Security Officer III-Canine Officer

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more.

Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional

Title:

Security Officer III-Canine Officer
Job Title:Security Officer III
Agency:Health & Human Services Comm
Department:Security
Posting Number:21021
Closing Date:09/22/2026
Posting Audience:Internal and External
Occupational Category:Protective Services
Salary Range:$3,500.00-$4,837.08
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group:TEXAS-A-15
Shift:Day
Additional Shift:
Telework:Not Eligible for Telework
Travel:Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary:Regular
Full Time/Part Time:Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:Nonexempt
Facility

Location:

Wichita Falls State Hospital
Job Location City:WICHITA FALLS
Job Location Address:6515 KEMP BLVD
Other Locations:
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12,OAP
10,OAP
14
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10,OAR
13,OS,OSS,SO

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people's lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need.

HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The SECURITY OFFICER III (Canine Handler) performs highly complex (senior-level) Security Services work and supports the Security Supervisor with department goals and objectives. Work involves use of a canine partner, patrolling grounds; conducting initial investigations as needed; providing direction and/or assistance to patients, staff, and visitors. The Canine Handler is responsible for all aspects of the canine partner's care and training.

The Canine Handler will be assigned work as a Security Shift Supervisor or Officer when necessary to meet the needs of the department.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends.

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Deploys canine partner in various settings, such as vehicle searches, building searches, and perimeter sweeps to detect contraband. Ability to control and handle canine partner, particularly in potentially dangerous situations. Conducts regular training exercises to maintain canine partner's proficiency and readiness for deployment and coordinates mandated off-site training with certified trainers.

Responsible for canine partner's daily needs, including feeding, water, grooming, and exercise. Maintain awareness of canine partner's physical condition and ensures proper veterinary care. Provides crisis intervention, when necessary, assists staff with controlling disruptive or combative patients or guests, and escorts disruptive people off hospital grounds.

Patrols hospital grounds to monitor and mitigate unusual occurrences such as trespassers, vandalism, and emergencies. Responsible for…