Campus Police Officer

Description

The Department of Mental Health (DMH), Southeastern Area, Pocasset Mental Health Center is seeking a dynamic candidate to serve as a Campus Police Officer (CPO I). The incumbent will perform related law enforcement duties to insure the safety and security of the institution and the population served.  Monitor the safety of facility by patrolling building, grounds and adjacent areas. Incumbent will enforce Massachusetts General Law, Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Laws, and Department of Mental Health Regulations and Policies.

Please Note: This position is 40 hours per week.  The selected candidate will work 3:00pm to 11:00pm. The days off are Monday and Tuesday. The primary work location will be Pocasset Mental Health Center, however this position will support all sites in the Southeast Area, as needed.

 Duties and Responsibilities (these duties and responsibilities are not all inclusive):

• Patrols the buildings and grounds at routine intervals by foot and motor vehicle in order to maintain site/facility safety and security and to detect and prevent criminal activity.
• Maintains order among visitors, clients and employees. Issues keys, photo identification cards and other means of access control. Operates and monitors electronic security and fire detection systems.
• Conducts screening of all visitors to the inpatient unit with a hand held metal detecting device and inspects all bags brought up to the inpatient unit for all items that constitute contraband
• Issues parking citations or takes other authorized action to control illegal parking on the roadways and Parking lots of the campus grounds.
• Assists the judicial system by the issuance of court papers to employees, clients, or as otherwise directed by the Director of Security or his designee. Provides security during court hearings by insuring a safe and secure hearing process.
• Organizes, participates and documents search procedures for missing clients and dependent persons. Maintain liaison with State Police, Federal and local Law Enforcement agencies through the Campus Police chain of command structure.
• Responds to medical and psychiatric emergencies, assists in the coordination of emergency response services, assists local, state and federal agencies during disasters, perform routine inspections of fire alarm systems and related equipment.
• Maintains accurate documentation of all investigations, inquiries, inspections and other safety/security occurrences through accepted law enforcement standards and practices. Prepares accurate and concise incident/accident reports consistent with the established Campus Police reporting system as well as DMH incident reporting requirements. Maintains the daily police log. Use and maintains computer based information and reporting systems.
• Completes required mandatory classes offered by or as required by Staff Development, the Director of Security.
• Transports clients and patients in accordance with DMH policy and procedure.
• Communicates with staff members and clients (patients) in a manner that is appropriate to age, cultural, and/or psychosocial need and is able to refer or direct individuals to an appropriate person, service provider, or agency.
• Performs functions, as required, to support the provision of mental health services to patients and clients of the Department of Mental Health.
• Supports patient/client care staff in management of potentially violent behavioral events.
• Certain duties are NOT performed by Campus Police Officer 1's that do not have a valid Special State Police Appointment.

 Assists supervisor in the below duties:

• Conducts investigations or as directed by supervisors.
• Immediately reports noteworthy events in a manner consistent with DMH Critical Communications Policy, Site/Facility Administrative notification policies and procedures, and in accordance with directives to notify Director of Security and /or his designee.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to follow verbal or written orders and instructions, work independently or as a team member with minimal supervision, ability to interact with clients, employees, visitors and other persons in a safe efficient manner.
• Ability to work long hours under severe weather conditions.
• Maintain courteous manner under stressful and threatening conditions. 
• Ability to deal with violent and verbally aggressive clients or other persons in a safe, efficient manner consistent with DMH Policies, Procedures, Regulations, and the General Laws of the Commonwealth.
• Maintain discretion in receiving, handling and safeguarding confidential information, maintaining reports and file in accordance with regulatory strict statutory and policy requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Given population served, bilingual or multilingual candidates. 
• Previous employment in the human service field and specifically experience with mental illness or other disabilities in a hospital setting.

Special Requirements:

• May need to acquire license to carry authorized equipment.
• Possession of a current and valid Class D Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License required for this function.

Department of Mental Health Mission Statement:

Cape & Islands Site / Pocasset Mental Health Center provide comprehensive services to adults and children.  Programs include a 16-bed acute in-patient unit, Case Management, Day Treatment Program, and Adult Community Clinical Services.  The Pocasset Mental Health Center is a Joint Commission certified facility. In all we always aspire to create an environment which promotes growth and independence for those we serve, families, and employee alike. 

Total Compensation:

As an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are offered a great career opportunity influencing a wide-spectrum of services to the diverse populations we serve - but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits which you should consider towards your overall compensation, including:

• 75% state paid medical insurance premium
• Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs
• Low cost basic and optional life insurance
• Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• 12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation and Personal Time
• Tuition benefit for employee and spouse at state colleges and universities
• Short-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options
• Incentive-based Wellness Programs
• Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

 
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

For questions, please contact Human Resources at (see application details).

Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements: None.

Special Requirements: Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License.

Appointee must be eligible for appointment as a special police officer under Chapter 22C, Section 60 (DPH) and Section 59 (DMH & DMR) of the Massachusetts General Laws.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.