Security Officer II

Date:
Jul 2, 2026

Location:

Vernon, TX

Agency:
Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC)

Functional

Title:

Security Officer II

Job Title:

Security Officer II

Department:
Forensic Security

Posting Number: 18603

Closing Date: 08/01/2026

Audience:
Internal and External

Occupational Category:
Protective Services

Salary Range: $3,100.00 - $4,365.66 Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-A-13

Shift: Regular Night (Additional Shift: None)

Telework:
Not Eligible

Travel:
Up to 10%

Job Type: Regular Full Time

FLSA Status:
Nonexempt

Facility

Location:

Vernon State Hospital, 4730 College Dr, Vernon, TX

The Security Officer performs complex (journey‑level) security work at Vernon State Hospital, maintaining a secure and protective environment by monitoring alarms, surveillance cameras, patrolling the campus, checking badges, handling after‑hours emergency calls, and coordinating emergency responses with management and law enforcement.

• Monitor surveillance cameras and alarms for unauthorized persons, fires, and unusual occurrences.
• Conduct routine patrols of buildings and grounds, checking badges or proper identification at the campus gate.
• Handle after‑hours emergency calls and initiate emergency responses as needed.
• Disseminate and coordinate emergency responses, notifying facility management and law enforcement when appropriate.
• Identify unfamiliar persons on campus and within units using surveillance footage and routine patrols.
• Ensure appropriate lighting for safety of patients, staff, and visitors.
• Work under limited supervision, exercising initiative and independent judgment.
• Prepare accurate incident and investigative reports in a timely manner.
• Evaluate and recommend changes to security regulations.
• Perform additional duties such as disaster response, continuity of operations (COOP) activation, and alternative shift assignments as assigned.

• Minimum 24 months of work experience; two years in security, law enforcement, or military preferred.
• Valid Texas driver license (or obtain within 90 days) or provide original certified driving record if holding an out‑of‑state license.
• CPR certified or able to obtain certification within six months.
• Knowledge of building security, surveillance equipment, admission and exit rules, and alarm devices.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including incident and investigative reporting.
• Ability to communicate with potentially aggressive patients, visitors, and employees.
• Ability to patrol grounds, detect danger, and take appropriate action.
• Skill in preparing concise reports.
• Stays calm, reasonable, and reacts quickly in emergency situations.
• Must pass fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and other registry checks (e.g., CANRS); males 18–25 must register with Selective Service.
• Age minimum 18 (21 for applicants to Waco and Terrell Center for Youth).
• Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital procedures; vaccination required per level of contact, with mask or other protection if influenza vaccination not completed.
• Flexibility to work evenings, nights, weekends, overtime, and extended hours; additional pay may be earned.

HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability.

Active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified.