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Security Guard
Career Insights for Security Officer (General)
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Scorecard
Based on California data
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What they do
A Security Officer provides security for property at hospitals, hotels, warehouses or office buildings. Monitors entrances and patrols buildings, watches for intruders or vandals; reports building maintenance problems; deals with customers or visitors that create a disturbance in the building.
$41,640 / year median in California
+7% projected growth
Job Description
SUMMARY The Hospital Security Officer maintains a safe, secure, and resilient environment for patients, visitors, and healthcare staff. This role requires a balance of vigilant asset protection, proactive crisis de-escalation, emergency response, and compassionate customer service within a fast-paced medical setting.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Patrol & Surveillance:
Conduct continuous foot and vehicle patrols of hospital grounds, patient floors, emergency departments, parking structures, and sensitive zones. Monitor Cameras.
Access Control & Visitor Management:
Verify credentials, issue visitor passes, enforce visitation guidelines, and secure restricted areas (e.g., pharmacy).
De-escalation & Conflict Resolution:
Respond immediately to disruptive or hostile behavior. Apply crisis de-escalation techniques to manage volatile situations involving patients, visitors, or trespassers without compromising clinical care.
Emergency Response:
Serve as a primary responder for facility codes (Code Blue, Code Red, Code Pink, Code Silver, etc.). Assist clinical staff with behavioral health holds or combative patient restraints strictly per facility protocols and medical direction.
Logistics & Escorts:
Provide safe walking and driving escorts for staff and visitors, manage traffic flow in emergency driveways, enforce hospital parking policies, and facilitate secure transfers of valuables or sensitive materials.
Documentation & Compliance:
Complete detailed incident reports, daily activity logs, and safety checks. Ensure adherence to OSHA, Joint Commission, and hospital-specific safety protocols.
QUALIFICATIONS
Valid California Guard Card and all necessary continuing education. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
High school diploma or equivalent (GED). Minimum 1-2 years of security experience, preferably in a healthcare, emergency, or high-volume public service environment.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
• California Guard Card
• Crisis De-escalation Certification (e.g., CPI, MOAB, or AVADE) preferred.