Taunton State Hospital is seeking experienced candidates to patrol buildings and grounds and adjacent areas under the control of the Department of Mental Health. Enforces Massachusetts General Laws, Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Laws, Department of Mental Health Regulations and Policies. Performs related law enforcement duties to ensure the safety and security of the institution and the population that the institution serves.

Please Note: The incumbent will be working 40 hours per week. The following schedules are available:

• First shift, 7a-3p, Wednesday/Thursday off
• Second shift, 3-11p, Sunday/Monday off
• Second shift, 3-11p, Sunday/Monday off
• Third shift, 11p-7a, Sunday/Monday off

The primary work location will be Taunton State Hospital, however this position will support all sites in the Southeast Area, as needed. Certain duties are NOT performed by Security Team Specialists that do not have a valid Special State Police Appointment.

Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Patrols the buildings and grounds at routine intervals by foot and motor vehicle in order to maintain site/facility safety and security and to detect and prevent criminal activity.
• Maintains order among visitors, clients and employees. Issues keys, photo identification cards and other means of access control. Operates and monitors electronic security and fire detection systems.
• Lawfully exercises power of arrest when the facts, information, and circumstances, warrant or require that an arrest be made. Issues Chapter 90 citations for violations of the Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Code under supervisory authorization, if applicable. Issues parking citations or takes other authorized action to control illegal parking on the roadways and parking lots of the Campus Grounds.
• Assists the Judicial system by the issuance of court papers to employees, clients, or as otherwise directed by the Director of Security or his designee. Provides security during court hearings by insuring a safe and secure hearing process.
• Organizes, participates and documents search procedures for missing clients and dependent persons. Maintains liaison with State Police, Federal and local Law Enforcement agencies through the Security Team chain of command structure.
• Responds to medical and psychiatric emergencies, assists in the coordination of emergency response services, assists local, State and federal agencies during disasters, performs routine inspections of fire alarms system and related equipment.
• Maintains accurate documentation of all investigations, inquiries, inspections and other safety/security occurrences through accepted law enforcement standards and practices. Prepares accurate and concise incident/accident reports consistent with the established Security Team reporting system as well as DMH incident reporting requirements.
• Uses and maintains computer-based information and reporting systems.
• Transports clients and patients in accordance with DMH policy and procedure.
• Supports patient/client care staff in management of potentially violent behavior events.
• Ability to accept assignments at other Southeast facilities when required.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to follow verbal or written orders and instructions, work independently or as a team member with minimal supervision, ability to interact with clients, employees, visitors and other persons in a safe efficient manner.
• Ability to work long hours under severe weather conditions.
• Maintain courteous manner under stressful and threatening conditions.
• Ability to deal with violent and verbally aggressive clients or other persons in a safe, efficient manner consistent with DMH Policies, Procedures, Regulations, and the General Laws of the Commonwealth.
• Maintain discretion in receiving, handling and safeguarding confidential information, maintaining reports and file in accordance with regulatory strict statutory and policy requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Given population served, bilingual or multilingual candidates.
• Previous employment in the human service field and specifically experience with mental illness or other disabilities in a hospital setting.

Special Requirements:

• May need to acquire license to carry authorized equipment.
• Possession of a current and valid Class D Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator’s License required for this function.

About Taunton State Hospital:

Taunton State Hospital (TSH) operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is a 45-bed inpatient facility that provides continuing care inpatient services to adults with major mental illnesses. The hospital is a leader in the successful integration of the Principles of Recovery and a rehabilitation philosophy into the treatment model and a part of the Southeast Area which works closely with the inpatient treatment teams to facilitate patients’ discharge back to the community.

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122, Option 4.

Qualifications - External

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements: None.

Special Requirements: Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Appointee must be eligible for appointment as a special police officer under Chapter 22C, Section 60 (DPH) and Section 59 (DMH & DMR) of the Massachusetts General Laws.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $49,948.60 - $67,466.62 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• No experience needed

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Night shift
• Overnight shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Taunton, MA 02780: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person