DSHS ESH Security Guard

DSHS ESH Security Guard 2

Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, WA, is hiring on-call Security Guards to help maintain a safe and secure environment for staff, patients, and visitors. In this role, you'll be responsible for ensuring safety, responding to incidents, and supporting hospital management in enforcing rules and policies.

This opportunity is ideal for individuals who can adapt quickly, stay calm under pressure, and work effectively as part of a team. If you're looking for a meaningful role where you can apply your security skills, we want to hear from you!

Located just 15 miles west of Spokane, Eastern State Hospital (ESH) is one of two state‑operated psychiatric hospitals for adults in Washington. Since opening its doors in 1891, ESH has played a vital role in delivering inpatient evaluation, therapy, and treatment for individuals with serious mental illness. The hospital operates 375 beds across its Eastlake and Westlake campuses and is accredited by The Joint Commission and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Serving patients primarily from eastern Washington, ESH provides essential, court‑ordered psychiatric care in a secure, recovery‑focused environment on a peaceful, wooded campus.

• Patrol the hospital campus by vehicle and on foot to protect staff, patients, visitors, and property.
• Respond to and de‑escalate crisis situations while maintaining safety.
• Conduct security walk‑throughs, safety checks, and monitor for potential threats.
• Assist in gathering evidence, documenting incidents, and acting as a liaison for emergency responders.
• Confiscate and secure contraband, ensuring proper reporting and documentation.
• Operate security equipment, including cameras, radios, alarms, and specialized software.
• Respond to fire, smoke, intrusion, and other security alarms.
• Train and orient newly hired Security Guards.

• Knowledge of safety protocols, fire hazards, and emergency response procedures within an institutional setting.
• Ability to enforce rules, regulations, and policies while managing security situations effectively.
• Skilled in supervising, leading, and training security personnel to maintain operational efficiency.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clear reports and provide instructions.
• Ability to respond to emergencies, diffuse conflicts, gather evidence, and assist law enforcement and emergency responders.

• One year of experience as a Security Guard 1.
• High school diploma or GED and two years of experience in security, corrections, store investigations, law enforcement, military police, or similar roles.
• A certificate of completion in a basic law enforcement training program approved by the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission, or a certificate of completion in a police or reserve police academy or military training program, which will substitute for one year of the required experience.

• A valid driver's license is required for this position.
• Opportunities performed on‑site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.
• Evening and night shifts also include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.

Apply online today! Please include three references with your application.

Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna a.gov and reference job number #07962.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti‑racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and…