Security Officer I

Job Summary

This job is responsible for performing a full range of security activities designed to protect persons, property and equipment from volatile individuals, unauthorized access or hazards by patrolling in or around the assigned Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) hospital campuses and ambulatory clinics.  In working to provide a safe and secure physical environment, an incumbent patrols assigned buildings or property on foot or vehicle and is alert to violations of security regulations, suspicious activities, unauthorized persons and safety hazards that may cause injury property damage.  

Work also includes:  

1) investigating security incidents, reporting safety hazards and responding to alarms and emergency codes;

2) controlling hospital access by verifying the identify of persons entering or exiting in accordance with established department procedures;

3) monitoring fire alarm and intrusion detection systems as required;

4) supporting, within scope of position, helistop operations;

5) de-escalating or physically restraining individuals at risk for causing persons and/or hospital property injury or damage; and 6) documenting actions and observations per established procedures.

An incumbent routinely engages in emergent situations, and may be required to use physical force to de-escalate or physically restrain individuals at risk for causing persons and/or hospital property injury or damage.  The ability to run, climb stairs and/or execute other physical activities in response to emergent situations is also required. 

Work requires strong customer service skills, routine use of computers to draft reports, monitor cameras systems and navigate access control applications. Work is performed in accordance with established procedures but allows latitude for judgment in interpreting and applying guidelines to specific situations.  

This is an "unarmed" position that requires shift and weekend work involving significant periods of standing or walking.

Essential Function

• Provides protection of property, and mitigates criminal activity through visible deterrents; conducts proactive patrolling to VMFH buildings, parking structures and grounds throughout the course of the shift on foot or by vehicle.
• Identifies, reports, and follows up on security and building maintenance concerns; reports safety and other discrepancies as observed.
• Responds to activation/deactivation of alarm systems/codes and emergent incidents; evaluates circumstances and implements emergency procedures as situations dictate or as directed; acts as a liaison with appropriate stakeholders..
• Operates equipment including, but not limited to: cellular/radio communications, electronic security systems, fire command systems, self-defense weapons, and other equipment related to life-safety and security currently in use by VMFH; uses closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance equipment, access and alarm programs, to monitor any unusual activity on the grounds or vicinity.
• Checks doors to ensure they are secured and reports any signs of vandalism or equipment malfunction to management.
• Makes determinations about matters such as whether to: provide access into secured areas; deny individuals access to the facility after evaluation of their needs; remove individuals from the property; and when to contact outside law enforcement authorities.
• Supports parking enforcement policies including the issuance of parking passes and tickets.
• Conducts helistop operations and controls egress/ingress to the helistop.
• Escalates serious concerns to higher-level authority including safety issues noted during patrol activity; incidents and follow-up investigations of a sensitive matter; incidents that involve police response and action; disruptive incidents involving patients; access requests that are non-routine and involve restricted areas and incidents involving employee issues.
• Provides customer service to patients, employees and visitors.
• Escorts patients, visitors, and staff to surrounding parking areas as requested; responds in a timely manner to calls for routine assistance.
• Answers questions and provides responses/service in a friendly, courteous and professional manner with strong focus on customer satisfaction; exhibits professionalism and good judgment in daily interactions with patients, visitors and staff.
• Executes firm, courteous and proper response to individuals displaying unusual/suspicious or aggressive behavior.
• Conducts standby’s with actual and potential disruptive persons to ensure the safety of all persons involved.
• Interfaces with law enforcement with respect to criminal activities.
• Receives and conducts preliminary inquiries into complaints of criminal activity; prepares incident reports; gathers evidence; locates witnesses. Assists and/or serves as a liaison to Police, Fire and EMS where applicable.
• Interfaces with law enforcement in respect to suspected criminal activities.
• Summons law enforcement authorities, when situation dictates, in keeping with department procedures.
• Interfaces with the corrections and law enforcement to provide services to inpatient and outpatient prisoner patients.
• May provide assistance to law enforcement authorities, including giving testimony in court and other administrative hearings.
• Completes all required documentation in a timely, accurate and thorough manner in accordance with VMFH standards and procedures; participates in ongoing security training and remains current with security trends and technologies.
• Communicates effectively with others both verbally and in written form; initiates and completes reports using a computerized reporting system; maintains activity logs.
• Provides routine training to hospital staff on policies and procedures.
• May screen, subdue and/or restrain individuals posing potential harm to persons and/or property in keeping with established department procedure; utilizes conflict resolution skills to de-escalate situation/person, involving management staff as necessary.
• Screens high risk patients for contraband including illicit drugs and weapons; maintains chain of custody for valuable items.
• If assigned to St Elizabeth Hospital, may be required to “sit” in the ER when there is an aggressive patient present.

Education and Experience

• Six months of related experience in security, healthcare, or related law enforcement/military experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities.

Licensure and Certifications

• Driver's License: WA (AUTO:WA)

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.

Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.

Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.

We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.