Weapons Screening Officer

Weapons Screening Officer

Are you an experienced security professional who values quality and safety? Look no further! UPMC is excited to announce opportunities for Weapons Screening Officers at UPMC Memorial Hospital. Assigned shift will be based upon hospital need.

This position is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, staff and all UPMC owned and adjacent properties. Establish a security presence by operating and maintaining weapons detection equipment. This position is responsible for detecting and identifying weapons that may cause harm or be used to commit violence. Also, may establish a security presence by maintaining an assigned post or by patrolling UPMC hospitals, buildings, grounds, garages, and associated areas to deter criminal activity, document activities, and contact UPMC Police Officers or other appropriate law enforcement when necessary. Monitors security, fire, and environmental alarms. Responds to and resolves problems, disputes, and unusual circumstances as necessary. Provides customer service to patients, families, visitors, and staff to maintain a safe and secure environment. Document incidents on appropriate reports as required. Follow all established policies, procedures and protocols for weapons detection.

Responsibilities include:

• Operate weapons detection equipment at designated entrances to screen persons, bags, and other belongings. Monitor the weapons detection system to identify objects and determine whether said objects are harmful or prohibited. Communicate with individuals being screened through the weapons detection system, providing instructions and ensuring compliance.
• Identify threats and/or objects that alarm through the weapons detection system and taking appropriate action as per established procedures. Take possession of and secure any item that has been identified as a weapon or prohibited object. Document as required.
• Work with fellow Public Safety team members and UPMC staff to address any security issues or threats identified during the screening process.
• Provide assistance to visitors, staff members and other individuals passing through weapons detection areas in a professional manner.
• Conduct routine inspections and maintenance of weapons detection equipment to ensure that it is functioning properly. Report any malfunctions to public safety leadership.
• Ensure accurate records are kept of persons screened and weapons/prohibited objects identified. Document any unusual occurrences encountered during weapons screening. Prepare and submit daily activity reports and Security reports as required.
• Establishing a presence at an assigned post or by patrolling UPMC hospitals, buildings, grounds, garages, and associated areas to deter criminal activity, may carry a watch tour clock or similar device to record the patrol of a designated area. Has awareness of unauthorized persons, unusual physical factors, and mechanical malfunctions; reports or resolves problems, as appropriate. Report and document activities and contact UPMC Police Officers or other appropriate law enforcement regarding incidents, suspicious activities, and hazards when necessary. Responds to and resolves problems, disputes, and unusual circumstances as necessary.
• Provide customer service to patients, families, visitors, and staff to maintain a safe and secure environment. Monitor security, fire, and environmental alarms. Respond to alarms and assist when needed. Directs traffic on hospital property; enforces traffic and parking regulations; and assists patients, visitors, and employees with vehicle problems per policy and training. Escorts, assists, and/or directs patients and visitors to areas within the hospital or facility and furnishes information as requested.
• May aid handicapped and elderly people upon arrival and departure from the hospital or facility and ensure an adequate supply of wheelchairs are at the hospital entrance. Works cooperatively with local police departments and authorities. Responds to requests for assistance in the assigned locations; assists in locating patients. Locks all doors, in designated areas, after regular business hours; unlocks doors at the start of business hours.
• Maintain required certifications and licensing. Complete all mandatory training programs per departmental guidelines. Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies/behaviors. Performs other duties as assigned.
• Carry the department-issued firearm for the protection of life as governed by department policy and in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Maintain proficiency in the use of firearms and other emergency equipment as directed by department policy.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Corrections Officers who attended a state or federal training academy and were required to qualify yearly with a firearm, OR
• Honorable Discharge from the United States Military, OR
• 5 years of full-time Armed Security experience where yearly qualification of a firearm was required, OR
• Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) basic training program (Act 120) or equivalent (PA State Police Academy training, out of state Police Academy), OR
• Police Officer training as mandated by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers), OR
• Federal Agent (to include but not limited to FBI, DEA, Secret Service, U.S. Marshal, Veteran's Administration) OR
• Military Police Training, OR
• Five years of prior law enforcement experience (to include Sheriff, Deputy Sheriff, Probation/Parole Officer, Liquor Enforcement Officer, Fish/Game Commission and/or Park police officer) wherein a firearm was an essential tool and at a minimum, annual firearm training and qualification was maintained.
• Three years of experience as a UPMC Security Officer and have obtained the rank of Security Officer – IAHSS or Sr. Security Officer.
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills, especially the ability to effectively interact, communicate, and diffuse potential combative situations with people from all walks of life.
• Psychological fitness required to deal with stress and potentially dangerous conflict situations.
• Physical fitness requirements to deal with typical physical demands that require full body motion and physical strength and stamina sufficient to respond to crisis interventions and medical emergencies.
• Be able to effectively communicate both orally and in written format.
• Good interpersonal skills; able to deal with stress and potentially dangerous conflict situations.
• All applicants will be subject to a thorough background and criminal record check.
• Must be available for all shifts.
• Officers are required to wear a bullet proof vest.
• Must be able to perform as a security officer when necessary.
• Act 235 with Firearms - successful completion of both the academic and firearms training modules within 6 months after hire.
• Must meet audio and visual standards outlined in Act 235 at time of hire.
• Successfully complete UPMC Armed Weapons Screening Officer Training upon hire.
• Successful completion of all UPMC mandated weapons and firearms training.
• Successfully pass UPMC Physical Fitness Standard: Physical fitness requirements to deal with typical physical demands that require full body motion and physical strength and stamina sufficient to chase, apprehend and subdue criminal suspects, and respond to crisis interventions and medical emergencies.
• Must have good hand/eye coordination and able to pass an eye and hearing test with appropriate correction.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform activities within a medium physical demand category as per U.S. Department of Labor guidelines
• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Driver's License
• UPMC Physical Fitness Standard
• 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

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran