Public Safety Officer I - Armed (Full Time, 2nd Shift)

Advocate Health Care; Oak Lawn (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization is seeking a Public Safety Officer I - Armed in Oak Lawn, IL. The role involves providing security services with a focus on professionalism and customer service. Responsibilities include performing routine patrols, responding to emergencies, and liaising with law enforcement. Candidates must hold a high school diploma or GED, possess strong communication skills, and meet licensure requirements. This full-time position offers a second shift schedule and requires physical fitness for various tasks, ensuring a safe environment.

Qualifications

• Security Officer Healthcare Certification (CHSO) must be obtained within two years.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Certified in Conducted Energy Weapon (TASER) use within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Provides security services with a customer-service approach.
• Performs routine patrols to ensure safety and security.
• Responds immediately to emergency and crisis situations.

Skills

High emotional intelligence

Verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Ability to collaborate with medical staff

Education

High school graduate or GED

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Overview

Position: Public Safety Officer I - Armed

Location: Christ Medical Center; Oak Lawn, IL

Full Time; 2nd Shift

Hours: 2pm-10:30pm

Major Responsibilities

• Provides security services with a customer-service approach, focusing on professionalism, fairness, and compassion even in challenging circumstances, in accordance with policies, procedures, and training.
• Inspires confidence in patients, visitors, and team members by presenting a professional, approachable, service-oriented appearance and demeanor. Maintains Department uniform and equipment in good repair; complies with and enforces safety and security rules and regulations.
• Performs routine interior and exterior patrols to ensure safety and security, including inspections to identify vulnerabilities, hazards, and fire conditions; audits of Interim Life Safety Measures; patient valuables management; and contraband searches. Provides information, directions, and physical assistance as needed. Controls traffic and monitors conduct of visitors; confronts unauthorized persons for questioning.
• Prevents, responds to, and investigates workplace violence. Responds to service calls involving combative or threatening patients or visitors and team member incidents.
• Serves as a primary resource for de-escalation, using force when necessary (e.g., CEW, handcuffing).
• Plans for, prevents, practices, and responds to emergencies such as lost or abducted infants/children, fire, and active threats.
• Responds immediately to emergency and crisis situations and intervenes physically when trained to do so to prevent injury.
• Investigates incidents on Advocate Health property; completes timely and accurate reports; addresses and escalates complaints with supporting documentation.
• Performs liaison rounding to cultivate partnerships with departments and units; delivers security awareness education to staff.
• Liaisons with federal, state, and local law enforcement and first-responder agencies; coordinates and monitors prisoner-patient guards to ensure policy compliance and safety.
• Maintains current Department training standards in radio communications, verbal de-escalation, hemorrhage control (e.g., STOP the BLEED), CPR, restraints, and Conducted Energy Weapon (TASER) use, including any department-issued equipment and requirements identified in training.
• Assists with exterior traffic and crowd control, including parking enforcement, valet parking assistance, and vehicular assistance.
• Uses interview and interrogation tactics to uncover information about incidents.
• Completes patrols with a community-oriented approach.

Licensure, Registration, And/or Certification Required

• Security Officer Healthcare Certification (CHSO) issued by IAHSS must be obtained within two years of appointment (recertification not required).
• For North Carolina teammates, Armed Guard License issued by NC Private Protective Services must be obtained within one year and maintained through training and competency assessments.
• NIMS Compliance Certification
• Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Card or Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) license as applicable
• Must meet State of IL licensing requirements and obtain a Firearm Control Card (FCC) for Proprietary Personnel within 90 days of hire.
• Stop the Bleed Certification within one year of hire date.
• Valid driver’s license
• Certified in Conducted Energy Weapon (TASER) use within 90 days of hire and periodically thereafter.
• Maintains awareness of street drugs, gang activity, and human trafficking.

Education Required

• High school graduate or GED

Experience Required

• Typically requires 1 year of experience in a security, public safety, or customer service role involving emergent situations and resolution of issues affecting patients, visitors, teammates, and/or property.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• High emotional intelligence and empathetic, compassionate responses to incidents involving teammates, visitors, and patients.
• Ability to work in a respectful, caring environment and to support patient-centered safety practices.
• Ability to collaborate with medical staff and external law enforcement.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure to support a safe, welcoming, and therapeutic environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to use a computer for documentation (e.g., Word, Excel) and navigate systems.
• Ability to defend self and others when de-escalation fails and restraint is necessary, within policy and training.
• Ability to communicate effectively via radio and telephone with clear diction.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Must sit, stand, walk, and drive throughout the workday; lift up to 35 lbs occasionally; push/pull with 35 lbs of force.
• Must be able to safely operate a firearm and perform related handling tasks unassisted.
• Vision requirements: 20/20 in each eye or correctable to 20/20.
• May be exposed to mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive, and radiation hazards; protective clothing as needed.
• Operates all job-related equipment. Frequent exposure to aggressive behavior and emotionally charged situations. Must handle personal stress and potential violence.
• Must be physically fit and able to assist with moving and restraining patients as needed.

Preferred Job Requirements

• Behavioral Threat Assessment knowledge
• Use of Force Review experience
• Crime prevention through environmental design awareness
• Ability to present material and facilitate meetings

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.