BH Security Responder

Job Title: BH Security Responder

Location: Central Jersey Behavioral

Department Name: Security

Req #: 0000263313

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $23.65 - $29.07 per hour

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

Behavioral Health Security Responder serves as an important part of the healthcare team by helping maintain a safe, secure, and supportive environment for behavioral health patients, visitors, staff, and the broader healthcare community. This role combines vigilance, professionalism, compassionate customer service, and behavioral health awareness to support the safety and well-being of patients while protecting people, property, and healthcare operations. Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the Behavioral Health Security Responder also provides patient support while maintaining a safe environment and assisting with behavioral health needs. The role requires strong de-escalation and conflict resolution skills, sound judgment, and the ability to interact respectfully and effectively with individuals experiencing challenging or crisis situations. The Behavioral Health Security Responder also supports the Behavioral Health Center’s commitment to Total Quality Management by applying those principles in interactions with patients, visitors, staff, and other internal and external customers.

As a Behavioral Health Security Responder, a typical day might include the following:

Conducting indoor and outdoor patrols and monitoring the facility to help maintain a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, and staff

Providing professional, compassionate, and respectful customer service while remaining vigilant for potential safety and security concerns

Supporting the care and safety of behavioral health patients under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse

Using de-escalation, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention techniques to help safely manage challenging or disruptive situations

Responding to emergencies and participating in crisis de-escalation using certified training techniques

Performing weapon screenings and enforcing facility policies and safety standards to help maintain a secure environment

Monitoring access control systems and managing access to designated areas in accordance with facility procedures

Communicating effectively with patients, visitors, families, physicians, nurses, staff, and other members of a diverse healthcare community

Recognizing behavioral and environmental risks and taking appropriate action to protect patients, staff, visitors, and others

Completing incident reports, data entry, and other administrative tasks using computer systems and Microsoft Office

Supporting the Behavioral Health Center’s Total Quality Management philosophy by demonstrating professionalism, respect, compassion, and accountability in all interactions

Adapting to indoor and outdoor security assignments and responding to changing operational needs

The Behavioral Health Security Responder role might be for you if:

You remain calm, patient, and professional when interacting with individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges or crisis situations

You understand the importance of balancing security protocols with compassion, dignity, and respect for patients receiving behavioral health care

You have strong de-escalation, conflict resolution, communication, and interpersonal skills

You demonstrate sound judgment and can respond appropriately to emergencies, disruptive behavior, and potentially challenging situations

You are comfortable working closely with Registered Nurses and other members of the healthcare team to support patient safety and care

You are able to recognize potential behavioral and security risks and take appropriate action while maintaining a respectful approach

You communicate clearly and effectively with patients, visitors, families, staff, and individuals from diverse backgrounds

You are comfortable performing weapon screenings, enforcing facility policies, monitoring access control, and maintaining a visible security presence

You are organized and comfortable with computer systems, data entry, incident reporting, and Microsoft Office

You are willing and able to work in both indoor and outdoor environments and meet the physical and operational demands of the position

You are committed to helping create a safe, supportive, and respectful behavioral health environment

This is a Per Diem position with weekend requirements.

To be considered for this opportunity, you must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a related field, or a minimum of five years of relevant experience in a healthcare or inpatient psychiatric setting. Previous law enforcement experience with demonstrated experience in de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques may also qualify. You must possess a valid New Jersey Driver’s License and be eligible to be covered by the organization’s insurance carrier. You must also be able to obtain certification in de-escalation training within 90 days of hire.

At least one year of customer service, security experience, or prior military service is preferred. A minimum of three years of security operations experience with exposure to behavioral health populations is also preferred. Proficiency in keyboarding, data entry, and Microsoft Office Suite, along with strong verbal and written communication skills, is preferred. Bilingual or multilingual language skills are a plus, depending on facility needs.