Security Specialist

Cascadia Health; United States; On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO – 6 weeks first year

Medical & Dental Coverage

Vision Discount Plan

403(b) Retirement Plan

FSA

Disability & Life Insurance

Bereavement & Jury Duty Leave

Wellness Benefits

Job summary

Cascadia Health seeks a Security Specialist to protect clients, staff, and facilities as an unarmed guard. This role emphasizes a trauma-informed, compassionate approach while monitoring for safety risks and supporting de‑escalation.

Based at Plaza Health Center in SE Portland, OR, the position covers shifts across four health centers with a 2:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m. schedule and a floating premium. Travel to multiple sites is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or other post-secondary education as DPSST allows.
• Current Oregon Unarmed Security Professional license (or ability to obtain) as required under ORS 181 and OAR 259.060.
• Preferred: experience with mental health and addictions populations.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Must be able to travel to multiple Portland-area locations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain security across assigned facilities, responding to incidents professionally.
• Conduct regular safety checks and patrols to ensure a secure environment for clients and staff.
• Assist with de-escalation using trauma-informed practices while remaining calm and respectful.
• Document safety concerns, incidents, or suspicious activities according to procedures.
• Collaborate with clinical staff to address risks and support safety plans.
• Assist during emergencies, including facilitating safe evacuations when needed.
• Engage with clients and staff in a friendly, approachable manner to promote safety.

Skills

Communication & active listening

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Teamwork & independence

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or GED

Oregon DPSST Unarmed Security license

Job description

Security Specialist Job Overview

Location/Schedule: This is a floating position that works shifts across four health centers in the Portland Metro Area, but is based primarily at our Plaza Health Center located in SE Portland, OR. A $1.00/hr. floating premium is added to the base pay rate listed. The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (or until last clinician leaves for the evening).

Position: Security Specialist

Program: Security

About Us

Cascadia Health delivers Whole Health Care™. We provide mental health services, addiction recovery support, primary care, wellness programs, permanent housing solutions, and affordable housing to people of all ages. Our mission is to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve.

Description

The Security Specialist at Cascadia Health plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of our clients, staff, and facilities. Operating as an unarmed security guard, the Security Specialist maintains a calm, approachable presence while proactively monitoring for potential safety risks. The ideal candidate fosters a trauma-informed and compassionate environment, upholding Cascadia’s commitment to wellness and safety.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain security across assigned facilities, responding to incidents in a professional, non-confrontational manner.


• Conduct regular safety checks and patrols to ensure a secure environment for clients and staff.


• Assist with de‑escalating tense situations, using trauma‑informed practices to ensure all individuals feel respected and supported.


• Report and document any safety concerns, incidents, or suspicious activities in accordance with established procedures.


• Collaborate with team members, including clinical staff, to address potential risks and contribute to overall safety plans.


• Provide assistance during emergencies, including facilitating safe evacuations when necessary.


• Engage with clients and staff in a friendly, approachable manner to promote a sense of safety and security across Cascadia Health facilities.

Qualifications

Education

• Required: High school diploma, GED, or other graduate certificate from a post‑secondary education as Oregon Department of Public Safety & Security Training (DPSST) allows.


• Current Oregon Unarmed Security Professional license (or ability to obtain) as required under ORS 181 and OAR 259.060.

Experience

• Preferred: Prior experience working with individuals with mental health and addictions challenges.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• (no more than ten)


• Effective communication and active listening skills.


• Effective interpersonal and customer service skills.


• Ability to work proactively and effectively in a team and independently.


• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.


• Operate computer hardware and software at a level needed to effectively perform job functions.

Other

• Must have the ability to travel to multiple locations throughout the Portland Metro area.


• All client‑facing positions must have the ability to perform Basic Life Support (BLS) and properly use AED equipment.


• BLS certification training will be provided within the first 60 days of hire.


• Certification must remain current.

Working Conditions

Environmental

• Worked is performed at an outpatient setting on the outside of the property and requires the Security Specialist stay onsite at all times while on shift.


• The nature of the work dictates that an employee is alert and attentive during their assigned shift.


• Rest breaks and meal periods are subject to interruption.

Operating Hours

• Periodically, staff may be required to work a double shift if the need arises, due to staffing requirements within each program.


• On‑call Security Specialists must have the ability to work a flexible work schedule and be available to cover a minimum of 12 shifts per quarter.


• Schedules may vary depending on program.

Mental

• The Security Specialist will have a varied routine which requires the ability to address new and usual circumstances in which outcomes may negatively affect costs, employee morale or clients.


• There is a degree of unpredictability, disruptions, requiring flexible time management.


• The pace of the Security Specialist job is widely variable.


• There are times of relative inactivity regarding specific safety duties when secondary duties can be accomplished.


• There are low‑stress routine elements of safety procedures that need to be accomplished every shift.


• Often there are both routine and crisis situations occurring at the same time.


• The Security Specialist must be ready to take immediate action, be able to effectively multi‑task and simultaneously direct staff team efforts in dealing with circumstances presented.

Physical Demands

• The Security Specialist will be routinely expected to perform various tasks requiring moderate physical effort.


• Receiving and delivering ground deliveries to the Health Centers, assisting with moving and storing of Health Centers property, and assisting disabled clients and staff.


• The Security Specialist will periodically be expected to deal with the disposal of large garbage items, including shopping carts, left on Health Centers property.


• The Security Specialist will coordinate assistance from other staff if any specific physical demand requires dealing with over 50 pounds.


• The Security Specialist must have the ability to assist the team in providing safety to all residents and staff in potentially volatile situations.

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, contact us at 503-963-7654. This position is represented by a labor union.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off Package - Full‑time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year!


• Medical and Dental Coverage (begins 1st of the month following hire date)


• VSP Vision Discount Plan


• 403(b) Retirement Plan - Eligible after 60 days with immediate 100% vesting and a 1-to-1 company match up to 3% per pay period, plus the opportunity for an additional discretionary contribution (up to 5%) at the end of the fiscal year.


• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Medical, dependent care, and transportation options)


• Short‑Term Disability, Long‑Term Disability, and Life Insurance


• Paid Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave


• Length of Service Award


• Voluntary Life Insurance


• Supplemental Insurance


• Student loan forgiveness options


• Wellness Benefits: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Bike to Work Reimbursement

Starting Rate Range in USD ($) $24.72 - $25.84

Cascadia Health is Oregon’s largest community-based behavioral health and substance use treatment services organization. As both a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Cascadia provides integrated mental health, substance use treatment, primary care, housing support, crisis intervention, peers wellness, skills training, and more to individuals and families. Our clients can find the care they need through one team and often in one location, regardless of their ability to pay.