Security Officer I

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.

Functional Title: Security Officer I
Job Title: Security Officer I
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Security
Posting Number: 20163
Closing Date: 11/17/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Protective Services
Salary Range: $2,904.91- $3,946.25
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-A-11
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First); Evenings (Second); Nights (Third); Weekends
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location: Kerrville State Hospital
Job Location City: KERRVILLE
Job Location Address: 721 THOMPSON DR
Other Locations: Kerrville
MOS Codes: 0300,0311,0365,0369,0370,5803,5811,5812,5814,5821,8151,8152,8154,8156,113X,11A,11B,11C,11Z,180A,18A
18B,311A,31A,31B,31D,31K,31PX,31Z,3P0X1,649X,715X,749X,GM,MA,ME,MLES,MST,OAF10,OAF12,OAP10,OAP14
OAR10,OAR13,OS,OSS,SO

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 ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. 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.

Under the direct supervision of the Security Supervisor, performs routine (journey-level) security work, providing a safe and secure environment for the hospital. Admits employees and visitors to facility grounds and buildings. Provides patrol of grounds and buildings by foot and by vehicle. Checks grounds completely for any fire, damaged property, equipment, or unauthorized person(s). Documents all findings and reports to supervisor any unusual findings. Responds to all employee accidents and distributes paperwork properly. Responds to and documents all alarms and investigates causes of alarm. Performs monthly fire extinguisher inspections in all buildings. Keeps a daily log sheet of activities and turns in at the end of shift. Enforces the parking, traffic, security, and safety regulations. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

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.

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.

Admits employees and visitors to the facility grounds.

Checks for unauthorized materials as they come into the front gate of the hospital grounds to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

Performs regular and erratic patrol of the entire grounds by vehicle and foot.

Performs regular foot patrol of the interior and exterior of all buildings checking for unauthorized activity, and to ensure no unauthorized person(s) are on the grounds or inside of buildings.

Responds to all fire alarms and investigates the cause of alarms to take any emergency action if necessary.

Performs monthly fire extinguisher inspections to make sure they are full and in good operating condition.

Checks on all after-hour maintenance calls to determine if it is necessary to call the on-call person.

Informs all visitors of procedures and facility regulations to ensure they get the appropriate pass and to ensure the confidentiality of patients is maintained.

Monitors the grounds to be aware of any clients trying to leave hospital grounds without proper authorization.

Monitors vehicle parking and traffic violations as per facility policy to ensure safety of patients and employees.

Attends and participates in all mandatory training to meet requirements, maintain job-competence, and develop professionally.

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 traffic and parking regulations

Knowledge of emergency reporting procedures

Skills in monitoring and assessing situations and determining an appropriate response.

Ability to patrol the grounds by foot or in a vehicle, detect dangerous situations, and take appropriate actions.

Ability to prepare a concise report to the shift supervisor and/or co-workers.

Ability to learn the hospital buildings and grounds that are patrolled.

Ability to learn and enforce hospital rules and regulations pertaining to building admissions and exits.

Ability to apply restraint techniques if necessary.

Ability to set up barricades for securing an area in an emergency or securing an area after an incident or accident.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

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 driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Twelve (12) months’ work experience.

One year of experience in security, law enforcement, or military 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 and Terrell 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 View phone number on aiapply.co. 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.