Security Officer II

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Austin is seeking a Security Officer II to protect residents, staff and facility assets at the Austin State Supported Living Center. The role focuses on surveillance, patrols, emergency response, and enforcing safety policies in a state-run setting.

Qualified candidates typically hold a High School diploma or GED and have security, law enforcement or related experience; training others and documenting incidents are part of daily duties.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Experience in security, law enforcement, or military preferred.
• Experience with people with disabilities or mental health issues preferred.

Responsibilities

• Attends work on a regular basis and follows shift schedules, including evenings.
• Monitors surveillance cameras and reports emergencies and improper activities.
• Conducts routine patrols of buildings and grounds and takes action on issues.
• Responds to fire alarms, assists with drills and life-safety checks.
• Coordinates emergency responses and notifies management or law enforcement when needed.
• Assists in apprehending suspects for unauthorized entry or violations.
• Prepares clear incident documentation.
• Trains and mentors new security officers.
• Participates in mandatory training and disaster readiness activities.
• May work overtime, weekends, holidays as required.

Skills

Building security

Communication skills

Emergency response

Patrol and monitoring

Documentation

Training others

Calm under pressure

Driver's license

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Date: Oct 1, 2026

Location: AUSTIN, TX

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Security Officer II Job Title: Security Officer II Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: Security Posting Number: 21987 Closing Date: 10/31/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Protective Services Salary Range: $3,446.25 - $4,365.66 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-A-13 Shift: Evening Telework: Not Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 5% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location: Austin State Supported Living Center

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 2203 W 35TH ST

MOS Codes: 0300,0311,0365,0369,0370,5803,5811,5812,5814,5821,8151,8152,8154,8156,113X,11A,11B,11C,11Z,180A,18A
18B,311A,31A,31B,31D,31K,31PX,31Z,3P0X1,649X,715X,749X,GM,MA,ME,MLES,MST,OAF10,OAF12,OAP10, OAP14
OAR10,OAR13,OS,OSS,SO

Brief Job Description

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence. The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Monitors surveillance cameras in state supported living center/state hospital buildings for unauthorized persons, fires, and unusual occurrences and incidents and reports emergencies immediately upon discovery. Reports abuse, neglect and/or exploitations allegations through proper channels if suspected during surveillance camera monitoring.
• Conducts routine patrol of buildings and grounds taking appropriate action upon discovery of unauthorized persons or activities.
• Responds to all fire alarms and investigates the cause of alarm, taking any emergency action if necessary in accordance with training received. Assists with fire drills and other proactive life safety checks as directed.
• Handles the dissemination and coordination of emergency responses and information, and notification to facility management and law enforcement personnel, if appropriate, in the event of emergency and/or security violation situations.
• Assists in the apprehension of suspects, where reasonably possible, in cases of unauthorized entry into buildings and work areas, malicious mischief, or other violations.
• Prepares timely and accurate documentation relative to emergencies and/or security violations.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations for changes to security regulations.
• Trains, coaches, and mentors’ new security officers as needed.
• Attends and participates in all mandatory training to meet requirements, maintain job-competence, and develop professionally.
• Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of the building or premises security, use of surveillance equipment, and of the rules and regulations pertaining to building admissions and exits, and of alarm devices.
• Skill in oral and written communication, including writing incident and other investigative reports.
• Ability to communicate with potentially aggressive residents, visitors, and employees.
• Ability to patrol grounds, detect danger, and take appropriate action.
• Physical ability to walk extensively, run occasionally, and assist in restraining during an emergency.
• Ability to drive a state-vehicle.
• Ability to prepare concise reports.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to remain calm, reasonable, and react quickly in an emergency situation.
• Skill in defusing potentially difficult situations.
• Skill in monitoring and assessing situations and determining appropriate response.
• Knowledge of basic traffic and parking regulations.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Must possess valid Texas driver’s license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date. Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Initial Screening Criteria

• High School diploma, GED, or 12 months of work experience is required.
• Work experience in security, law enforcement, or military is preferred.
• Work experience with people with intellectual or developmental disabilities or mental health issues is preferred.

Additional Information

• Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/ Entities (LEIE).
• Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.
• All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.
• All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.
• Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks And Work Eligibility

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.

Nearest Major Market

Austin