Safety and Security Technician

Dept Behavioral Health/Develop; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Dept Behavioral Health/Develop's Central State Hospital in Petersburg, Virginia, is recruiting a Safety and Security Technician to safeguard a maximum-security unit and oversee patient and staff movement.

You will verify identifications, screen visitors, transport and escort patients, operate secure doors, and apply least-restrictive interventions per policy to support a safe, therapeutic environment.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work ANY SHIFT.
• Previous Security Experience.
• Valid Virginia Driver’s license.
• Previous Mental Health Experience in a Hospital setting.

Responsibilities

• Control access to a maximum-security unit and verify IDs.
• Screen visitors and obtain required approvals.
• Escort and supervise patients within the unit.
• Operate electrical doors and manage keys inventory.
• Apply least restrictive interventions per hospital policy.

Skills

Any shift

Security experience

VA driver's license

Mental health hospital

Job description

Title: Safety and Security Technician

State Role Title:49053

Hiring Range: $41,265 - $52,354.00

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location:Central State Hospital

Agency Website:https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/csh/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Any and all qualifications that you have must be represented in your application/resume as verifiable work experience.

You must be willing to work any shift.

Central State Hospital (CSH) is a 277 bed Joint Commission accredited psychiatric inpatient facility located in Petersburg, Virginia. CSH has proudly been serving citizens of the Commonwealth since 1870, when we opened our doors as the first psychiatric hospital in the country dedicated to the treatment of African Americans. A new and modern CSH is currently under construction on the same property, with a scheduled completion date of 2027.

CSH maintains the only maximum-security treatment facility in the state (111 beds). We also have 166 beds available for individuals in the community who need inpatient care, as well as individuals in the criminal justice system. We believe that treatment should be holistic and focused on the person’s individual needs, recognizing that recovery is not linear or the same for every person. Treatment modalities may include medication, evidence‑based group and individual therapy, peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational training, preparation for court, and treatment for substance use.

Central State Hospital is recruiting a Safety and Security Technician.

Job Duties

• Responsible for controlling all access to and from a maximum-security unit where court ordered patients from the criminal justice system are assigned for psychiatric evaluation and/or treatment.
• Determine positive identification of staff and visitors.
• Screen visitors.
• Secure necessary approval for entry and exit.
• Ensure only authorized persons enter and/or leave the forensic unit.
• Supervising and observing patients’ activities.
• Transporting and escorting patients within the forensic unit or to destinations throughout the facility, to courts, hospitals, medical appointments and other facilities in the state.
• Assisting with the admission process to include searching of patients and explaining unit policies/regulations.
• Securing items not allowed in the unit.
• Inspecting packages.
• Operating electrical doors.
• Receiving incoming telephone calls.
• Notifying staff of deliveries.
• Issuing keys and maintaining a key record inventory.
• Understanding and using the least restrictive interventions, per hospital policy, and to successfully avoid the use of seclusion and restraint whenever possible.

The Safety and Security Technician is also responsible for understanding and using the least restrictive interventions, per hospital policy, and to successfully avoid the use of seclusion and restraint whenever possible.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be able to work ANY SHIFT.
• Previous Security Experience.
• Valid Virginia Driver’s license.
• Previous Mental Health Experience in a Hospital setting.

Additional Considerations

• DCJS Certification.

Benefits

Benefits: DBHDS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including your choice of health plans, paid life insurance, retirement plans, 13 paid holidays, annual leave, family personal leave, sick leave, employee discount programs, and more!

Background Investigation

Background Investigation: All applicants are subject to an extensive background investigation and a pre‑employment drug screening. This investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, Department of Social Services/Child Protective Services checks, employment verification, and verification of education relevant to the position.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance or accommodation, please notify Human Resources at [phone] during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity: The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to conducting all aspects of human resource management without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.* There shall be no retaliation against anyone making allegations of violations of this policy.

Veteran Preference

Veteran Preference: DBHDS is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer and provides hiring preference to qualified veterans and service members. We highly encourage veterans, active members of the Virginia National Guard, and U.S. Military Reserve members to apply and respond accordingly on the state application.

Eligibility Restrictions

Under Virginia Code §§ 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) cannot employ or utilize as volunteers, individuals convicted of specific ("barrier") crimes or those with pending "barrier" charges.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources Department

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service‑Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.