Armed Security Officer

Overview 

Responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, staff, and property at the assigned facilities. This role involves proactive patrols, access control, incident response, de-escalation of disruptive behavior, and collaboration with clinical staff and local law enforcement. Must demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and the ability to respond effectively in high-stress healthcare environments.  Assist clinical staff with managing aggressive, combative, or disruptive patients or visitors using approved de-escalation techniques. Enforce enterprise policies, rules, and regulations in a fair and professional manner. Coordinates with local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency responders when necessary. 

The Armed Security Officer provides a physically safe and secure environment for patients, visitors and employees at the assigned facility.  All Armed Security Officers execute duties of unarmed officer as well as possess the ability to exercise discretion regarding the use of a weapon, only utilizing their weapon in times of extreme attack when all non-violent options have been exhausted. 

In addition to all duties assigned to the Armed Security Officer, the Senior Armed Security Officer serves as a resource for junior team members.  Is the seasoned security colleague that supports the local leadership team and plays a key role in training new team members.  Ensure day-to-day operations are carried out in the absence of an onsite supervisor.  The Senior Armed Security Officer maintains a secure environment and may only use a weapon in extreme situations after ALL nonviolent options are exhausted. 

The Senior Armed Security Officer role is only open to internal Sentara security colleagues and requires completion of Sentara training courses such as Handle with Care and other fitness for duty evaluations as a pre-requisite. 

Education 

• High School Diploma (Required) 

Certification/Licensure 

• HANDLE WITH CARE Certification (HWC) Certification – Workday Learning (Required) 

• Certified Healthcare Security Officer (CHSO)  Certification, International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS) (Required) 

• State DMV Motor Vehicle Record and current Valid Driver’s license (Required) 

• One of the following is required: 

• Private Security Services Registration – Armed with VA Department Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)  

• Private Protective Services/Armed – Certification with NC Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) 

Experience 

• 1 year of security experience (Required)