DSHS WSH Security Guard 3

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative and compassionate organization seeks a dedicated Security Guard 3 to lead a team in ensuring the safety and security of residents and staff at a mental health facility. This role is vital in managing daily security operations, responding to emergencies, and collaborating with various departments to support recovery and rehabilitation efforts. If you're a seasoned security professional with a passion for making a difference, this is your chance to contribute to a meaningful community resource while developing your career in security management. Join us in empowering individuals to shape their own lives through compassionate care and support.

Benefits

Orca Card for transportation

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 3 years of security experience required.
• Experience in law enforcement or military police can substitute for some experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise security staff and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
• Respond to emergencies and conduct facility inspections.
• Train new employees on security procedures and maintain logs.

Skills

Security Management

Emergency Response

Team Leadership

Training and Development

Conflict Resolution

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Security Systems

Job description

DSHS WSH Security Guard 3

Are you a seasoned security professional looking for an opportunity to lead and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others? Join us as a Security Guard 3 at Western State Hospital (WSH) to play a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of our residents, staff, and visitors, working in an environment where compassionate care meets cutting-edge mental health treatment.

In this supervisory role, you’ll oversee a team of Security Guard 2s, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and facilitating a secure environment across the entire campus. You will manage daily security operations, respond to emergencies, and collaborate with other departments to support the center’s mission of recovery and rehabilitation.

This is your chance to contribute to a vital community resource while developing a rewarding career in security management at a facility known for its innovative and recovery-focused mental health services.

Join us today—apply your skills and help us partner with people to provide support, care, and resources, empowering individuals to shape their own lives!

Some of what you'll do

• Supervise and assist security staff in providing protection and security across OHBH, including residents, staff, and visitors. Coordinate and oversee security activities, responses, and enforcement of facility policies.
• Ensure all Security Guard 2s (SG2) are trained for all security posts. Monitor performance, review reports, and provide training and disciplinary guidance as needed.
• Collaborate with departments for equipment, repairs, and other operational needs. Conduct rounds of the facility to inspect for fire, theft, illegal entry, and property damage.
• Respond to emergencies, including violent incidents, theft, accidents, and other disturbances. Issue citations, make reports, and assist law enforcement as needed.
• Confiscate, secure, and preserve contraband or evidence following policy. Maintain logs, reports, and ensure accurate record-keeping of equipment and keys.
• Escort patients to appointments and activities, provide 24-hour monitoring for community-admitted patients, and assist law enforcement with evacuations, traffic control, and other emergency situations.
• Train new employees on security systems, evacuation procedures, and emergency responses. Maintain clear communication with supervisors and the director regarding security concerns and staffing.

Who should apply?

Professionals with a high school diploma or GED and three years of experience in areas of work such as security guard, correctional officer, store investigator, 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 Commission, or a certificate of completion in a police or reserve police academy or military training program will substitute for one of the three years of the above experience).

OR

Three years of experience as a Security Guard 1

OR

Two years of experience as a Security Guard 2

Two years of training experience is required.

Additional Information:

• Transportation: Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

Interested? Please provide a current resume and three professional references with current contact information along with your online application.

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.

Questions? Please contact [e-mail] or call the main Talent Acquisition line at 360-725-5810 and reference job number 2025-00299.

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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