Safety and Security Officer 1

Duties Description Under the supervision of a Safety & Security Officer 2, patrols and inspects assigned areas, including agency buildings, residences, homes, and other program facilities in the community; entrance gates, parking lots, grounds, and other properties. Observes and detects irregularities, evidence of criminal activity, hazardous conditions, and environmental safety and security issues; reports to supervisor to ensure appropriate corrective actions are taken. Ensures that assigned areas are appropriately locked and secured by inspecting doors and other pathways to physical access. Conducts safety inspections of assigned areas and equipment, such as fire escapes, handrails, fire hydrants, and alarm and sprinkler systems to ensure efficient operations and compliance with applicable environmental health and fire safety codes, requirements, and regulations. Interviews individuals, victims, suspects, witnesses, and/or complainants and collects information to recover stolen property and/or dangerous instruments. Assists in investigating allegations of abuse or neglect; investigates employee accidents or injuries; completes reports as part of the occupational injury process; identifies safety issues; and recommends corrective actions to supervisor. Enforces State, local, and facility traffic and parking laws and regulations by issuing tickets and verbal warnings to expedite traffic flow, limit reserved parking to authorized personnel, maintain open fire lanes, and deter dangerous driving. Screens visitors and vehicles; assists visitors by answering questions and providing directions; issues temporary parking permits and/or badges to authorized visitors; and instructs unauthorized visitors to leave premises. Transports or provides escort services to individuals, visitors, and employees on and off the premises. Conducts fire drills and evacuates buildings in response to fires and other threats to prevent death or injury. Stops and questions suspicious or disoriented individuals to ensure the health and safety of individuals, visitors, and employees. Responds to incidents and emergencies; may provide emergency care such as first aid and cardio‑pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to ill or injured individuals; requests medical assistance and interfaces with local emergency services as necessary; and may participate in debriefings. Advises and assists other employees in calming and containing agitated individuals to prevent damage to property or injury to themselves or others; and may physically intervene in fights. Documents and maintains daily logs, forms, and reports as required for safety and security activities. Provides basic fire and safety training and/or instruction on the operation and use of fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, standpipe hoses, and fire alarm system components. May appear and/or testify in court and other hearings; fingerprint prospective agency employees per criminal justice service standards; and arrest or detain suspects and violators per Criminal Proceedings Law to protect individuals and property. Minimum Qualifications OPEN COMPETITIVE: Safety & Security Officer Trainee: High School Diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma or similar equivalency such as a General Education Development Certification or higher degree. Safety & Security Officer 1: High school or equivalent diploma and one year of experience patrolling, inspecting, and monitoring buildings, grounds, and equipment to identify and resolve safety and security hazards and risks, deter criminal activity, and ensure compliance with local, State, and federal laws, rules, and regulations. In addition, candidate: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be a United States Citizen and a resident of New York State. Must pass a medical examination administered by the Department of Civil Service’s Employee Health Services, which includes an agility test. Must undergo a thorough background investigation to determine suitability for appointment. Conviction of a felony will bar appointment; conviction of a misdemeanor or other violation of law may bar appointment. Background investigation includes fingerprinting for both state and federal identification records check. Candidates may also be required to be cleared through the New York State Child Abuse Register. Must have a driver’s license valid in New York State. A conditional license is not acceptable. Ability to work effectively within the treatment team. Ability to act independently. Ability to meet and maintain criminal background and physical standards. Ability to accurately observe and document conditions relating to welfare and security. NOTE Due to the peace officer status of incumbents, re‑fingerprinting, including payment of all applicable fees, is required even for an existing employee who may already have “search and retain” status with the Division of Criminal Justice Services. Transfer Candidates must have one year of permanent competitive or 55‑b/c status in the posted title and be eligible for lateral transfer; OR be eligible to transfer via Section 70.1, 70.4, or 52.6 of Civil Service Law. The transfer cannot be a second consecutive transfer resulting in an advancement of more than two salary grades. To determine if your current Civil Service title is eligible for transfer to this title, visit the Career Mobility GOT‑IT website. Additional Comments This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). HELPS Program titles may be filled via a non‑competitive appointment. This means that you do not need to take an exam to qualify, but you do need to meet the minimum qualifications of the title. Appointments may also be made at the Safety and Security Officer Trainee level. Candidates hired at the entry‑level title (Safety and Security Officer Trainee 1) may be advanced to the full‑performance level (Safety and Security Officer 1) following satisfactory completion of one year of service. Salary range listed below encompasses the hiring rate of a Safety and Security Officer Trainee 1 through the job rate of a Safety and Security Officer 1. Safety and Security Officer Trainee 1: $50,321 Safety and Security Officer 1: $58,412 – $70,964 Amounts include Downstate adjustment ($3,400). If you are currently a New York State employee serving in a permanent competitive qualifying title and eligible for a transfer via Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law, you may be appointed to this title as a permanent competitive employee. Preference will be given to OPWDD employees impacted by closures. If you are being impacted by closure, please indicate this on your resume. All OPWDD employees must be eligible and maintain eligibility for full and unconditional participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Continued employment will depend on maintaining eligibility. If you are employed by state government you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments have been made under a qualifying repayment plan while working full‑time for a qualifying employer. For more information on PSLF, please visit Employees on long term leave can bid on positions but must be able to report to work within fourteen (14) days and be able to perform the essential functions of their positions with or without reasonable accommodation (RA). If an employee or job applicant believes that they need a reasonable accommodation, they should contact the Reasonable Accommodation Unit at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io to obtain information and RA forms. Savings programs such as the U.S. Savings Bond and the College Savings Plan. Voluntary pre‑tax savings programs such as Health Care Spending Account and the Dependent Care Advantage Account offer employees options to pay for uncovered health care expenses or dependent care expenses. Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) an assessment and referral service that connects employees with local service providers and support services to address their personal needs. Life insurance and Disability insurance. The New York State Deferred Compensation Plan is a voluntary retirement plan that offers employees the option to invest a part of their salaries for retirement on a tax‑deferred basis. Paid Holidays and Leave Thirteen (13) paid holidays each year. Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave initially. Five (5) days paid personal leave each year. Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave each year (PEF/CSEA), which may carry over from year to year. Up to three (3) days professional leave each year to participate in professional development events. Health Care Coverage Employees and their eligible dependents can choose from a variety of affordable health insurance programs. Employees are provided family dental and vision plans at no extra cost. Paid Parental Leave Paid Parental Leave allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave at full pay for each qualifying event. A qualifying event is defined as the birth of a child or placement of a child for adoption or foster care. Retirement Program Participate in The NYS Employees’ Retirement System (ERS), which is recognized as one of the best‑managed and best‑funded public retirement systems in the nation. Professional Development and Education and Training NYS offers training programs and tuition assistance to eligible employees to maintain and increase their professional skills and prepare them for promotional opportunities. For more information, please visit Additionally, the Public Service Workshops Program (PSWP) offers certain professional training opportunities for PEF represented and M/C designated employees that may grant continuing education credits towards maintaining professional licensure. For more information, please visit All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. OPWDD is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion. We believe that we are most effective in managing and improving our service system with a diverse team of employees. With such a large workforce, we rely on the collective individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, self‑expression, ideas and talent that our employees bring to their work. This speaks to our culture and is a key part of our successes. As we continuously recruit people for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that applicants bring in terms of their education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs. #J-18808-Ljbffr