Forensic Security Officer Supervisor

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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.

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Delaware Psychiatric Center (DPC) Jane E. Mitchell (JEM) Security Officer Supervisor is tasked with overseeing a staff of 10-20 security personnel.  Security personnel provide security and safety for the (42) male and female clients from the Department of Correction (DOC) and 80 staff at JEM. The JEM building is a 24-hour, 3 shift staffed facility. The federal government’s Bureau of Prisons uses a numbered scale from one to five to represent the security level of prisons and jails. Level five is the most secure facility in the Criminal Justice System.

This class series uses three levels in the Protection and Security Services occupational group, Support Services occupational series and describes work providing protection and security services to staff, clients, and the general public within a level 5 secure state facility which houses mental health clients. 

Work includes monitoring and ensuring the security and safety of state property, staff and visitors.  Client behavior can be combative and unpredictable.  Significant aspects of the work involve the possibility of dealing with crisis and/or emergency situations including the use of physical restraint, foot patrol of the resident units, conducting room/building searches, and monitoring clients in a day hall setting during meals and in group activities.  It is important to note that employees work under the direction of clinical staff and while they are trained to recognize unusual or abnormal behavior, security officers do not provide clinical observation or services.

Note: This career ladder series incorporates the Forensic Security Officer I and II.  The Forensic Security Officer I level is to provide entry for hiring new employees into the class series but does not preclude hiring new employees at higher levels.  Employees may be promoted through the career ladder in accordance with job requirements and promotional standards. Promotional standards, a selection document under separate cover, sets forth the criteria that defines and describes the requirements that must be met at each level.  Advancement of employees through the career ladder is dependent on an agency's/department's operational needs and distribution of work. 

The Forensic Security Officer Supervisor level, although not part of the career ladder, provides competitive opportunity for movement of employees.

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.

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

• 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.

• 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 Supervisor
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. One year of experience in maintaining the security and safety of individuals and facilities.
2. One year of experience in interpreting and applying laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures related to the protection of the health, safety, welfare or rights of clients in a psychiatric setting. 
3. Coursework, training and/or experience in staff supervision, which may include performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others. 
4. Possession of a valid Driver's License (not suspended, revoked or canceled, or disqualified from driving).

Incumbents working four or more hours of work between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following day will receive 5% shift differential pay.

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.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

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.