Hospital Public Safety Assistant

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves assisting in providing a safe environment for employees, visitors and individuals being treated and security for the facilities of the Erie County Medical Center Corporation (ECMCC) or any of the offsite facilities or programs. The incumbent patrols clinical areas and monitors individuals, activities and areas to identify and prevent safety violations and other disorders. In accordance with the New York State Office of Mental Health, the incumbent provides a safe environment for those patients diagnosed with mental illness or considered dangerous to themselves or others and assists in the implementation of treatment goals through positive therapeutic interactions with patients. Work is performed under the direct supervision of a Senior Hospital Public Safety Assistant or other higher ranking Hospital Public Safety Officer but must exercise judgment in emergency situations or when supervision is not available. Supervision is not a function of this position. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Observes individuals on campus ensuring that safety policies and procedures are followed;
Assists clinical staff in maintaining a therapeutic environment in patient care areas including physically intervening to prevent injury to patient, staff or visitor;
Identifies safety violations and dangerous situations and takes appropriate action to de-escalate, prevent and/or minimize danger;
Assists in escorting disorderly persons from premises;
Assists in searches in the Behavioral Health environment including common areas and patient rooms;
Assists in fire drills, panic alarm testing and emergency management exercises;
Responds to emergency situations;
Conducts fire equipment inspections;
Investigates incidents and events and completes initial reporting of same.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Good knowledge of the practices and procedures used to provide safety and security in public buildings and healthcare facilities; working knowledge of fire and safety practices; working knowledge of techniques to deescalate situations; skilled in the use of firefighting equipment; ability to speak clearly; ability to maintain harmonious relations with the public including patients and employees; ability to be firm with visitors, clients and employees; ability to spend long periods of time standing or walking; ability to remain calm in a crisis situation; willingness to work nights, afternoons, weekends, holidays or other unusual shifts; confidentiality; tact; courtesy; dependability; strength and agility; capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
US Citizenship; Possession and maintenance of Registration as a Security Guard by the New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services at time of appointment and throughout duration of appointment (in accordance with General Business Law, Article 7-A, Section 89-f and g);
Possession and maintenance of Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification from an ECMCC approved provider before completion of the probationary period and throughout duration of permanent appointment;
Completion of New York State Office of Mental Health-Bureau of Education and Workforce Development (BEWD) certified safety program within three (3) months of appointment and participation in annual re-training;
Section 424-A of the Social Services Law requires the local social services district to inquire whether the applicant is the subject of an indicated child abuse or maltreatment report on file with the State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment. All potential employees for this position will be requested to sign the necessary clearance form prior to being advised that they will be hired. Refusal to sign will be cause for automatic non-selection.
NOTE: Verifiable part-time and/or volunteer experience will be pro-rated toward meeting full-time experience requirements.
@Approved by Erie County