Former law enforcement or corrections officers, military veterans, medics and those with prior security experience: Have you considered a career in healthcare security? Swedish has several open positions for Security Officers. Here’s a look at what the role entails and what experience is most relevant.  

Job overview

Healthcare security is a dynamic environment that asks much of its officers. From routine tasks such as giving directions to responding to disturbances, officers maintain a professional and competent demeanor that reassures staff, patients and visitors. Officers must also follow through with appropriate and thorough documentation.

While the pace isn’t always frantic, the scope of duties required is very similar to that of a small town, campus or military police officer.

Relevant experience

According to Chris La Due, CHOP, CHSP/Manager of Safety, Security & Emergency Management, “We have officers with a wide range of experience who have been successful and contributed greatly to the success of our mission. So, if you don’t have a background in law enforcement or security, for example, we still encourage you to apply.”

La Due says the following are the most important traits of a security officer at Swedish:

• The ability to work without supervision
• The ability to work alone and as part of a team
• Positive attitude
• Willingness to learn
• Compassion
• Punctuality
• Initiative
• The ability to work well in a high stress environment
• Assertiveness to act when needed

Many of our security officers come from the following backgrounds:

Police and corrections

Not surprisingly, a law enforcement background has a large intersection of skills and training with security in healthcare. Swedish security officers frequently deal with the same populations as local law enforcement and correctional officers, including involuntary admits for medical and psychological evaluation, patients who are released from jail with a psychiatric hold from DCR, criminal trespassers, stalkers and persons committing various property crimes including theft and vandalism.

As a former law enforcement or corrections officer, you’ll remain calm and professional in high-stress situations, quickly evaluate and take charge of security situations, de-escalate volatile individuals—which may also include bereaved or worried family members—gather information through preliminary investigations and write reports.

Military veterans

Military veterans of any occupation will draw on their self-discipline, sense of personal responsibility, ability to remain calm in and to take charge of high stress situations, willingness to take action and react quickly to emergent situations, ability to follow directions and adaptability. A veteran’s experience in leadership and peer training are valued in the healthcare environment.

Ambulance and other medics

Medics are used to a fast-paced, high-stress environment and have experience working in and around hospitals. Medics tend to be self-starters who are used to working with little direct supervision, making decisions under stress, quickly evaluating emergent situations and to remaining committed to ongoing education and self-improvement.

Security

New officers coming from prior security backgrounds will bring excellent customer service skills, experience dealing with difficult or dangerous people and the ability to work with little supervision.

Healthcare security is a rewarding and exciting career. If you’re interested in applying for one of our open Security Officer jobs, please explore openings here.