Security Officer I - Security, Full-time, Nights

Northwestern Medicine; McHenry (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine seeks a Security Officer I to support hospital safety and protect patients, visitors and staff. Under the Security Leadership, you will follow policy, respond to incidents, conduct patrols, and help maintain secure access to facilities.

The role requires strong communication, report writing, and the ability to operate a motor vehicle. You may be asked to respond to emergencies, coordinate with local authorities, and support the morgue and transport of deceased individuals

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• IAHSS Basic exam within 90 days of hire.
• Maintain IAHSS Basic certification.
• BLS certification through American Heart Association within 9 months of hire.
• Completion of Northwestern Medicine Defensive Tactics in Healthcare within 6 months of hire.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to interact with diverse individuals.
• Writing skills to prepare reports and documents.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Investigates and quell hospital incidents and disturbances to ensure safety of patients, visitors, and staff.
• Completes descriptive reports for supervisory personnel.
• Notifies appropriate city officials (police and fire) and prepares reports for supervisors.
• Conducts regular patrols of hospital buildings and grounds, on foot and by vehicle.
• Investigates hazardous conditions, theft, or safety issues as reported.
• Monitors access control systems, alarms, and video systems.
• Directs traffic to ensure emergency vehicle access and patient/visitor flow.
• Escort staff to their vehicles as needed.
• Transport of deceased bodies to the morgue and release to authorized persons.
• Responds to emergency codes per department guidelines.
• Alerts management to activities needing disciplinary action or follow-up.
• Enforces hospital policies and maintains professional service image.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Motor vehicle operation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate/Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Description

The Security Officer I reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Under the direction of the Security Leadership, this position is responsible for adhering to established policies and procedures to protect the hospital from theft and damage; provides protection for patients, visitors, Associates, and medical staff; investigates and quells disturbances; restrains patients upon proper direction and assistance of medical/clinical staff.

Responsibilities

• Investigates/quells hospital incidents and disturbances to maintain patient, visitor, and employee security.
• Completes descriptive reports for supervisory personnel.
• Notifies appropriate city officials (police and fire) and prepares descriptive reports for supervisory personnel.
• Performs regular perimeter and internal patrols of the hospital buildings and grounds to assure protection of patients and property and to prevent the entry of unauthorized persons into the hospital. These patrols are both on foot and mobile.
• Conducts investigations into incidents of hazardous conditions, reported theft, criminal activity, and any other security or safety issues as reported.
• Monitors the access control system, fire and duress alarms, and the security video system.
• Controls traffic as necessary to always assure access for emergency vehicles and access for patients and visitors accordingly.
• Controls traffic as necessary during incidents and for helicopter transports.
• Maintains security of restricted areas by checking and locking doors according to pre-set schedules or as required by special circumstances.
• Provides escorts for staff to their vehicles as requested.
• Delivers deceased bodies to the morgue and releases same to authorized persons in accordance with established policies.
• Responds to all emergency codes in accordance with department specific guidelines.
• Alerts the department Manager of any activities or deviation from departmental standards that may require disciplinary action or follow-up.
• Enforces all hospital policies and procedures as directed.
• Officers must display a competent and professional service image yet be approachable and service minded at all times.
• This image should encourage people to freely ask for assistance or convey information that may allow the officer to prevent problems or reduce exposure of the hospital to damage or loss.
• Conduct contraband searches for patient and employee safety as needed.
• Monitor individuals or situations to ensure patient and employee safety as needed.
• Oversees staff parking permit process, and monitors compliance per established policy and procedure.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• High-school diploma or GED
• Successful completion of IAHSS Basic exam within 90 days of hire
• Maintain IAHSS Basic certification
• Current Basic Life Support certification through American Heart Association within 9 months of hire
• Successful completion of Northwestern Medicine Defensive Tactics in Healthcare within 6 months of hire
• Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to interact effectively with a variety of individuals, including employees, medical staff, patients, visitors, law enforcement and other outside agencies
• Writing skills necessary to complete reports and paperwork that meets departmental standards.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Physical ability and knowledge of how to operate a motor vehicle.

Preferred

• Experience in healthcare security, police work, or military service
• Valid FOID card
• Associate/Bachelor’s degree

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position)

Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.