SECURITY OFFICER IV (Canine Handler)

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Brief Job Description:

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The SECURITY OFFICER IV (Canine Handler) performs highly complex (senior-level) Security Services work and supports the Security Supervisor with department goals and objectives. Work involves use of a canine partner, patrolling grounds; conducting initial investigations as needed; providing direction and/or assistance to patients, staff, and visitors. The Canine Handler is responsible for all aspects of the canine partner's care and training. The Canine Handler will be assigned work as a Security Shift Supervisor or Officer when necessary to meet the needs of the department.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends.

This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Patrol’s hospital grounds to monitor and mitigate unusual occurrences such as trespassers, vandalism, and emergencies.

Responsible for canine partner's daily needs, including feeding, water, grooming, and exercise. Aware of canine partner's physical condition and ensures proper veterinary care.

Provides security to the hospital campus. Opens hospital gates as appropriate. Provides direction and assistance to visitors. Patrols grounds, inspecting and safeguarding buildings, properties, and equipment. Writes reports and documents incidents or events in and around the hospital grounds. Downloads video requests from the Rights Protection department.

Monitors and directs daily activities and work performance of Security Officers as needed. Adjusts daily activities of Security Officers assigned to shift to ensure objectives of the department are met in accordance with directives of the Security Supervisor based upon tasks and personnel available.

Deploys canine partner in various settings, such as vehicle searches, building searches, and perimeter sweeps to detect contraband. Ability to control and handle canine partner, particularly in potentially dangerous situations.

Conducts regular training exercises to maintain canine partner's proficiency and readiness for deployment and coordinates mandated off-site training with certified trainers.

Responsible for documenting the location and nature of any detected contraband, providing evidence for law enforcement. Maintains training and health related records.

Provides crisis intervention, when necessary, assists staff with controlling disruptive or combative patients or guests, and escorts disruptive people off hospital grounds.

Maintains inspection forms to ensure preventive maintenance and the safe operation of vehicles.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of alarm devices

Knowledge of traffic and parking regulations

Knowledge of emergency response procedures

Knowledge of best practices in responsible canine care

Skills in personal interaction with patients, staff, and the public

Skilled in working with trained dogs and detection work

Skills with written and verbal communication, including the skillset necessary to write succinct security incident reports.

Skill in the use of Microsoft Office Programs.

Ability to patrol grounds, detect incidents, and take appropriate action to mitigate impact to campus.

Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations.

Physical ability to walk or stand for considerable lengths of time.

Ability to drive out-of-town.

Ability to drive a wheelchair van.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state drivers license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Current CPR/AED certification preferred, willingness to be certified within 6 months required.

Attending Initial off-site intensive training with canine partner for 4-6 weeks. Attend periodic training with certified trainer.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Five years or more continuous work experience in law enforcement, security or corrections required

OR

Three years or more security experience in a mental health facility required.

Experience working with dogs in a law enforcement or military capacity preferred.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.