Security Officer, UMMC

As a Security Officer at UMMC, your primary responsibilities will involve ensuring the safety of patients, visitors, and staff, enforcing hospital safety policies, and providing directions throughout the campus. You'll handle emergency situations, document safety incidents, and investigate reported incidents while working closely with local law enforcement. Your role will also require you to assist in shuttle services and guide staff and visitors during emergencies.

To qualify for the Security Officer position at UMMC, you are required to have a High School Diploma or GED. While one year of experience in security, military, or law enforcement is preferred, obtaining a Maryland Security Guard Card and certifications in security/safety training within 90 days of hire is essential. Familiarity with safety hazards and laws like HIPAA and EMTALA is beneficial.

As a Security Officer at UMMC, you will work in a diverse and dynamic environment that fosters teamwork and collaboration. Located in bustling Baltimore, you'll be part of a cutting-edge medical center recognized for its commitment to patient care. The work entails interacting with a variety of people daily, ensuring their safety while providing helpful information and support.

Successful Security Officers at UMMC possess strong communication skills, critical problem-solving abilities, and effective interpersonal skills. You should be adept at observing your surroundings for safety hazards and have the capacity to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively. Knowledge of security techniques and a commitment to guest relations will also be crucial in this role.

The pay range for a Security Officer at UMMC is between $17-$23.33 per hour. The specific rate within this range can depend on your qualifications and experience level. Additionally, UMMC offers a variety of benefits which you can learn about in the 2024-2025 UMMS Benefits Guide.

In my daily work as a Security Officer, prioritizing safety and security begins with vigilance and proactive observation. I consistently assess my environment for potential hazards while adhering to established protocols, ensure open lines of communication with team members, and engage with visitors to ensure everyone feels safe and welcomed in the hospital.

In an emergency situation at UMMC, I would remain calm and assess the situation quickly. My first step would be to notify the appropriate personnel through the two-way radio, following up with any immediate actions needed to ensure safety, such as guiding patients, staff, or visitors to safety and following hospital procedures outlined in the emergency plans.

My experience in security and customer service roles has equipped me with the leadership and problem-solving skills necessary for a Security Officer position. I've honed my ability to handle difficult situations calmly and efficiently, ensuring both individuals' safety and a reassuring presence during stressful times.

In dealing with a difficult or uncooperative patient, I'd approach the situation with empathy and respect, aiming to understand their concerns. Utilizing de-escalation techniques, I would calmly communicate with the individual while ensuring that their safety and the safety of others remain priority, calling for assistance if needed.

I believe that effective communication with team members and staff involves active listening, clarity in conveying information, and being approachable. I use two-way radios for immediate concerns, ensure written reports are accurate for future reference, and encourage open dialogue to foster a collaborative security environment.

To ensure compliance with hospital security policies, I familiarize myself with regulations, provide continuous oversight while on rounds, participate in training, and report any discrepancies or violations I observe. Continuous learning and adaptation to new procedures contribute to an overall safer environment.

Balancing security and a welcoming atmosphere is essential. I achieve this by approaching each interaction with kindness, promoting safety without appearing intimidating, and ensuring that visitors feel comfortable asking questions or voicing concerns. My experience in customer service is vital in this approach.

The most challenging aspect of working as a Security Officer can be dealing with high-pressure situations where quick decisions must be made. Understanding how to assess a situation appropriately and act accordingly while maintaining professionalism is crucial, and I view these challenges as opportunities for growth.

Preparation for drills or real emergencies involves thorough understanding of hospital protocols, participating actively in training sessions, and practicing coordination with team members. Maintaining readiness through regular reviews of response procedures ensures that I and my team can act efficiently and effectively in critical situations.

Certainly! In a previous role, I encountered a situation where a visitor was acting suspiciously. I approached them calmly, asked about their concerns, and discovered they were lost. By guiding them to their destination and ensuring they felt safe, I not only resolved the immediate security issue but also reinforced a positive experience.