Canine Security Officer - Mercy Medical Center

The Security Canine Officer will utilize a canine animal in the performance of his/her duties to provide a secure environment for patient care functions of the Medical Center by protecting patients, visitors and staff through the patrol of buildings, property and grounds. The Officer will respond to, evaluate and assist with mitigating any security related issues.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Must possess a minimum of two years of experience in law enforcement or public contract security, or one year of healthcare security experience.
• Experience with and knowledge of security/law enforcement canine handling is preferred.

License & Certification Requirements:

• Must be able to obtain a Special Police Commission through the City of Baltimore Police Department.
• Must attend training provided by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) as a Healthcare Security Officer when given the opportunity by the Medical Center to attend.
• Must successfully complete the canine handler course of instruction provided by Mercy Medical Center.
• Must have a valid Maryland Driver's License, or a valid driver's license from a neighboring state jurisdiction (PA, DC), if this is their permanent primary residence. Note: Employee is not permitted to have a suspended or revoked Maryland License on file even if their home state license for their primary residence is valid, i.e. valid in Pennsylvania while revoked in Maryland.

Other Requirements:

• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to utilize one or more of the following:
  • Microsoft Word Power Point Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Meditech (if applicable to position)
  • Epic (if applicable to position)
  • Performance Manager/NetLearning
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to work independently and possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to effectively communicate and deal tactfully with other personnel, visitors, patients, physicians, customers, and the general public.
• Must be flexible, have personal integrity, and the ability to function effectively as a team with other employees.
• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
• Must be able to work harmoniously with other people.
• Must have good interpersonal communication skills.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in writing.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Must be knowledgeable in Safety and Security duties and the use of Safety & Security equipment.
• Must be able to demonstrate the effective handling of a large canine dog.
• Investigations into criminal and non-criminal matters. Written investigative reports and enter them into the computerized Incident Report System.
• Must have a working knowledge of and be able to operate the computerized access control system and how to enter or change employee access levels.
• Must have a working knowledge of the operation of the CCTV and digital recording system and be capable of retrieving data upon request.
• Must attend training by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) when offered by Mercy Medical Center. In order to become certified, the officer must pass an examination administered by the IAHSS. Officer(s) who fail the initial certification examination will be able to retest at their own expense. Staff who are unable to successfully complete the certification process at the subsequent testing will be evaluated for competency by the Director of Security and Human Resources. Staff who have been referred to Human Resources for inadequately meeting role-specific competency standards will be evaluated by HR for counseling regarding vacant positions for which they may be qualified. The officer would then have one month to transfer to another position for which they are qualified. Since the Medical Center can not maintain staff in unbudgeted positions, staff that has not transferred after one month will be terminated from employment.
• Must be knowledgeable in security duties, use of security equipment, laws governing arrest, handcuffing, trespassing and other laws applicable to security and special police commissions.
• Must be able to accurately type #20 words per minute.
• Must be knowledgeable of legal requirements while conducting investigations and interviewing witnesses and suspects.
• Must be knowledgeable of the Joint Commission Standards applicable to Safety, Security and the Environment of Care.
• Must be able to work a variety of schedules to include weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to work overtime to support the security needs of the Medical Center.
• Must be able to remain at Mercy for extended periods of time (two to three days) when adverse weather or special security situations warrant.
• Must be able to provide a suitable residential environment for a canine dog as required and approved by the Mercy Canine Unit Captain and Director of Security.

Benefits Eligibility is based on your scheduled FTE status and Job Category

• Competitive health, prescription, vision and dental benefits & wellness credit for eligible employees
• 403(b) retirement plan with generous company match and “catch up” provision
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & company paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Mental Health resources and other employee related wellness opportunities through our Employee Assistance Program
• Employer paid Short & Long Term Disability benefits for eligible employees
• Voluntary Benefits
• Discounts on auto & home insurance and Verizon plans
• Mercy’s Rewards & Recognition Program rewarding employees for going above and beyond in living Mercy’s Mission and Values

Mercy Health Services is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) recruiting talent for Mercy Health Services, which serves the greater Baltimore Metro and surrounding Maryland areas.