Behavioral Health Chief of Security and Safety

The Position

Essential Functions

• Develop, implement and enforce a comprehensive, evidence-based security program (e.g., physical safety, regulatory compliance [e.g., HIPAA, 42CFR Part 2, national accreditation], crisis response plans).
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with clients, supervisors, County employees, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement, judges, other agencies, and the public.
• Comply with Civil Service Rules, collective bargaining agreements, County policies, department policies and laws to create a cooperative, safe, respectful and quality work environment.
• Oversee security department surveillance and access operations (e.g., CCTV, alarms, behavioral health patrolling).
• Serve as a security liaison in community Emergency Behavioral Health Coalition meetings, partnering with community providers, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and fire/rescue personnel, aligning response strategies and enhancing interagency coordination.
• Recruit, train, mentor and supervise security staff, ensuring proficiency in de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, appropriate use of restraints, and minimizing use of force to prevent injury.
• Develop, implement and maintain the organization's safety management program.
• Conduct routine environmental and safety rounds identifying potential hazards and completing corrective actions.
• Assist in maintaining safe working conditions and practices.
• Maintain documentation (e.g., safety inspections, incident investigations, drills, corrective actions).
• Participate in the development and implementation of the emergency operations plan.
• Coordinate safety-related emergency preparedness drills and exercises.
• Maintain knowledge of emergency procedures and serve as incident command.
• Establish and maintain an ongoing monitoring process ensuring implementation, testing and maintenance of fire watch systems, temporary fire safety measures, and fire alarm systems in accordance with applicable regulatory, accreditation, and life safety requirements.
• Conduct regular security audits and risk assessments identifying vulnerabilities, implementing corrective actions, tracking incident trends and developing data-driven improvements.
• Build relationships with clinical care teams, Human Resources, Risk Management and local law enforcement, communicating security initiatives and incident responses to stakeholders, executive leadership and the County Board.
• Balance safety with respect for patient dignity and fostering a therapeutic environment.
• Develop, implement and enforce facility-wide security policies, physical security plans and emergency response protocols and safety program.
• Identify vulnerabilities and protect against potential security breaches.
• Collaborate with the Compliance Officer.
• Lead crisis management efforts intervening and de-escalating security incidents, emergencies, and high-stress situations, ensuring investigations and documentation comply with relevant regulations.
• Promote a safe work environment and coordinate mandated training programs (e.g., safety protocols, emergency procedures, cultural sensitivity in patient interactions).
• Maintain job knowledge and skills (e.g., research, meetings, webinars, seminars, conferences, continuing education).
• Safely operate a motor vehicle when required to travel on County business.
• Report to work with regular, consistent attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned and directed.

Education and Work Experience and Other Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in cybersecurity, security management, criminal justice, information technology, or closely related field required
• Five (5) years of experience in security within a health or behavioral health environment or law enforcement required.*
• Two (2) years of experience in a security leadership role required.
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Train the Trainer Certification within six (6) months of hire required.
• Basic life support/cardiopulmonary resuscitation within six (6) months of hire required.
• Certification as a Certified Healthcare Protection Administrator preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and own transportation upon hire and maintained throughout employment required.
• Completion of a pre-employment criminal record check and conditional offer drug screen required.
• Equivalent combination of education and work experience may be substituted for requirements on a year-for-year basis.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work is generally performed in a healthcare facility. Noise level is usually moderate. Work hours are typically standard day-shift hours; however, schedule may vary (e.g., evenings, weekends, extra hours, holidays, emergency call-in). Work may be stressful when dealing with time constraints, multiple/changing priorities, limited resources and uncooperative/irate individuals.
• Work requires some physical activity, including extended periods of sitting, standing, frequent walking, reaching, and occasional balancing, kneeling, and bending. Work also requires the ability to frequently lift/carry objects weighing up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Required sensory abilities include vision, hearing and touch. Visual abilities, correctable to normal ranges, include close, distance and color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Communication abilities include the ability to talk and hear within normal ranges. Incumbent must possess the hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate computers and other equipment.

Douglas County is an EOE - Disability/Veterans