Security Team Specialist I

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking a Security Team Specialist. As a Security Team Specialist at our state-operated public health hospital, you will serve an essential role in maintaining safety and security across a diverse and dynamic healthcare environment. From patrolling the hospital grounds to ensuring compliance with safety protocols, your presence will help safeguard staff, patients, and visitors while fostering a calm, orderly atmosphere. This is a unique opportunity to blend public safety with public service in a setting where your work directly supports the well-being of some of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable individuals.

Working as part of a close-knit law enforcement team, you will have the chance to grow your skills in areas such as emergency response, investigations, and community engagement within a healthcare setting. This position offers the stability and benefits of state employment, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to be part of a mission-driven organization that values professionalism, integrity, and compassion.

Please Note: The position is 3rd shift, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. with days off being Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

·         Patrols hospital buildings, grounds, and surrounding areas to prevent trespassing, theft, fire, and property damage.

·         Maintains order among staff, patients, and visitors while ensuring compliance with hospital traffic regulations, including parking and speed control.

·         Screens visitors, directs traffic, enforces parking policies, and provides personal protection as needed to maintain a safe environment.

·         Conducts investigations into suspicious activity, missing persons or property, and other safety-related incidents.

·         Responds to emergencies such as natural disasters, internal crises, and facility-related incidents, and coordinates with emergency services when necessary.

·         Provides in-service training on fire safety, crime prevention, and general safety practices to hospital personnel and outside agencies.

·         Oversees the functionality and maintenance of fire safety equipment, alarm systems, and related safeguards; reports issues and requests repairs as needed.

·         Monitors security systems, including the hospital switchboard, medical gas gauges, and alarm panels, and takes action in the event of malfunctions or alarms.

·         Documents and submits detailed reports on incidents, investigations, and observations made during assigned shifts.

·         Performs additional duties as required to support the safety and security of the hospital community.

Required Qualifications:

·         Ability to remain calm, composed, and effective in high-pressure, emergency, or emotionally charged situations.

·         Demonstrated tact and professionalism when interacting with individuals, including those under physical or emotional stress.

·         Strong decision-making skills with the ability to respond quickly and appropriately in dangerous or emergency scenarios.

·         Capacity to handle confidential information with discretion and integrity.

·         Skilled in following and delivering clear oral and written instructions, including drafting precise and understandable written guidance.

·         Proficient in gathering information through interviews, questioning, and examination of records or documents.

·         Knowledge and application of relevant laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing departmental operations.

·         Analytical ability to assess data, determine relevance, draw conclusions, and make informed recommendations.

·         Physical ability to lift heavy objects or individuals when necessary.

·         Demonstrated stamina and physical endurance to perform duties over extended periods.

Preferred Qualifications:

·         Knowledge of investigative methods used in conducting security-related inquiries and incident follow-ups.

·         Proficiency in general report writing, including clear, concise, and factual documentation of incidents.

·         Familiarity with fire protection systems and equipment, such as fire alarms, extinguishers, and sprinkler systems.

·         Understanding of building and property security protocols, including patrol procedures and access control measures.

·         Experience operating fixed radio communications equipment in accordance with standard procedures.

·         Knowledge of emergency response procedures within healthcare or institutional settings.

·         Familiarity with surveillance systems and basic monitoring technologies.

·         Ability to interpret and apply public safety protocols in a hospital or campus environment.

·         Prior experience in a security, law enforcement, or military role.

·         Training or certification in CPR, First Aid, or crisis intervention.

DPH Mission and Vision:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism.

We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances.

DPH Mission Statement:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high-quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. According to comparative analyses, Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states, but we still face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious diseases, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.

More information can be found at: www.mass.gov/DPH

About Western MA Hospital:

The Western Massachusetts Hospital is the only public hospital operating in the western region of Massachusetts with a mission to serve as a medical safety net for many uninsured and under-insured residents in the region. Western Massachusetts Hospital provides both acute and chronic hospital care to patients with a variety of chronic diseases and complicated medical conditions, such as:

·         Cardiac and pulmonary disease

·         Chronic neurological disorders

·         Complications of strokes

·         Dementia with major behavioral issues

·         End stage terminal illnesses of various diagnoses

Consider joining our dynamic team of health care professionals in a work environment that provides high staff to patient ratio and delivers high quality care to all patients on all units.  Enjoy the opportunity to provide quality services in a long-term care setting where familiar faces are the norm rather than the exception. 

Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/locations/western-massachusetts-hospital

About the Department of Public Health:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.
 
DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.

Learn more about nursing opportunities at DPH https://www.mass.gov/info-details/nursing-roles-at-dph 

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the   Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions, please contact Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Option 4. 

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements: None.

Special Requirements: Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Appointee must be eligible for appointment as a special police officer under Chapter 22C, Section 60 (DPH) and Section 59 (DMH & DMR) of the Massachusetts General Laws.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range. 

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.