Security Officer III-K9 Handler - Security

Position Summary

The Security Officer and K9 provide and maintain a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, employees, and volunteers. This position is responsible for assisting in security response efforts, assigned service duties, as well as routinely patrolling all buildings and grounds. This individual will possess a strong interest toward working with K9s in a public safety capacity. Applicants must be willing to submit to fingerprinting for a background check.

• 1+ years in institutional security, preferably in a health care facility or a similar setting.
• Preferred experience as an investigator in law enforcement or security. Working knowledge of the different departmental functions within a hospital or health care facility.
• Working knowledge of state and federal security regulations affecting hospitals. Must be experienced in effectively interacting with people. Must possess excellent written and oral communications skills.

• Valid Driver’s License
• PA Security Guard Registration (Guthrie will assist in obtaining if needed since travel across state lines is sometimes required).
• NYS Security Guard License (Guthrie will assist in obtaining for eligible applicants if needed since travel across state lines is sometimes required).
• K9 Handling Certificate (training provided within specified timeframe)
• Achieve and maintain certification in CPR and CPI (training provided)

• High School Diploma or equivalency required, further Educational Degree preferred.
• Classroom training in a field relevant to security functions with course work in the behavioral sciences is strongly preferred.

• Patrols facilities and grounds to maintain safety. The K9 team assists in Security response efforts, as well as carrying out activities relating to the safety and security of patients, visitors, employees, and volunteers.
• The K9 Officer provides 24/7 care for his/her K9 including feeding, exercising, grooming, medical care, cleaning of the K9’s kennel, maintaining a healthy home environment, scheduling yearly examinations by the department selected licensed veterinarian, and ensuring the K9 is treated immediately for any sickness or injury.
• Ensures K9’s fitness through training and exercise to ensure an acceptable level of readiness.
• May participate in joint K9 events and activities in conjunction with local law enforcement and agencies.
• Maintains and ensures the safety of the K9 during all activities both on and off-duty/shift and will utilize best judgement during calls for service as to the utilization of the K9 paying close attention to all things that may affect, or stress, their dog and act immediately to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the K9.
• The K9 will be trained in scent detection, area searches, and de‑escalation of potentially dangerous situations by acting as a psychological deterrent while being exposed to a variety of environments and situations on Guthrie properties including but not limited to screening persons and areas for hazardous or prohibited items and substances, protecting hospital patients, visitors, employees, volunteers and property against crime, and handling disruptive individuals and other illegal or unauthorized activities.
• Regularly interacts with patients, visitors, and staff.
• Prepares and maintains complete, and comprehensive reports and logs relating to training, utilization, care, feeding, deployment and inflicted injuries of the K9.

• Safeguards confidential information.
• Must maintain a neat appearance.
• Be willing to care for and house the K9 at their residence.
• May be required to work an “on call” schedule and nontraditional hours (i.e. weekend community events), rotating shifts, nights, evenings, days, and on holidays, weekends, or shifts other than that which is considered as the normal work shift. May also be required to work overtime.
• Participates in security training and continuing education programs including, but not limited to, mandatory K-9 training, Training in First Receiver Decontamination, Completion of NIMS 100, 200, 700 & 800, International Association for Healthcare…