Security Officer

This Band 3 post sits in the reception and security team at the Trevor Gibbens Unit, part of Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. The officer controls admission, searches visitors and returning patients, keeps records current and responds to incidents. Much of the work is at the reception desk and airlock, with reporting to the Head of Security or the out-of-hours on-call lead.

A full UK driving licence and access to a car for business use are required.

• Admit only authorised visitors and keep staff and visitor records up to date
• Direct visitors to, and remind them of, prohibited items before the airlock and secure areas
• Search visitors and returning patients in line with secure guidelines
• Report any potential security breach to the Head of Security or out-of-hours on-call
• Respond proactively to incidents, with full training provided
• Issue specific equipment, such as handcuffs and emergency rucksacks, only to authorised people and complete paperwork on return
• Direct responding staff to alarms in the relevant ward or department
• Maintain an efficient, secure reception and monitor security resources and equipment, reporting discrepancies to the Head of Security
• Liaise with wards and departments on security and reception matters
• Compose and circulate emails once approved by the Head of Security or out-of-hours on-call
• Work as a member of the reception team, following unit security and reception procedures

• Experience in a role with similar pressures and demands
• Communicating with a range of people on a range of matters appropriately

• IT literate
• High attention to detail and use of own judgement within policies and procedures
• Professional communication in person and by telephone
• Prioritising workload and working under pressure, with non-routine work
• Working as part of a team and autonomously when needed
• Punctual and flexible

• Full, valid UK driving licence and access to a car or vehicle for business use (unless disabled under the Equality Act 2010)

• Knowledge of Microsoft software
• Knowledge of mental health services