Taunton State Hospital is seeking an experienced candidate to patrol buildings and grounds and adjacent areas under the control of the Department of Mental Health. Enforces Massachusetts General Laws, Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Laws, Department of Mental Health Regulations and Policies. Performs related law enforcement duties to insure the safety and security of the institution and the population that the institution serves.

Please Note: The selected candidates work schedule will be 40 hours per week working Evening shift, 3:00pm - 11:00pm. The days off will be Monday and Tuesday.. The primary work location will be Taunton State Hospital, however this position will support all sites in the Southeast Area, as needed. Certain duties are NOT performed by Campus Police Officers that do not have a valid Special State Police Appointment.

Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and 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.
• Lawfully exercises power of arrest when the facts, information, and circumstances, warrant or require that an arrest be made. Issues Chapter 90 citations for violations of the Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Code under supervisory authorization, if applicable. 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. Maintains 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, performs routine inspections of fire alarms system 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.
• Uses and maintains computer-based information and reporting systems.
• Transports clients and patients in accordance with DMH policy and procedure.
• Supports patient/client care staff in management of potentially violent behavior events.
• Ability to accept assignments at other Southeast facilities when required.

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.

About Taunton State Hospital

Taunton State Hospital (TSH) operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is a 45-bed inpatient facility that provides continuing care inpatient services to adults with major mental illnesses. The hospital is a leader in the successful integration of the Principles of Recovery and a rehabilitation philosophy into the treatment model and a part of the Southeast Area which works closely with the inpatient treatment teams to facilitate patients’ discharge back to the community.

DMH Mission Statement:

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.

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 and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

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.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For questions, please contact Human Resources at (508) 977-3383.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!