Job Details

Security Guard

The security guard will work directly with homeless individuals suffering with mental illness and substance abuse living in a congregate shelter. The guard will ensure the safety of all shelter guests, staff, volunteers and vendors by using de-escalation techniques and providing professional compassionate assistance.

The security guard must fully embrace the ministry and mission of The Salvation Army, accept its Christian principles and values, and protect and enhance the image of The Salvation Army to the public. Perform other assigned duties as directed.

Responsibilities include monitoring and patrolling, secure premises by patrolling property, monitoring surveillance camera, and access point. Patrol parking and surrounding areas. Making rounds of inspection to determine that fences, gates, doors, and windows are properly secure. Investigate unusual or suspicious conditions or activities on property or surrounding areas within 1 mile of the shelter location. Conduct visual inspections of the workplace on a continuous basis through direct observation, walking inspections, and the use of a video monitor.

Access control and recording includes granting access for vendors and delivery persons. Record incidents, shelter guest, and visitors signing in and out. Monitor the safety and well-being of guests, staff, volunteers, and vendors. Respond to and provide crisis intervention and institute security procedures should a critical or threatening situation arise. Follow established protocols for crisis response. Provide timely and appropriate notification to police, fire, emergency medical, and supervisory authorities. Use de-escalation communication strategies to manage disruptive behavior and resolve conflicts. Report on-site incidents to appropriate internal or external entities. Inform violators/intruders of policy and procedures. Assist shelter staff in all related duties ensuring guest and facility safety. Cultivate and maintain collaborative communication with shelter staff as it relates to the comings and goings of guests, unexpected site guests, vendor arrivals, guest holds at gates, and guest exits/no longer allowed on-site.

Report directly to the shelter supervisor. Implement trauma-informed, harm reduction, low-barrier, and strength-based approaches.

Core competencies include problem solving/conflict resolution, customer service, teamwork, adaptability, and decision-making.

Working conditions require the ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax, and telephone. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. Ability to work out-of-doors 50% of the time.

Minimum qualifications include a high school graduate or GED. Must be able to actively patrol client sites, interact with the public for 6-8 hours. 1-3 years' work experience with homeless population, preferred. 1-3 years' experience working in security. If in recovery, must have a sobriety minimum of three (3) years. Experience in or basic knowledge of mental health, homelessness and/or addictions fields (preferred). Criminal background check is required. CPR and First Aid certification a must within 30 days of start date.

Skills, knowledge, and abilities include bilingual/bi-literate English/Spanish preferred. Ability to communicate effectively and remain positively engaged with co-workers, guests, volunteers, vendors. Must model professionalism and be able to appropriately respond in a supportive manner to guests and co-workers when asked questions or addressing concerns/issues. Ability to exercise sound judgment in carrying out assignments independently. Good time management and organization skills. Good oral and written communication skills. Strong sense of workplace ethics and understanding of confidentiality protocols. Ability to greet visitors, and interact with guests and other staff members in a courteous, professional, respectful manner. Flexible availability must be able to work any shift and/or assigned schedule. Able to function in a fast-paced, frequently changing environment and be adaptable. Must be able to implement trauma-informed care communication strategies when resolving conflict to not re-traumatize guests with your interactions.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.