Mental Health Security Technician | Salem

Oregon Department of Human Services; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 50,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent medical, vision, and dental

Life insurance

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Deferred compensation savings

Flexible spending accounts

Paid holidays

Vacation accrual

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

PERS/OPSRP retirement

Training opportunities

Job summary

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Security program in Salem, is seeking a Mental Health Security Technician. You will monitor access, conduct surveillance, patrol grounds, respond to emergencies, manage patient behavior, and assist with admissions and operational tasks in a hospital setting.

One year of security and direct patient-care experience in a mental health environment is preferred. The role is in-office in Salem, with benefits and opportunities to grow within state service, including

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience providing security services.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience providing direct care to patients in a mental health setting.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control access points and assess physical security.
• Conduct video surveillance monitoring and interior/exterior patrols.
• Respond to emergencies with appropriate actions and assistance.
• Manage patient conduct, provide restraint assistance when necessary.
• Develop and implement security protocols and stay informed on laws.
• Transport patients for in-house and off-campus outings as needed.
• Prepare incident reports and communicate significant events clearly.
• Provide customer service to patients, staff, and visitors; assist admissions and process mail.

Skills

Security services

Direct patient care

Mental health knowledge

De-escalation

Crisis response

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Leadership

Observation / surveillance

Job description

Mental Health Security Technician | Salem

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Oregon State Hospital(OSH), Security program in Salem, Oregon has multiple career opportunities for a Mental Health Security Technician. As a Mental Health Security Technician, you will monitor and control access points, assessing physical security, conducting video surveillance monitoring, performing interior and exterior patrols to monitor for security breaches and unauthorized individuals on property. This position is also responsible for Emergency response, responding to emergencies, calling for assistance, and managing patient conduct; Behavior management: Monitoring patients' status, providing physical intervention assistance, and restraining combative or violent patients; Security protocols: Developing and implementing security protocols and maintaining knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to mental health security; Patient movement: Providing transportation for patients for inhouse as well as off campus outings and appointments, using restraints when necessary; Incident reports: Preparing clear and concise incident reports and other documents used to communicate details of all significant events; Customer service: Providing customer service and support to all patients, staff, and visitors; Other support: Assist with patient admissions, process mail, contacting Oregon State Police as needed, distribute badges and keys, and collect and process evidence for ongoing investigations.

Working Conditions

This position provides care to patients who may present a danger to themselves or others. Work may involve exposure to infectious disease, noise, bodily fluids, hazardous medications, behavioral interventions, and manual or mechanical restraints. Employees must be able to frequently move up to 20 pounds, occasionally move up to 60 pounds vertically, and perform prolonged standing, bending, twisting, and squatting. Schedules may change with little notice and may include overtime or double shifts. Occasional driving or accompanying patients in vehicles may also be required.

Salary Range

Salary Range: $4,512-$5,691

Contract Type and Location

This announcement is for full-time, permanent SEIU represented positions based in Salem or Junction City, Oregon. This is an in-office position.

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications:

• One year of experience providing security services;
• One year of experience providing direct care to patients in a mental health setting.

Desired Attributes

• Mental Health or Hospital Experience – Understanding of mental health conditions, trauma informed care.
• Security or Law Enforcement Experience – relevant experience in security, law enforcement, or corrections.
• Security Camera / Alarm Monitoring Experience.
• De-escalation skills – Demonstrated ability to manage conflict and use non-violent interventions.
• Leadership Skills – Motivation skills, ethical behavior, discretion, and sound decision making.
• Team Collaboration – Works well with clinical staff, hospital leadership, and peers.
• Crisis Response – Ability to respond calmly and effectively in high stress situations.
• Written and Verbal Communication Skills – Clarity, empathy, and professionalism in verbal and written communication.

Special Requirements

To be hired, you must have a criminal records and driving records check that meets OHA criteria at the time of hire, and throughout employment.

Benefits of Joining Our Team

• Excellent medical, vision, and dental benefits package for the employee and qualified family members with a very low monthly out-of-pocket cost.
• Optional life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses.
• Employee benefits include 11 paid holidays, 3 personal business days, 8 hours of monthly sick leave, and vacation accrual starting at 8 hours per month.
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP).
• Training opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.

Additional Details

Salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect the additional 6.95%. Review the Classification and Compensation page for more details on the classification. Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. OHA will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet Agency employment eligibility standards.

We Value Diversity and Inclusivity

We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to help us build a stronger, more equitable future for all.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Oregon Health Authority is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer, committed to fair employment practices and pay equity for all employees. We do not discriminate based on any protected class—including race, sex, veteran status, disability, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientation and we do not screen applicants based on current or past compensation. Salary is determined through a fair review of your education, experience, and training as it relates to the position. OHA is an anti-racist organization working to eliminate health inequities and dismantle structural barriers that impact underserved communities. Join us in advancing our Strategic Plan and building a more equitable Oregon.

About the Oregon Health Authority

The Oregon Health Authority is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”