Mental Health Security Technician | Salem

Oregon Health Authority; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 50,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Vision and dental

Paid holidays

Personal leave

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

PERS/OPSRP retirement

Training opportunities

Job summary

The Oregon Health Authority's Oregon State Hospital in Salem is hiring a Mental Health Security Technician to monitor access points, conduct patrols, and support security operations. The role emphasizes emergency response, incident reporting, and patient movement under strict protocols.

You will work with hospital staff to maintain safety, provide customer service to patients and visitors, and assist with admissions, mail, and investigations as needed within a secure, patient-centered

Qualifications

• One year of security experience or one year of direct care to patients in a mental health setting.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control access points and assess security.
• Perform video surveillance monitoring and interior/exterior patrols.
• Manage patient movement and transportation, using restraints when necessary.
• Prepare incident reports and communicate details of significant events.

Skills

Security experience

Direct patient care

De-escalation

Leadership

Team collaboration

Crisis response

Written communication

Verbal communication

Mental health knowledge

Security camera monitoring

Job description

Mental Health Security Technician | Salem

Initial Posting Date 10/01/2026

Application Deadline 10/31/2026

Agency Oregon Health Authority

Salary Range $4,512-$5,691

Position Type Employee

Position Title Mental Health Security Technician | Salem

Job Description

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 processing evidence for ongoing investigations.

The Oregon State Hospital provides patient-centered, psychiatric treatment for adults from throughout the state who need hospital-level care. Our primary goal is to help people recover from their illness and return to the community. Our services include psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as community outreach and peer support. Watch “Welcome to the Oregon State Hospital” video here.

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.

If this opportunity aligns with your strengths, background, and commitment to fostering inclusivity, we encourage you to apply! At the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), we value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to help us build a stronger, more equitable future for all.

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

One year of experience providing security services; OR 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

• The information in your application will be used to complete an Equal Pay Analysis to determine salary placement upon hire. Visit the Department of Administrative Services Equal Pay Analysis Webpage for more information.
• The 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.

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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.