Security Officer - job 6 of 17

As a Security Officer at Dignity Health Mercy General Hospital, your responsibilities will encompass ensuring the safety and security of the premises. This includes patrolling the hospital grounds, responding swiftly to calls for assistance, managing potential violent situations, and performing thorough incident reporting. You'll also be responsible for understanding emergency procedures and using de-escalation techniques effectively to maintain a peaceful environment.

To qualify for the Security Officer position at Dignity Health Mercy General Hospital, you must hold a valid California-issued security officer license with no disciplinary actions. A high school diploma or equivalent is required, alongside at least six months of experience in a security role within a healthcare setting or law enforcement background. Additionally, you need to complete Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 90 days of hire.

Security Officers at Dignity Health Mercy General Hospital receive comprehensive training that includes annual Workplace Violence training and support to complete IAHSS Basic Training for Healthcare Security Officers. This ensures they are well-equipped to manage a variety of situations effectively while promoting safety in the healthcare environment.

Dignity Health Mercy General Hospital offers a robust benefits package for Security Officers, which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, tuition assistance, and retirement programs. Additional perks like Employee Assistance Program access and wellness programs are also part of our commitment to supporting you and your family.

A Security Officer is vital in supporting Dignity Health Mercy General Hospital's strategic plan by ensuring a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors. They play a key role in quality improvement activities by responding to incidents professionally and efficiently, helping create a positive atmosphere that aligns with the hospital's mission of caring for all.

When answering this question, structure your response using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Detail the encounter, what actions you took to de-escalate the situation, and the positive outcome you achieved, emphasizing your training and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Explain your approach to patrols, emphasizing vigilance, communication with team members, and familiarity with emergency procedures. Highlight your experience in identifying potential risks and your proactive measures to address them.

Discuss your familiarity with emergency codes and procedures, along with examples of how you’ve responded in previous roles. Demonstrate your quick thinking and the importance you place on following established protocols for safety.

Highlight the importance of clear and effective communication in your role, both with team members and hospital staff. Share examples of how effective communication has helped you manage incidents successfully.

Share a specific experience using the STAR method to showcase how you identified an issue, proposed a solution, and implemented it. Focus on the outcome and how it enhanced overall security.

Discuss your knowledge of HIPAA and its relevance in a healthcare environment, especially in the context of maintaining patient confidentiality and responding appropriately to breaches. Share how you ensure compliance in your role.

Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning through training, professional development opportunities, and relevant publications. Talk about how staying current on trends helps you apply best practices in the workplace.

Share specific techniques you employ based on your training, such as active listening, maintaining a calm demeanor, and using non-threatening body language to de-escalate tensions effectively.

Discuss your method for maintaining detailed logs and incident reports, emphasizing clarity and timeliness. Share your understanding of how thorough documentation supports accurate follow-up and accountability.

When answering, express your alignment with the values and mission of Dignity Health Mercy General Hospital. Share your passion for ensuring safety in a healthcare setting and how you believe you can contribute positively to the hospital's environment.