Public Safety Officer I

Melrose/Wakefield Hospital, part of the Tufts Medicine system, has been offering the highest quality and accessible healthcare to the local community for over 130 years.  With two hospital campuses, Level III Trauma Center, Level III Special Care Nursery, Breast Health Center, Cardiovascular Center and over 20 locations and 50 specialties, Melrose/Wakefield Hospital offers many opportunities to grow your career.  

Job Profile Summary

​​This role focuses on preventing workplace accidents and promotes health and safety awareness and education to individuals within the organization.   In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Associate Safety related duties: Prevents workplace accidents and promotes health and safety awareness and education for employees.  An organizational related support or service (administrative or clerical) role or a role that focuses on support of daily business activities (e.g., technical, clinical, non-clinical) operating in a “hands on” environment.  The majority of time is spent in the delivery of support services or activities, typically under supervision.  An entry level role that typically requires little to no prior knowledge or experience, work is routine or follows standard procedures, work is closely supervised, and communicates information that requires little explanation or interpretation.

Job Overview

Under general supervision of the supervisor, perform all duties and responsibilities related to the day-to-day protection and security of hospital assets and information as well as the safety of all persons on hospital property.  Conduct proactive patrols of all hospital buildings and grounds to prevent fire, theft, vandalism, illegal entry, and bodily harm to patients, visitors, and staff.  Serve as immediate and first responder to crisis situations on a daily basis and document all safety and security incidents in accordance with department policies and procedures.

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours weekly, Night shift:11pm-7:30am. Includes every other weekend and holiday rotation requirement.

Location: Melrose/Wakefield Hospital - 585 Lebanon St, Melrose, MA 02176.

What We Offer: 

• Competitive salaries & benefits that start on day one!
• 403(b) retirement plan with hospital match
• Opportunities for growth  
• Tuition reimbursement

• Free Parking

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High School diploma or equivalent.

2. Valid state issued driver’s license.

3. Possess IAHSS Basic certification as a Healthcare Security Officer within 1 year of hire.  Incumbents as of 9/1/2025 will have 1 year from 9/1/2025 to obtain IAHSS Basic Healthcare Security Officer certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Associates degree in Criminal Justice or related area.

2. Experience in military, security, or police.

3. Security or first responder certifications such as de-escalation/crisis response, CPR/AED, Stop the Bleed, or Nasal Naloxone Certification, etc.

4. Graduate of an approved law enforcement training program or Police Academy and possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid POST Certification from the Commonwealth of MA.

5. Ability to obtain and maintain a valid MA License to Carry Firearms.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1. Perform basic public safety and security duties.  Conduct internal and external patrols of all facilities and grounds. Respond to and report on both routine and emergency calls for service, building alarms, restraint of violent patients and/or visitors.  Monitor assigned area for suspicious activity, and screen vendors and visitors entering the facility. 

2. Provide escorts to patients, visitors, staff and others in conformance with established procedures. 

3. Identify security vulnerabilities, safety hazards and violations of Hospital policy. Take immediate correction action to mitigate the vulnerability or hazard, if possible, and collaborate with other departments to either mitigate or resolve, if warranted. Report deficiencies to Supervisor, and document via an incident report or work order for required follow up and resolution. 

4. Take proper actions during patient crisis interventions to achieve the safest possible outcomes for patients, employees, security officers and others using the least invasive measures possible.   

5. Ensure that all employees and other appropriate members of the Hospital community are in possession of a Hospital identification badge and that it is clearly visible. Consistently engage all individuals without visible identification in an appropriate and courteous manner. 

6. Grant access to locked areas and buildings to authorized staff in possession of a Hospital identification badge. Restrict access to those individuals who have no authorized business on campus in accordance with established policies and procedures. 

7. Maintain composure under stressful circumstances, using all trained intervention skills including verbal and nonverbal de-escalation strategies and approaches. 

8. Provide excellent customer service by assisting and interacting with patients, visitors, and other staff in a manner that conveys the highest level of dignity, respect, courtesy, and professionalism.   

9. Participate and coordinate investigations, conduct interviews, review recorded video, prepare case files, catalog and secure evidence as required. 

10. Assist with all emergencies and disasters that may affect the Hospital, including: crowd control; evacuations and other responsibilities as directed by supervisors. 

11. Identify and resolve problems, issues, concerns, or conflicts requiring resolution in an impartial manner by obtaining all necessary facts. 

12. Complete an accurate and comprehensive written incident report for any incident occurring upon hospital property.  Ensure compliance with established procedures. 

13. Enlist the support of a supervisor or assistance from fellow Officers when warranted.   

14. Maintain collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the working group’s achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment. 

15. Complete all training requirements and courses established and/or provided by the department.

Physical Requirements:

1. Frequent standing and walking with the ability to stand and/or walk for eight (8) hours. 

2. Climb multiple flights of stairs. 

3. Lift fifty (50) pounds alone. 

4. Able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves or eye protection as required. 

5. Some exposure to the elements during regular rounds. 

6. Ability to work long, irregular, and odd hours required. Position may also require unanticipated overtime and hold overs to maintain minimum staffing levels from time to time. 

7. Possibility of injury due to eviction of unauthorized persons, restraint of violent patients, etc. 

8. Exposure to various areas containing hazardous material and radioactive substances when performing patrols. 

9. Frequent contact with patients, visitors, and employees. 

10. Able to work in confined or open environments. 

11. Able to work independently or in a team environment. 

Skills & Abilities:

1. Proficient in communicating, reading, and writing in English. 

2. Basic Computer Skills required. 

3. Ability to multi-task and meet established deadlines. 

4. Ability to assess potentially dangerous situations quickly, make sound decisions, and take appropriate action based on the information available. 

5. Skills and abilities related to emotional maturity, dependability, punctuality, diplomacy, tact, poise, self- confidence, and positivity (devoid of negative remarks). 

6. Trustworthy, helpful, friendly, courteous, and disciplined. 

About Melrose/Wakefield Hospital

Melrose/Wakefield Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford are two campuses with one community in mind: the people of north suburban Boston.  Melrose/Wakefield Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital are distinguished by the range of high-quality clinical care and services. Our teams welcome everyone with hospitality and humanity. We focus on reducing health disparities through 40+ local health programs across a system of hospitals, urgent care locations, outpatient services, and community physicians.

Core to our values, Melrose/Wakefield Hospital’s commitment to community is demonstrated by our many local health programs throughout our service area and participation in partnerships with community agencies and events, and education programs in more than 10 communities to support the wellness and health of our residents.