Forensic Security Officer I

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Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

For more information, please visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ today!

The incumbent in this position will be working in the Delaware Psychiatric Center (DPC) at the Jane E. Mitchell Building (JEM) Level V secured facility.  The Forensic Security Officers are tasked with providing security and safety for the (42) male and female clients from the Department of Correction (DOC) and staff.  The incumbent is tasked with providing security and safety, enforcing institutional rules regulations and policies that are relative for the male and female clients from the Department of Correction.  Significant aspects of the work involve:  the possibility of dealing with crisis and/or emergency situations, foot patrol of the patient units, conducting room/building searches, and monitoring patients in a day hall setting during meals and in group activities.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Observes the behavior of clients and alerts nursing and other clinical staff of behavioral changes; monitors conduct of visitors; and takes action to de-escalate potentially violent or disruptive situations. 


• Responds to psychiatric emergencies involving combative clients and assists in detaining trespassers, violators and searching for missing clients.


• Maintains control of persons and property in compliance with policies relative to safety, security and orderliness.


• Monitors and ensures the safety of state property, as well as safety and location of staff and visitors by performing work such as controlling ingress and egress of people through a secure point of access, within the forensic building and units.


• Answers internal emergency calls received via the facility emergency phone line, relays information to the appropriate authorities, and monitors internal alarm systems.    


• Uses electronic intercom and closed-circuit camera systems to communicate with staff to accurately identify and verify authorized access, granting sector by sector access from control center.  


• Responds to internal hazards, risks, fires or other emergencies.


• Makes regular rounds of the forensic buildings, units and perimeter and ensures that all safety devices on doors and windows are operable and secure.


• Conducts inspections and searches of clients, visitors, grounds and building perimeter for weapons or other contraband and takes client counts. 


• Provides general information to forensic unit visitors and gives directions as required.


• May be required to prepare logs, statistical information, incident reports and use of force reports.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Forensic Security Officer I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Six months experience in maintaining the security and safety of individuals and facilities.
2. Knowledge of security systems and surveillance equipment.
3. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or canceled, or disqualified from driving).

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16.  This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms. 

Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.  The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our Job Seeker Resources.

DHSS does not provide employment-based sponsorship.

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.