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Safety and Security Technician

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Virginia, MN, United States


Title:

Safety and Security Technician
State Role Title:

49053
Hiring Range:

Minimum Salary $40,063; to Commensurate with Experience
Pay Band:

3
Agency:

Dept Behavioral Health/Development
Location:

Central State Hospital
Agency Website:

https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/csh/
Recruitment Type:

General Public - G
Job Duties

Any and all qualifications that you have must be represented in your application/resume as verifiable work experience.
Central State Hospital (CSH) is a 277-bed Joint Commission accredited psychiatric inpatient facility located in Petersburg, Virginia. CSH has proudly been serving citizens of the Commonwealth since 1870, when we opened our doors as the first psychiatric hospital in the country dedicated to the treatment of African Americans. A new and modern CSH is currently under construction on the same property, with a scheduled completion date of 2027.
CSH maintains the only maximum-security treatment facility in the state (111 beds). We also have 166 beds available for individuals in the community who need inpatient care, as well as individuals in the criminal justice system. We believe that treatment should be holistic and focused on the person’s individual needs, recognizing that recovery is not linear or the same for every person. Treatment modalities may include medication, evidence-based group and individual therapy, peer support, psychosocial rehabilitation, vocational training, preparation for court, and treatment for substance use.
Central State Hospital is recruiting a Safety and Security Technician.
Responsibilities

Responsible for controlling all access to and from a maximum‑security unit where court‑ordered patients from the criminal justice system are assigned for psychiatric evaluation and/or treatment.
Determine positive identification of staff and visitors.
Screen visitors.
Secure necessary approval for entry and exit.
Ensure only authorized persons enter and/or leave the forensic unit.
Other duties include but are not limited to:

Supervising and observing patients’ activities.
Transporting and escorting patients within the forensic unit or to destinations throughout the facility, to courts, hospitals, medical appointments and other facilities in the state.
Assisting with the admission process, including the searching of patients and explaining unit policies/regulations.
Securing items not allowed in the unit.
Inspecting packages.
Operating electrical doors.
Receiving incoming telephone calls.
Notifying staff of deliveries.
Issuing keys and maintaining a key record inventory.

The Safety and Security Technician is also responsible for understanding and using the least restrictive interventions, per hospital policy, and to successfully avoid the use of seclusion and restraint whenever possible.
Minimum Qualifications

Must be able to work ANY SHIFT.
Previous Security Experience.
Valid Virginia Driver’s license.
Previous Mental Health Experience in a Hospital setting.
Additional Considerations

DCJS Certification.
Benefits

DBHDS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including your choice of health plans, paid life insurance, retirement plans, 13 paid holidays, annual leave, family personal leave, sick leave, employee discount programs, and more!
Legal Requirements

Under Virginia Code 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services (DBHDS) cannot employ or utilize as volunteers individuals convicted of specific ("barrier") crimes or those with pending "barrier" charges.
Equal Opportunity

The Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to conducting all aspects of human resource management without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race, including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. There shall be no retaliation against anyone making allegations of violations of this policy.
Veteran Preference

DBHDS is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) certified employer and provides hiring preference to qualified veterans and service members. We highly encourage veterans, active members of the Virginia National Guard, and U.S. Military Reserve members to apply and respond accordingly on the state application.
Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance or accommodation, please notify Human Resources at (804) 524-7111 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
Contact Information

Name:

Human Resources Department
Phone:

804-524-7111
Email:

CSHRecruitment@dbhds.virginia.gov

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