DSHS BHA Security Guard

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Grand Mound (IA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team as an Emergency Response Officer at a behavioral health treatment campus, where your role is vital in ensuring the safety and security of residents and staff. This position offers a chance to engage with the community while employing your skills in crisis management and de-escalation techniques. You'll monitor security systems, conduct walkthroughs, and assist in maintaining a secure environment. If you're customer service-oriented and adaptable, this opportunity allows you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need of support and care. Embrace a fulfilling career where your contributions truly matter.

Benefits

Shift Differential Pay

5% Premium Pay for On-Site Work

Flexible Scheduling

Training Opportunities

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license required with experience in security or law enforcement.
• Training in de-escalation and non-physical interventions is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety and security of staff and residents on campus.
• Monitor security systems and conduct regular walkthroughs.

Skills

Customer Service Orientation

De-escalation Techniques

Conflict Resolution

Crisis Management

Education

High School Graduation or GED

Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate

Tools

Security Monitoring Systems

Electronic Log Systems

Job description

Maple Lane BHTC Security Guard 2- Emergency Response Officer

Join our team as an Emergency Response Officer at our newest behavioral health treatment campus, Maple Lane, near Centralia, WA. We're hiring for multiple permanent and on-call vacancies.

Behavioral Health Treatment Center Maple Lane offers innovative treatment for residents who are civilly committed, in need of competency restoration, or adjudicated not guilty by reason of mental diagnosis. Each residential unit helps shape the future of behavioral health, aligning with Washington State’s vision of community-based care. Treating residents in smaller facilities, we help them stay closer to home, family, and support systems, fostering stronger community connections.

As an Emergency Response Officer, you will provide essential campus security for units housing adult mental health residents. Your responsibilities will include ensuring the safety and security of staff, residents, visitors, and property on the Maple Lane campus.

We are looking for customer service-oriented people who can quickly adapt to their environment, proactively manage safety and security situations, and be effective team members. Your crucial role will involve assisting Maple Lane management in enforcing campus rules, regulations, policies, and statutory law. If you possess the ability to be trained in various de-escalation techniques and employ non-physical interventions whenever possible, this may be the career for you.

Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate. Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary. When scheduled for on-call, you usually know your schedule a month in advance and can expect up to full-time hours during the week(s) scheduled.

Some of what you will do:

• Provide visual monitoring of residents
• Monitor the main security systems to ensure appropriate entry and exit of authorized personnel
• As a member of the Advance Crisis Intervention Team, therapeutically intervene or de-escalate behavioral issues
• Conduct regular walkthroughs of living units and the treatment mall ensuring security while engaging with residents and support staff
• As assigned, make rounds to living units and the treatment mall to interact with residents and staff
• Operate a motor vehicle to provide emergency response services to multiple locations within the Maple Lane Campus
• Maintain 24-hour electronic log on routine check and incidents
• Responsible for documentation of resident item counts, security inspections, and unit checks
• Assist in gathering evidence and facts involving criminal activity by partnering with local law enforcement
• Provide security gate support, which may include positioning in the Security Building to check the IDs of the staff coming onto campus and check IDs of staff leaving campus by foot or vehicle
• Monitor Vehicle Gate and all related traffic for resident transports, facility deliveries, as well as internal and external maintenance visitors

Who should apply:

Professionals with a valid driver's license and one of the following:

• High school graduation or GED plus two years of experience in areas of work such as: security guard, correctional officer or store investigations, or police officer, police reserve officer, military police or other law enforcement work
• A certificate of completion in a basic law enforcement training program approved by the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commissioner; or certificate of completion in a police or reserve police academy or military training program will substitute for one of the two years of required experience
• One year of experience as a Security Guard 1

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Customer service-oriented with a strong focus on patient well-being and safety
• Capable of employing a variety of de-escalation techniques to manage patient behaviors
• Skilled in non-physical interventions and conflict resolution
• Adaptable and open to training on diverse approaches to patient care
• Proficient in assessing situations and implementing the least restrictive interventions
• Experienced in calmly managing crises with a patient-centered approach
• Committed to continuous learning and applying best practices in de-escalation

Why Join Us? We partner with people to access support, care, and resources. DSHS employees make a difference in WA State every day by supporting sustainable recovery, independence, and wellness.

Interested or have questions? Apply today or contact Recruiter, Morgan Daggi by email at [e-mail] or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference 00735.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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