DSHS ESH Security Guard 2

State of Washington; Medical Lake (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Evening/night shift differential

On-site premium pay

Job summary

Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, WA, is seeking a Security Guard 2 to maintain a safe and secure environment for staff, patients, and visitors. You will patrol the campus, respond to incidents, and support hospital management in enforcing rules and policies.

The role offers on-site work with potential premium pay for on-site days and shift differentials for evenings and nights, along with opportunities to train and mentor newer guards.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of safety protocols, fire hazards and emergency response procedures in institutional settings.
• Ability to enforce rules, regulations, and policies while managing security situations.
• Skilled in supervising, leading, and training security personnel to maintain operational efficiency.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including writing clear reports and giving instructions.
• Ability to respond to emergencies, diffuse conflicts, gather evidence, and assist law enforcement and emergency responders.

Responsibilities

• Patrol the hospital campus by vehicle and on foot to protect staff, patients, visitors, and property.
• Respond to and de-escalate crisis situations while maintaining safety.
• Conduct security walk-throughs, safety checks, and monitor for potential threats.
• Assist in gathering evidence, documenting incidents, and acting as a liaison for emergency responders.
• Confiscate and secure contraband, ensuring proper reporting and documentation.
• Operate security equipment, including cameras, radios, alarms, and specialized software.
• Respond to fire, smoke, intrusion, and other security alarms.
• Train and orient newly hired Security Guards.

Skills

Safety protocols & emergency

Enforcement of rules & policies

Supervision & training

Written & verbal communication

Evidence gathering & liaison

Education

High school diploma or GED

Basic law enforcement training certificate (CJTC approved)

Police/military academy certificate substitute for experience

Job description

Security Guard 2

Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, WA, is hiring a Security Guard 2 to help maintain a safe and secure environment for staff, patients, and visitors. In this role, you'll be responsible for ensuring safety, responding to incidents, and supporting hospital management in enforcing rules and policies.

Description

DSHS ESH Security Guard 2. Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, WA, is hiring a Security Guard 2 to help maintain a safe and secure environment for staff, patients, and visitors. In this role, you'll be responsible for ensuring safety, responding to incidents, and supporting hospital management in enforcing rules and policies.

We are hiring for multiple positions. Positions requiring on-site work at least three days a week may qualify for an additional 5% premium pay on top of the advertised salary. Evening and night shifts also include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.

What You'll Do

• Patrol the hospital campus by vehicle and on foot to protect staff, patients, visitors, and property.
• Respond to and de-escalate crisis situations while maintaining safety.
• Conduct security walk-throughs, safety checks, and monitor for potential threats.
• Assist in gathering evidence, documenting incidents, and acting as a liaison for emergency responders.
• Confiscate and secure contraband, ensuring proper reporting and documentation.
• Operate security equipment, including cameras, radios, alarms, and specialized software.
• Respond to fire, smoke, intrusion, and other security alarms.
• Train and orient newly hired Security Guards.

What We're Looking For

• Knowledge of safety protocols, fire hazards, and emergency response procedures within an institutional setting.
• Ability to enforce rules, regulations, and policies while managing security situations effectively.
• Skilled in supervising, leading, and training security personnel to maintain operational efficiency.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clear reports and provide instructions.
• Ability to respond to emergencies, diffuse conflicts, gather evidence, and assist law enforcement and emergency responders.

Who Should Apply?

• One year of experience as a Security Guard 1.
• High school diploma or GED and two years of experience in security, corrections, store investigations, law enforcement, military police, or similar roles.
• 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, which will substitute for one year of the required experience.

A valid driver's license is required.

Questions?

Please reach out to DSHS Talent Acquisition Specialist Peter Bonato at [e-mail] and reference job number #06928.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nebotim) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Benefits

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.