Hospital Security Support Services Specialist- (1st or 3rd Shift)

The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Safety and Security is seeking a Hospital Security Support Services Specialist (PVD1) for 1st or 3rd Shift to provide shift‑level operational command and frontline leadership for security operations within UI Health Care. This position is responsible for directing day‑to‑day security activities, managing real‑time staffing and deployment, and ensuring effective response to incidents and emergencies during assigned shifts. TheHospital Security Support Services Specialist serves as the primary decision‑maker for shift‑wide operations, providing direct supervision to Merit Security Supervisors and frontline staff. This role ensures consistent application of departmental policies, procedures, and safety standards while maintaining operational continuity across all assigned patrol areas. The Security Supervisor collaborates closely with dispatch, fire safety, nursing services, the University of Iowa Police Department (UIPD), and departmental leadership to support a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, staff, and facilities.

Position Responsibilities:

Shift Level Operational Command

• Exercise command authority for all security operations during assigned shifts.

• Maintain situational awareness across facilities and security functions.

• Direct, coordinate, and adjust real‑time deployment of security personnel to meet operational demands.

• Clearly communicate expectations, priorities, and operational direction to supervisors and frontline staff.

• Ensure compliance with departmental, UI, and UI Health Care policies and procedures during daily operations.

• Exercises independent judgment over shift‑level operations, staffing deployment, and incident response.

• Approves routine administrative actions (payroll, overtime, leave) within delegated authority.

• Escalates systemic, high‑risk, or pattern‑based issues to the Manager of Patrol as appropriate.

Supervisor & Performance Management

• Directly supervise Merit Security Supervisors and provide guidance, coaching, and performance feedback.

• Ensure consistent application of policies, procedures, and disciplinary standards at the shift level.

• Review performance documentation submitted by merit supervisors and ensure accuracy and timeliness.

• Participate in employee performance evaluations and provide recommendations to management.

• Support hiring and onboarding processes by participating in candidate interviews and assessments.

Staffing, Scheduling & Administrative Authority

• Implement staffing plans established by the Manager of Patrol.

• Make real‑time staffing adjustments to address absences, incidents, emergencies, or operational needs.

• Assign posts, patrol zones, and responsibilities during assigned shifts.

• Approve payroll, overtime, timeoff requests, and leave in accordance with policy and delegated authority.

• Review and approve disciplinary actions initiated by Merit Security Supervisors.

• Communicate staffing issues, trends, or concerns to the Manager of Patrol.

Incident Response, Investigations & Law Enforcement Coordination

• Serve as an Incident Commander for routine, moderate, and elevated incidents during assigned shifts.

• Respond to and manage escalated safety and security incidents and emergencies.

• Conduct initial and escalated investigations; prepare investigative reports in accordance with policy.

• Determine when incidents require escalation to the Manager of Patrol or Associate Director.

• Act as a liaison with the University of Iowa Police Department for incidents requiring law enforcement involvement.

• Assist law enforcement with evidence coordination, statements, and documentation as appropriate.

Training

• Support onboarding and training of security personnel and Merit Security Supervisors.

• Reinforce required training standards and ensure shift-level compliance.

• Participate in drills, exercises, and scenario‑based training for emergency preparedness.

• Identify operational training needs and communicate findings to management.

Leadership, Committees & Policy Support

• Serve as a departmental representative on oversight committees and other committees or workgroups as assigned.

• Communicate with departmental leadership regarding daily operations, incidents, staffing, and performance concerns.

• Meet with representatives from hospital departments to address safety and security needs.

• Collaborate with internal departments, contractors, and external agencies to maintain effective working relationships.

• Monitor reporting systems and operational tools to assess shift performance, safety trends, and compliance.

• Support departmental goals and initiatives focused on safety, quality, and service excellence.

University of Iowa Health Care—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.® 

Percent of Time: 100%,

Schedule:  1st shift or 3rd shift

Pay Grade: 3A https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/pay-plans/merit-alpha-matrix

Benefits Highlights:

• Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans
• For more information about Why Iowa?, click here