Job Description
Introduction Make a Difference with DHSS Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.
We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.
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Summary Statement The incumbent will provide security and safety at the Delaware Psychiatric Center (DPC) Jane E. Mitchell (JEM) Building, a 24-hour, three-shift facility serving approximately 42 male and female clients from the Department of Correction and about 80 staff members. JEM operates at a security level comparable to Level 5 facilities, the highest level within the criminal justice system. Responsibilities include enforcing institutional rules, regulations, and safety procedures while maintaining a secure treatment environment. Duties involve responding to crisis or emergency situations, conducting foot patrols of patient units, performing room and building searches, and monitoring clients in day hall settings during meals and group activities.
Essential Functions 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 JOB REQUIREMENTS for Forensic Security Officer II Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
- One year of experience in maintaining the security and safety of individuals and facilities.
- Six months experience in operating security equipment such as radios, security and duress alarms and metal detection equipment.
- Six months experience in interpreting and applying laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to the protection of the health, safety, welfare or rights of clients in a psychiatric setting.
- Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or canceled, or disqualified from driving).
Additional Posting Information Incumbents working four or more hours of work between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following day will receive 5% shift differential pay. Conditions of Hire This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.
Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.
Pre-employment Drug Testing: Upon a conditional offer, you must undergo pre-employment drug testing as part of the hiring process.
All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.
DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.
Benefits To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at
Selection Process The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.
Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the "My Applications" tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.
Accommodations Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. TDD users may request an auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com. You may also call (302) 739-5458 or email DHR_ADAConcerns@delaware.gov for additional applicant services support.
The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Job Tags
Shift work, Day shift