Mental Health Security Technician | Salem

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

Job summary

The State of Oregon, through the Oregon Health Authority in Salem, seeks a Mental Health Security Technician to monitor access, conduct patrols, and manage security and safety for patients and staff. You will participate in emergency responses, uphold behavior management, and support with admissions and transfers.

Qualifications include one year of security or direct patient-care experience in a mental health setting, with emphasis on de-escalation, good communication, and teamwork in a hospital

Qualifications

• One year of experience providing security services or direct care to patients in a mental health setting.
• Experience with mental health conditions, trauma-informed care is a plus.
• Familiarity with security cameras, alarms, and de-escalation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control access points and perform patrols to prevent security breaches.
• Conduct video surveillance monitoring and respond to incidents.
• Prepare clear incident reports and assist with patient admissions and coordination.

Skills

Mental Health Experience

Security/Law Enforcement

De-escalation skills

Team Collaboration

Crisis Response

Written and Verbal Communication

Tools

Security Camera Monitoring

Alarm Monitoring

Job description

Initial Posting Date

10/01/2026

Application Deadline

10/31/2026

Agency

Oregon Health Authority

Salary Range

$4,512-$5,691

Position Type

Employee

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 process 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.

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