Mental Health Security Officer

Job ID: 19358

Agency: Department of Social Services - SD Human Services Center - Security

Location: Yankton

Salary: $18.55 per hour, depending on experience, plus shift pay ($2.00 for evening and nights) plus $1.50 weekend pay

Pay Grade: GF

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Social Services, SD Human Services Center. For more information on the Department of Social Services, please visit

The Mental Health Security Officer protects and maintains a secure psychiatric hospital environment by enforcing the rules and regulations to provide for the safety of personnel, patients, visitors and the facility. The position provides security services for both the hospital and grounds of the Human Services Center.

This position works rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends. The successful candidate must be flexible in their schedule to assist in staffing a small department.

Knowledge of:

* de-escalation techniques;
* psychiatric patients and/or disorders;
* law enforcement and security principles and procedures.

Ability to:

* interpret and enforce facility rules and regulations;
* function decisively and with authority in crisis situations;
* deal effectively with hostile individuals;
* work independently and remain calm and rational in stressful situations;
* communicate information clearly and concisely to patients, personnel and the general public;
* operate communication systems;
* operate snow removal equipment;
* respond to alarms for fire and maintenance issues and determine the appropriate actions to take;
* walk and stand for extended periods of time;
* perform some building maintenance;
* recall and record information concisely and accurately;
* deal tactfully with coworkers, patients and the general public.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE ELIGIBLE

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. Successful applicant(s) will undergo an abuse and neglect screening.

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers employer paid health insurance plus ten paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: :1443/lmghr/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=I5Z

You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources

Telephone: Email:

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"