Public Safety Officer

Job Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Chief the Assistant Chief of Police provides for a customer/guest-oriented management of the hospital environment for overall assurance of public safety. Performs general public safety, law enforcement duties and investigation in the protection of life and property. Responsible for prevention of crimes, apprehension of criminals and enforcement of all applicable federal, state, and local laws to prevent losses due to accidents and incidents. Demonstrates knowledge and skills to appropriately communicate and interact with the patients, families, and visitors of all age groups while being sensitive to their cultural and religious beliefs.

Performance Expectations:

• Consistently communicates in a friendly, courteous, and compassionate manner in all interactions with patients, families, visitors, and employees while achieving exceptional, sustained quality patient care, satisfaction, and loyalty.
• Correctly enforces all federal, state, and local laws as well as hospital policies to ensure a safe and secure environment for patients, Forrest General Hospital (FGH) staff, and other guests.
• Accurately documents findings in the safety survey form weekly and responds to hazards (i.e., ripples in the carpet, sharp edges, and slip, trip and fall hazards, or criminal hazards like high shrubs or open windows) by taking appropriate action and calling maintenance to reduce the number of safety incidents and to ensure the safety of all staff and FGH visitors.
• Immediately reacts to security threats to staff and FGH guests (i.e., violent patients or other guests) by providing escorts upon request and isolating disruptive people in a safe area to ensure staff members and other guests do not incur personal injury.
• Accurately documents safety-related incidents in approved reports by gathering all relevant data to capture a detailed set of events at the time of the incident and recording as much detail as possible to ensure facts will be available for review in the future.
• Consistently applies appropriate force during altercations as stated in FGH policies and guidelines to secure a safe resolution to physical threats.

Qualifications:

Education/Skills:

High school diploma or equivalent required, college preferred. Ability to communicate clearly, read, write/document thoroughly, and follow written or oral instructions. Ability to successfully complete continuing in-service training is required.

Work Experience:

One year or more experience with law enforcement preferred. Extensive related work experience may substitute for law enforcement experience.

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE:

• Valid Driver's License

• Part-Time/PRN Employee: MS Board of Law Enforcement Standards and Training Certification

Additional Licensure:

• Full-Time Employee: MS Board of Law Enforcement Standards and Training Certification—within 1 year of hire.

Mental Demands:

Must have the ability to interact with others, make judgmental decisions, and demonstrate initiative. Must demonstrate understanding and belief that the possibility of physical confrontation increases the likelihood of injury. Must have the ability to manage handling of cadavers as part of routine processing with our morgue. Able and willing to conform to the standards of the hospital.