Shift Commander

Job Summary
The Shift Commander is the senior on-duty security leader responsible for the overall safety, security, and operational effectiveness of San Joaquin General Hospital during their assigned shift. This role oversees all security personnel, ensures full post coverage, enforces hospital and client policies, and serves as the primary liaison between hospital staff and the security team. The Shift Commander must demonstrate strong leadership, situational awareness, professionalism, and the ability to respond decisively to incidents in a healthcare environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Supervision
• Command and manage up to 26 uniformed security officers per shift, ensuring all posts are properly staffed and operational at all times.
• Direct and support Shift Supervisors, ensuring they are actively following post orders and managing assigned officers.
• Maintain command presence by conducting frequent patrols of the hospital, including interior units, emergency department, and perimeter.
• Ensure all guards remain alert, awake, attentive, and in proper uniform throughout the shift.
• Enforce discipline, professionalism, coaching and compliance with security policies and procedures.

Operations & Post Coverage

• Ensure 100% post coverage at all times; immediately address callouts, late arrivals, or staffing gaps.
• Verify that officers understand their post orders and are performing assigned duties correctly.
• Monitor shift activity through patrols, reports, radio communications, and direct observation.
• Ensure proper use of security equipment, radios, access control systems, and surveillance tools.

Client & Hospital Relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for hospital administration, nursing leadership, and department heads during the shift.
• Ensure all client needs are met promptly and professionally, including requests for escorts, incident response, and special assignments.
• Maintain a calm, professional demeanor in high-stress medical situations.
• Represent the security department positively at all times.

Incident Response & Safety

• Take command of critical incidents such as disturbances, behavioral health situations, missing persons, medical emergencies, and code responses.
• Coordinate with hospital staff, local law enforcement, and emergency responders as needed.
• Ensure incidents are handled in accordance with hospital policy, legal requirements, and best practices for healthcare security.
• Conduct preliminary investigations and ensure accurate, detailed incident reports are completed.

Training, Mentorship & Accountability

• Mentor supervisors and officers, reinforcing expectations, hospital protocols, and customer service standards.
• Identify performance issues and address them through coaching, documentation, or escalation when necessary.
• Ensure new or relief officers are properly briefed and oriented to posts.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and professionalism across the shift.

Documentation & Communication

• Review and approve incident reports, daily activity logs, and shift summaries.
• Provide clear shift briefings and end-of-shift handovers to the next Commander or Manager.
• Communicate staffing issues, safety concerns, and operational needs to management promptly.

Qualifications & Skills Required:

• Prior hospital or healthcare security experience preferred
• Proven leadership experience in security operations mandatory
• Strong knowledge of access control, patrol procedures, and incident command
• Excellent communication and decision-making skills
• Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure
• Physical ability to conduct extended patrols and respond to emergencies

Qualifications & Skills Preferred:

• Experience supervising large teams (20 officers)
• Knowledge of behavioral health response and de-escalation techniques
• Familiarity with hospital codes, HIPAA awareness, and patient-care environments

Key Traits of a Successful Shift Commander

• Highly visible leader with strong command presence
• Proactive, not reactive
• Fair, consistent, and respectful with staff
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Trusted by hospital staff and security personnel alike
• Sets the standard for professionalism and accountability

Pay: $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

License/Certification:

• guard card in hand to produce at Interview (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23