Forensic Security Officer I

Forensic Security Officer I - State of Delaware

Make a Difference with DHSS

Security officers at the Jane E. Mitchell (JEM) Building, a 24/7 facility at the Delaware Psychiatric Center (DPC), ensure the safety of 42 male and female clients from the Department of Correction (DOC) and 80 staff. This role involves enforcing rules, conducting foot patrols, performing room/building searches, and monitoring patients in various settings. Officers may respond to crises or emergencies as needed. JEM operates at a high-security level, requiring vigilance and adherence to institutional policies to maintain a secure environment.

Essential Functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• 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.

Job Requirements

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

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