Safety Officer | Altoona

We are a community-based Mental Health and Drug & Alcohol treatment center serving the Altoona area, operating under UPMC Western Behavioral Health. Our site supports approximately 80 staff members, with daily patient volume varying due to scheduled and walk-in intake services. This location is outpatient-focused and does not provide residential or inpatient services. However, the position may occasionally require travel to affiliated sites, including two housing units and a Personal Care Home, to provide support as needed.

We foster a highly collaborative team environment, with strong interdisciplinary support across all programs. Our organization has been consistently recognized in Altoona Mirror’s “Hometown Favorites,” earning honors for approximately five consecutive years, including one first-place award.

This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus of $1,500 for a 2-year work commitment!

Responsibilities:

Safety & Security Operations

• Conduct routine patrols of facility and parking areas; identify, document, and report safety or security concerns
• Perform searches per policy; maintain proper documentation and property handling
• Test and monitor alarm systems and safety equipment (e.g., fire, security)

Emergency & Incident Response

• Respond to emergencies (fire, medical, disasters) and collaborate with law enforcement and first responders
• Initiate and investigate incidents (e.g., theft, safety concerns, suspicious activity)
• Assist clinical staff with uncooperative or combative individuals, using approved restraint/crisis management techniques

Patient, Staff & Visitor Support

• Provide escorts for patients, staff, and visitors as needed
• Support a safe environment through proactive intervention and professional response to assistance calls
• May handle, store, and transport patient belongings, including medications, per policy

Coverage & Daily Operations

• Provide coverage for safety systems clerks and parking attendants as assigned
• Complete assigned tasks and maintain daily communication (email, boards, updates)

Training & Compliance

• Complete required education, competencies, and annual training (including age-specific requirements)
• Adhere to policies on restraint, safety procedures, and overall compliance standards

Professional Standards

• Maintain professionalism in appearance, communication, and interactions
• Uphold service excellence with patients, staff, and visitors

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• 1 year experience in safety, security or related healthcare field preferred.

• Equivalent experience considered.

• May in the course of their duties be in rooms where medications are stored or may transport medications when they transport patients.

• Transportation of medication is limited from one department to another.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
Act 235 with Firearms OR Act 235 without Firearms - All officers hired without a valid Act 235 must complete the 235 certification within their first 6 months of hire or placement and have process completed within 9 months of hire. Must meet audio and visual standards outlined in Act 235 at time of hire. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification required within 30 days of hire. Successfully pass UPMC Physical Fitness Standard prior to hire.

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
• Act 235 with Firearms with renewal
• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal
• OAPSA

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran