Access Control Specialist

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionAccess Control SpecialistDepartment: OperationsReports To: Access Control Supervisor / Director of Safety & SecuritySchedule: Varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidaysStatus: On-site, essential position (24/7 operations)Position SummaryThe Access Control Specialist is responsible for maintaining the safety, security, and controlled access of The Westchester Corporation’s residential property. This role operates from and in coordination with the Security Office, which serves as the centralized monitoring, access enforcement, and emergency response hub for the property.Key elements of the role include:Monitoring and controlling access to a multi-unit residential propertyOperating from the Security Office as a centralized safety and response hubOverseeing building life-safety and security systemsServing as a frontline responder during incidents and emergenciesProviding after-hours assistance to Member-Owners and residentsCore Responsibilities & Essential DutiesSecurity Office, Monitoring & Access OperationsStaff and operate the Security Office as the centralized monitoring and response hubMonitor CCTV surveillance systemsMonitor fire alarm panels, including acknowledgment and escalationOversee loading dock operations, including deliveries, move-ins/outs, and vendor accessMonitor building access control systems, alarms, and restricted entry pointsVerify, credential, and manage contractor and vendor access by:Confirming authorization prior to granting entryVerifying identification and scope of workIssuing and collecting visitor credentials, badges, or lanyardsLogging contractor arrival and departure timesEnsuring contractors access only approved areasEnforce access control protocols to ensure only authorized residents, guests, vendors, and contractors are permitted entryRespond to alarms, alerts, and observed incidents in accordance with established proceduresDocument all access events, security activities, incidents, and contractor activity in logs and systemsPatrol & Property MonitoringConduct routine patrols of buildings, garages, parking areas, and groundsEnsure perimeter doors, restricted areas, and storage spaces are secureIdentify and report safety, security, or maintenance concernsEnter work orders for hazards or maintenance issues such as lights out using BuildingLink or similar systemsMonitor parking areas and issue violation notices as requiredPatrol bicycle storage areas and garages to ensure authorized useEmergency Response & CoordinationAct as a frontline responder during emergenciesNotify police, fire, medical services, on-call management, and engineering staff as requiredCoordinate access and guide responding emergency personnel on-siteAssist with resident safety actions, including evacuation guidance, in accordance with emergency proceduresMaintain accurate incident reports and shift logsAfter-Hours Resident Assistance & CommunicationsProvide after-hours support to Member-Owners and residents by:Answering incoming callsRouting calls to appropriate on-call personnelProviding general building information as appropriateInitiate emergency notifications to on-call Managers, on-call Engineers, or emergency services as requiredMaintain detailed records of calls, notifications, and actions takenResident & Guest Support (Security-Focused)Assist residents with lockouts, guest access, and access-related inquiriesProvide directions and assistance to guests and vendors as appropriateCoordinate with Member Services Specialists to support resident needs while maintaining role clarityOperational SupportMaintain detailed shift logs and security reportsAssist with ice melt application for walkways, entrances, and driveways as needed for safetySupport Operations and Management as directed during incidents or special circumstancesEssential Position & Scheduling RequirementsThis role is designated as an essential position. Access Control Specialists are required to report to work as scheduled, including during inclement weather, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations, unless otherwise directed by Management.Because this position supports 24/7 building security, safety monitoring, and emergency response, consistent attendance and reliability are critical.Systems, Technology & ToolsBuildingLink or comparable building management softwareAccess control systems including key fobs, access cards, intercoms, and visitor management platformsCCTV monitoring and alarm systemsFire alarm monitoring panelsTelephone and call-routing systemsDigital logbooks and incident reporting toolsKnowledge, Skills & AbilitiesStrong understanding of access control, security operations, and emergency response protocolsHigh level of situational awareness and attention to detailAbility to remain calm, professional, and decisive under pressureClear verbal and written communication skillsAbility to work independently with minimal supervisionProven ability to collaborate with Operations, Member Services, and ManagementReliable transportation and flexibility to work varied shiftsEducation & ExperienceHigh School Diploma or equivalent requiredOne to three years of experience in access control, security, or a related fieldResidential or multi-unit property experience preferredPhysical RequirementsAbility to stand and walk for extended periodsAbility to patrol indoor and outdoor areas in varying conditionsAbility to stoop, bend, reach, push, and pullAbility to lift and carry up to 65 poundsSupervisory ResponsibilitiesNone\nCompany DescriptionOverview of The Westchester: Built in 1931 on one of the highest points in the city, The Westchester is a five-building, self-governing, member-owner co-op community that houses more than 500 apartments ranging in size from studios to three bedrooms. The Westchester maintains its original grandeur, with more than 10 acres of beautiful, landscaped grounds, including a three-level sunken garden, and provides numerous amenities and commercial services, including a grocery store, restaurant, fitness center, valet, library, hair salon, barbershop, guest rooms, and on-site parking. The Westchester is a short walk from restaurants and other businesses in neighboring Glover Park, Cathedral Heights, and Georgetown, and is adjacent to Glover-Archbold Park.The Westchester offers more than a home, but also a diverse, vibrant, engaged multi-generational community where member-owners collaborate with The Westchester staff on multiple fronts. Our Main Lobby is the site of a concert series with performances by professional musicians. The community holds monthly gatherings where neighbors can get to know one another. We are also electronically connected, with an internal website and social media. The Westchester seeks to set the standard for a quality living experience in our nation's capital, and central to our success is a dedicated team of professionals focused on exceptional customer service, operational efficiency, and innovation. Westchester staff have provided a legacy of excellence that has contributed to the ongoing success of our community. As The Westchester nears its centennial as one of Washington’s best-known addresses, we are embarking on exciting developments, with an ambitious long-range capital plan to modernize the physical and virtual infrastructure and to build a strong, forward-looking management structure. As an employer, The Westchester is dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment. We value integrity, innovation, and collaboration, encouraging our employees to share their ideas, take initiative, and grow their careers. The Westchester is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiencesCompany DescriptionOverview of The Westchester: Built in 1931 on one of the highest points in the city, The Westchester is a five-building, self-governing, member-owner co-op community that houses more than 500 apartments ranging in size from studios to three bedrooms. The Westchester maintains its original grandeur, with more than 10 acres of beautiful, landscaped grounds, including a three-level sunken garden, and provides numerous amenities and commercial services, including a grocery store, restaurant, fitness center, valet, library, hair salon, barbershop, guest rooms, and on-site parking. The Westchester is a short walk from restaurants and other businesses in neighboring Glover Park, Cathedral Heights, and Georgetown, and is adjacent to Glover-Archbold Park.\r\nThe Westchester offers more than a home, but also a diverse, vibrant, engaged multi-generational community where member-owners collaborate with The Westchester staff on multiple fronts. Our Main Lobby is the site of a concert series with performances by professional musicians. The community holds monthly gatherings where neighbors can get to know one another. We are also electronically connected, with an internal website and social media. \r\n\r\nThe Westchester seeks to set the standard for a quality living experience in our nation's capital, and central to our success is a dedicated team of professionals focused on exceptional customer service, operational efficiency, and innovation. Westchester staff have provided a legacy of excellence that has contributed to the ongoing success of our community. \r\n\r\nAs The Westchester nears its centennial as one of Washington’s best-known addresses, we are embarking on exciting developments, with an ambitious long-range capital plan to modernize the physical and virtual infrastructure and to build a strong, forward-looking management structure. As an employer, The Westchester is dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment. We value integrity, innovation, and collaboration, encouraging our employees to share their ideas, take initiative, and grow their careers. \r\n\r\nThe Westchester is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences THE WESTCHESTER CORPORATION