ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:                                    Public Safety Officer                              

REPORTS TO POSITION:    Security Program Supervisor      

DEPARTMENT:                      Security

DATE LAST REVIEWED:       September 2025

OUR VISION:              Creating America’s healthiest community, together

OUR MISSION:           In the spirit of love and compassion, better health, better care, better value

OUR VALUES:            Accountability, Caring and Teamwork

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: The Security Department at St. Charles Health System provides services which promote the physical and psychological safety of patients, visitors, and caregivers.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Public Safety Officer ensures the safety of patients, caregivers, and visitors of St. Charles Health System. This position ensures the safety and security of all property, including buildings, equipment, and assets on St. Charles Health System property. The Public Safety Officer adheres to all applicable rules and provisions of the Oregon Administrative rules and statutory authority to transport patients safely and securely. The Officer is frequently called to situations with patients in a behavioral health crisis that could potentially become violent and ensures safe transportation of those patients to other facilities in accordance with the St. Charles Code of Ethics. Provides a safe environment in which to offer the best possible care to St. Charles Health System patients.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

Performs secure transport. When called for a secure transport, the officer will assess the need for restraints, and using the least restrictive method possible will secure the patient in a caged vehicle in accordance with Oregon state statutes.

Adheres to all provisions outlined in the St. Charles Behavioral Health code of ethics, including all integrity guidelines.

Responds to emergency codes.

Works as a security dispatcher, taking calls, coordinates officer movement and priorities, interacts with tracking software and completes reports. Monitors security cameras and other security systems.

Responsible for completing timely and accurate reports such as, but not limited to, code gray debriefs, after action reports, and special security reports.

Monitors parking and enforces hospital parking rules.

Escalates all policy violations to security leadership.

Serves as front line customer representative for the hospital. Greets patients and visitors and provides wayfinding services.

Conducts real-time threat assessments and makes recommendations upon recognition or notification of any real or perceived threat to the organization, facility, department, or caregiver.

Removes all items the patient could use to injure themselves or others.

Operates vehicle in a safe manner in accordance with all traffic laws while transporting the patient.

In the event of an emergent situation with a patient, renders first aide or CPR as appropriate within their scope.

Completes all required documentation to the standards of all regulatory agencies.

Ensures the safety and security of all patients, caregivers, visitors, and property of St. Charles Health System.

Operates metal detector (stationery and handheld) and maintains its use within policy.

Frequently inspects the buildings to ensure security of entrances, departments, and public areas.

Provides professional service and direction to patients and families presenting to St. Charles Health System Hospitals for after-hours care in the hospital.

Leads de-escalation support as situations require. 

Coordinates with the Admitting and Nursing staff to ensure all entrances are monitored.

Responsible for crowd control during a mass casualty or event which may bring numerous patients and non-patients to the hospital.

Monitors cameras and secure doors and respond to alarms related to facility related problems. Troubleshoots system issues as trained.

Follows all safety rules and procedures for work areas.

Functions as an unlicensed assistive care provider under the direction and supervision of Registered Nursing.

Supports the vision, mission, and values of the organization in all respects.

Supports the Lean principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.

Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients, and guests

Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.  Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, supporting the organization’s corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings.

Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient, and accurate. 

May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.

EDUCATION                

Required: High school graduate or GED equivalent.

Must be willing and able to pass and maintain the below classes and/or certifications that are provided by SCHS.

-ODOT Safe driver training (4 hours once)

-Workplace Violence Prevention Training (8 hours annually)

-Secure transport training (4 hours annually)

-Handcuffing Tactics (4 hours annually)

-Defensive Tactics (8 hours annually)

Preferred: N/A 

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION

Required: Ability to obtain DPSST Armed/Unarmed Professional certification within 90 days of hire and maintain certification throughout employment. AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification within 30 days of hire. Code Gray Training upon hire. Valid Oregon driver’s license and ability to meet SCHS driving requirements. Ability to pass all phases of the initial 6–8-week new officer training curriculum.

Preferred: Certified Advanced Healthcare Security Officer (CAHSO)

EXPERIENCE

Required:  N/A

Preferred: One year of corrections, military, first responder (law enforcement, EMS), Behavioral health or related security experience. One year of customer services related experience with heavy public contact. Two years’ security experience in a hospital setting.                       

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to perform the job safely.

ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION: 

General:

Communication/Interpersonal

Must have excellent communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse population and professionally represent SCHS. 

Ability to effectively interact and communicate with all levels within SCHS and external customers/clients/potential employees.

Strong team working and collaborative skills.

Ability to effectively reach consensus with a diverse population with differing needs.

Ability to manage facilitation and consensus building among health care professionals and agencies and achieve expected results.

Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Organizational

Ability to multi-task and work independently. 

Attention to detail.

Excellent organizational skills, written and oral communication and customer service skills, particularly in dealing with stressful personal interactions.

Strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills.

Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Continually (75% or more): Standing and walking, use of clear and audible speaking voice and the ability to hear normal speech level.

Frequently (50%-75%): Sitting, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 1-25 pounds. Bending, stooping/kneeling/crouching, reaching overhead, grasping/squeezing, keyboard operation

Occasionally (25%-50%)   Ability to hear whispered speech level. The use and operation of a motor vehicle.

Rarely (10%): Climbing stairs. Lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 25-50 pounds. Climbing ladder/stepstool (varies by area),  

Never (0%):

Exposure to Elemental Factors

Rarely (10%): Wet/slippery area, chemical solution.

Never (0%): Heat, cold, noise, dust, vibration, uneven surface.

Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Category

Risk for Exposure to BBP

Schedule Weekly Hours:

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