Forensic Security Officer

Introduction

Make a Difference with DHSS. Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well‑being, fostering self‑sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas. We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today.

DHSS is a great place to kick‑start your profession. For more information, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). today!

Delaware Psychiatric Center (DPC) Jane

E. Mitchell (JEM) Security Officers provide safety and security for 42 male and female Department of Correction clients and approximately 80 staff in a 24‑hour, three‑shift facility. JEM is comparable to a federal Level 5 security setting. Incumbents work at DPC–JEM enforcing institutional rules, regulations, and policies. Duties include foot patrols, room and building searches, monitoring clients during meals and group activities, and responding to crisis or emergency situations.

• Observes the behavior of clients and alerts nursing and other clinical staff of behavioral changes; monitors conduct of visitors; and takes action to de‑escalate potentially violent or disruptive situations.
• Responds to psychiatric emergencies involving combative clients and assists in detaining trespassers, violators and searching for missing clients.
• Maintains control of persons and property in compliance with policies relative to safety, security and orderliness.
• Monitors and ensures the safety of state property, as well as safety and location of staff and visitors by performing work such as controlling ingress and egress of people through a secure point of access, within the forensic building and units.
• Answers internal emergency calls received via the facility emergency phone line, relays information to the appropriate authorities, and monitors internal alarm systems.
• Uses electronic intercom and closed‑circuit camera systems to communicate with staff to accurately identify and verify authorized access, granting sector‑by‑sector access from control center.
• Responds to internal hazards, risks, fires or other emergencies.
• Makes regular rounds of the forensic buildings, units and perimeter and ensures that all safety devices on doors and windows are operable and secure.
• Conducts inspections and searches of clients, visitors, grounds and building perimeter for weapons or other contraband and takes client counts.
• Provides general information to forensic unit visitors and gives directions as required.
• May be required to prepare logs, statistical information, incident reports and use of force reports.

• Six months experience in maintaining the security and safety of individuals and facilities.
• Knowledge of security systems and surveillance equipment.
• Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or canceled, or disqualified from driving).

Incumbents working four or more hours of work between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following day will receive 5% shift differential pay.

• This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16.
• This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.
• Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.
• Pre‑employment Drug Testing:
  Upon a conditional offer, you must undergo pre‑employment drug testing as part of the hiring process.
• All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New…