DSHS ESH Control Center Operator

State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health Services; Medical Lake (WA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% premium pay on-site 3 days/week

Evening/Night shift differential

Job summary

State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) seeks a on-call Control Center Operator (Security Guard 1) at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, WA. Responsibilities include monitoring communications, fire panels, alarms, and coordinating security staff.

The role emphasizes confidential, compassionate conduct with strong customer service and crisis-response skills. Evening/night differential and on-site work 3+ days/week may apply.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required with 1 year of security-related experience.
• Certification in basic law enforcement training or police/military training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate a multi-line phone system for a psychiatric facility.
• Receive incoming calls and transfer to appropriate parties.
• Operate Turbo Vui digital radio interface.
• Place collect, credit card and long-distance calls for staff/patients.
• Operate the paging system to notify staff of outside calls, alarms/visitors.
• Monitor staff and patient movement to locate them efficiently.
• Notify key personnel of patient elopement and emergency situations including fire or disasters.
• Call for air ambulance/medical transport during emergencies.
• Monitor fire and staff emergency alarms and all hospital radio channels.
• Serve as information source for visitors and callers and arrange security escorts as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Crisis response

Radio communications

Communication

Public contact

Education

High school diploma or GED

Law enforcement training certificate

Tools

Multi-line phone system

Turbo Vui radio interface

Job description

DSHS ESH Control Center Operator

DSHS' Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration are seeking a professional on-call Control Center Operator also known as a Security Guard 1 to join their dedicated team at Eastern State Hospital (ESH) in Medical Lake, WA.

In this role, operates a multi-line phone system and is available to communicate at all times with security, safety, PERT and all other Eastern State Hospital staff via telephone and radio. You'll monitor the fire panels, closed circuit cameras, emergency alarms, radio alarms, ward radio traffic, treatment team radio traffic, as well as providing emergency communication within the hospital and outside of the hospital during all emergencies.

Strong customer service skills and the ability to think and act quickly during times of crisis are imperative for success in this role. Confidentiality and compassion go hand in hand with this job.

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. Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.

Some of what you will do:

• Operate a multi-line phone system for a psychiatric facility
• Receive incoming calls and transfer to the appropriate parties
• Operate Turbo Vui digital radio interface
• Place collect, credit card and long-distance calls for staff/patients
• Operate the paging system to notify staff of outside calls, alarms/visitors
• Must be cognizant of staff and patient movement to be able to locate them efficiently
• Notify key personnel of patient elopement and emergency situations including but not limited to fire, disaster, and major equipment
• Call for air ambulance/ambulance when medical emergencies arise
• Responsible for monitoring fire and staff emergency alarms as well as all hospital digital radio channels
• Serve as information source for visitors and all incoming callers (within the hospital and outside of hospital) and arrange security or staff escort as needed

Who should apply?

High school graduation or GED and one year 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.

OR

A certificate of completion in a basic law enforcement training program approved by the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission; or, a certificate of completion in a police or reserve police academy or military training program.

A valid driver's license may be required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience as a receptionist, switchboard operator, PBX operator, radio communications operator, or experience performing clerical office work which required direct contact with the public.

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 a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, 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.