Security Officer; Wage

Title

Security Officer (Wage)

69113

$23.05 per hour

3

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute

(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

General Public - G

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services supports individuals by promoting recovery, self‑determination, and wellness. This position reports to the Security Services Department at SVMHI, a 72‑bed inpatient psychiatric hospital.

Responsibilities include:

• Monitoring entrances and grounds to ensure compliance with policies and procedures and to maintain a safe environment.
• Minimizing contraband entry and patient elopement risks.
• Acting as a DI‑201 facility investigator for abuse, neglect, or exploitation cases.
• Responding appropriately to routine and emergency situations and interacting with patients, visitors, staff, law enforcement, and the public.
• Conducting written reports with accurate detail and correct grammar.
• Making walking rounds, restraining or transporting physically aggressive patients, and supporting secure and locked environments for patients with psychiatric or legal needs.

The position requires a four‑day, 7‑hour shift schedule including weekends, typically from 12:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., or as scheduled by the supervisor.

• Valid driver’s license with no court‑ordered restrictions, active throughout employment.
• Valid Virginia security guard license or ability to obtain within six months of hire, active throughout employment.
• Ability to work independently with resourcefulness, sound judgment, integrity, and tact.
• Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations, interact effectively with patients, visitors, staff, law enforcement, and the public.
• Ability to read, write, and produce detailed reports with correct grammar.
• Physical ability to conduct walking rounds and to restrain or transport physically aggressive patients.
• Experience with patients with psychiatric disabilities and completion of facility‑sponsored TOVA training.
• Capacity to safely operate a motor vehicle and render credible testimony in a court of law.

• Experience as a Security Officer in psychiatric, acute care, long‑term, or correctional settings.
• Training or experience in Police Science, Security, Law Enforcement, Corrections, or related field.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Veteran status encouraged.

Applications will receive confirmation of receipt. Please refer to the “Your Application” section in your account to check status. Fingerprint‑based criminal history check, drug screen, and reference checks are required. Under Virginia Code §37.2‑314 and §37.2‑408.1, the agency prohibits hiring individuals convicted of barrier crimes or subject to pending barrier charges.

DBHDS no longer requires staff vaccination against COVID‑19; however, vaccination programs continue to be offered. Vaccination status may be required during pre‑employment. For questions, contact the Office of Human Resources.

Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process encourages individuals with disabilities to apply. Veterans encouraged to submit disability documentation. Reasonable accommodations available under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact Human Resources at (434) 773‑4208 for assistance.

DBHDS is an equal‑opportunity employer. Employment opportunities are open to all regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability. Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with national service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TTY.

Name:
Human Resources
Phone:
Email: svmhihrginia.gov

SVMHI uses Form I‑9 and E‑Verify for employment eligibility verification.

SVMHI is a smoke and vape‑free facility in all buildings and outside facility grounds.