love to hear from you!

If you require a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, or if you are unable to apply through our recruitment portal, please contact us at [e-mail]. We are happy to assist and ensure you have an equal opportunity to apply.