Security Officer II

Texas Health and Human Services; Vernon (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is seeking a Security Officer II for Vernon State Hospital, Vernon, TX. The role focuses on safeguarding facilities, monitoring surveillance, and coordinating emergency responses to protect patients, staff, and property.

The position requires prior security experience, ability to remain calm in emergencies, and the capability to report incidents accurately. Regular full-time hours, evening shift, and a non-telework arrangement are included.

Qualifications

• Two years of work experience in security, law enforcement, or military preferred.
• Knowledge of building security, alarms, and surveillance equipment.

Responsibilities

• Attend regularly and follow shift schedules, including overtime as needed.
• Monitor surveillance cameras and patrol state hospital facilities.
• Coordinate emergency responses and notify management or law enforcement as appropriate.
• Assist in apprehension of suspects for unauthorized entry.

Skills

Premises security

Surveillance equipment

Emergency response

Incident reporting

Calm under pressure

Education

2+ years security or related field

Job description

Date: Sep 8, 2026

Location:

VERNON, 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: Forensic Security

Posting Number: 21074

Closing Date: 09/22/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Healthcare Support

Salary Range: $3,100.00 - $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: Vernon State Hospital

Job Location City: VERNON

Job Location Address: 4730 COLLEGE DR

Other Locations:

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

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked 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 hospital buildings for unauthorized persons, fires, and unusual occurrences and incidents and reports emergencies immediately upon discovery. Conducts routine patrol of buildings and grounds.
• Handles the dissemination and coordination of emergency responses and information, and notification to hospital 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 incident reports and other investigative reports relative to emergencies and/or security violations.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations for changes to security regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 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 building or premise security and use of surveillance equipment.
• Knowledge of the rules and regulations pertaining to building admissions and exits, and of alarm devices.
• Skills in oral and written communication, including writing incident and other investigative reports.
• Skill in administering CPR.
• Ability to communicate with potentially aggressive patients, visitors, and employees.
• Ability to patrol grounds, detect danger, and take appropriate action.
• Ability to prepare concise reports.
• Ability to remain calm, reasonable and react quickly in an emergency situation.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

• Must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.
• CPR certified or ability to obtain within 6 months.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Twenty-four (24) months’ work experience.
• Two years of work experience in security, law enforcement, or military preferred.
• Twelve months work experience in a mental health or correctional facility 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 Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state‑operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age. Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures. 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: Wichita Falls