Director, Safety and Security

ABOUT US:

With energy and purpose, Cooley Dickinson Health Care, a member of the Mass General Brigham system, is advancing health care in western Massachusetts, and has been since 1886. Our network employs more than 2,000 medical professionals and support staff, at our main Hospital campus in Northampton and additional locations in twelve towns throughout the Pioneer Valley. Cooley Dickinson's VNA & Hospice is also a vital part of our network, providing home-based services throughout Hampshire and Franklin counties.

OUR BENEFITS:

In addition to competitive pay, all Cooley Dickinson employees who work 20 hours or more per week have access to the following benefits with no waiting period:

• A range of health, dental, vision, prescription, and life insurance benefits.
• A generous and flexible Earned Time Off program starting at six weeks accrual per year.
• 403(b) retirement plan with various investment options.
• Opportunities and support for continued education including tuition reimbursement.

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT: 

Reporting to the Mass General Brigham Vice President/Chief Security Officer, the incumbent manages the operations of the Security Department.  Responsibilities include the overall leadership of the daily and long-range operational activities of the department; directly managing the design, implementation, setting and interpretation of policies; design and oversight of physical security and Security systems; implementing and creating quality assurance procedures; establishing short and long-term strategies; revenue control; generating and preparing management reports and investigating and resolving problems. 

The scope of the position includes leading the human resources management of Cooley Dickinson employed staff and the management oversight of contracted security staff operations.  The position serves as the key driver in establishing, promoting and maintaining a security program that includes the protection of people, property and other organizational assets in all Cooley Dickinson owned, leased or occupied facilities. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

ADMINISTRATION: 

• Provides quality services while meeting and maintaining familiarity with applicable rules, accreditation and regulatory issues and requirements that require Departmental, Hospital, Joint Commission, DMH, DPH, CMS, OSHA and other security-related safety standards are adhered to by assisting with problem resolution. 

• Plans, develops, and coordinates security efforts and activities across the organization in collaboration with MGB security leadership, human resources, communications, legal, risk management, facilities management and all other departments.  Establishes and maintains relationships with local, state and federal law enforcement and other related government agencies. Demonstrates active support of organizational and MGB initiatives. Masters and maintains quantitative skills for data analysis that will facilitate change efforts for improvement in work quality. 

• Responsible for managing investigations into criminal and non-criminal incidents; leads high-level investigations; establishes, manages, and, when necessary, leads threat assessment and management activities.  Coordinates investigations as appropriate with municipal, state and federal law enforcement agencies, courts, internally with Administration, Human Resources, Legal and Risk Management and with MGB security leadership. 

• Manages integrated security systems for the organization.  Designs security systems for both new and existing areas based on risk assessment and the operations of the area.  Collaborates with facilities management, project management, Information Systems/Digital and vendors.  Responsible for oversight of the overall maintenance and operations of existing systems. 

• Manages all security operations across the organization, including approximately 15 sites outside of the Northampton main campus and other sites owned, occupied, or leased by Cooley Dickinson.  Responsible for Cooley Dickinson security staff in addition to training, investigations, risk assessment and Security systems support for all sites. 

• Assesses initial and ongoing training needs of hospital staff based on identified risks.  Identifies or creates training in collaboration with internal stakeholders to meet current and future needs.  Executes training and builds department and hospital training capabilities.   

• Collaborates with a variety of Cooley Dickinson and MGB security leadership to develop appropriate protocols to help establish sound responses. Works closely with representatives from high-risk areas to assure that appropriate countermeasures are put in place. 

• The Director also serves as the Safety Officer for Cooley Dickinson, working closely with the Vice President, Operations at Cooley Dickinson and with the MGB Emergency Preparedness team developing and executing emergency plans, conducting audits, planning of emergency drills, and responding to hospital wide emergency situations. 

• Responsible for a total of ~15 FTE, including one direct report Manager, , and ~12 Officers. 

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT: 

• Responsible for the development and implementation of security related policies and procedures, responses to emergent situations, and performance of security risk assessments. Delivers safe, effective services while analyzing sentinel events and errors, develops and implements strategies to address the conditions related to these situations. 

• Uses data collection and analysis to evaluate department performance and ensures continuous improvement for all operations.  Implements methodologies to improve the patient, staff and visitor experience related to security. Examines quality of work product for department and creates activities designed to monitor and improve compliance. Develops emergency procedures in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. 

• Aligns departmental goals with MGB and organizational strategic direction and actively formulates the structure to meet and/or exceed those strategic goals. 

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: 

• Effectively hires, coaches, and uses appropriate corrective actions with staff in accordance with Cooley Dickinson policies and procedures. 

• Maintains accountability for annual competency assessment of staff. Provides staff with accurate performance feedback and the opportunity to set and develop goals. Creates an environment conducive to retaining staff, by developing and engaging employees. Implements strategies to improve employee satisfaction inclusive of strategies to involve employees in decision making. 

• Assesses initial and ongoing training needs of department staff.  Identifies or creates training to meet current and future needs.  Executes training and builds internal training capabilities.  Ensures staff accountability for meeting training deadlines of the department, hospital and MGB. 

• Conducts and documents regularly recurring staff meetings at which pertinent information such as policy and procedure change as communicated. Encourages staff to celebrate successes, express concerns and identify opportunities for improvements. 

• Responsible for the development of the department's in-service training programs including staff development. Ensures that proper training is conducted in compliance with Joint Commission, HIPPA, DMH, DPH, CMS and other regulatory standards. 

COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITES: 

• Responsible for active participation in the MGB Security Council as a member of the security executive team.

QUALIFICATIONS:        

• BS Degree in criminal justice, healthcare management, or business management.  A master's degree in these disciplines or related disciplines is preferred. 
• A minimum of 5 years of experience as a security manager or director responsible for a large security operation and/or a multi-site, regional security operation.  Ten years of security manager or director experience in a healthcare environment preferred.
• Current Certified Healthcare Protection Administrator (CHPA) required or the ability to obtain certification within one year.
• Current Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation preferred.
• Experience with integrated security systems, investigations, and workplace violence prevention/mitigation preferred.

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: 

• Strong problem solving/analytical skills required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English.
• Sustain professional development through continuing education.
• Able to lead and develop others.
• Must be reliable and flexible.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Able to be a team player.
• Good organizational skills to handle multiple tasks in very busy environment.
• Multi-site managing experience/skills.
• Computer skills necessary to use common Microsoft Office products, operate and maintain security systems.
• Analytical skills
• Tact, diplomacy, and persuasion to accomplish objectives.