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Selecting a security officer

Healthcare Security Weekly, May 14, 2004

As a security director, an important decision is figuring out who to hire as a security officer.

Select security employees on the basis of whether or not they can meet the physical and mental demands of the job. Consider the following tips from "Hospital Security Professionals' Manual in your selection criteria:

• Background check-There is little doubt that a background investigation sufficient to hire the average hospital "social worker" is not sufficient for a security officer. Conduct a thorough investigation. At a minimum, include the following in your background checks: criminal records, driving record, drug screening, Social Security number verification, previous employment (minimum of five years), and psychological profile.

• Work experience-Is the applicant's work experience and education applicable to the job description?

• Communication-Does the applicant have the skills to effectively communicate with employees, visitors, patients, and physicians at the hospital? Is the applicant's speech easily understood? Does the applicant speak with a certain amount of authority, without sounding offensive? Is the applicant able to respond effectively to complaints?

• Assessing ability-Can the applicant properly assess a situation by using applied security techniques?

• Decision-making-In a crisis, is the applicant capable of making decisions based on his/her experience?

• Productivity potential-Can the applicant work in an environment where quality and productivity are inseparable and essential to the success of the security mission?

• Motivation-Does the applicant consider himself/herself a "self starter"? Can the applicant work with a minimum of direct supervision?

• Goal orientation-Is the applicant persistent enough to attain goals even when experiencing short-term setbacks?

• Patient empathy-Is the applicant capable of understanding the feelings and anxieties of patients and conducting his/her business accordingly?

• Commitment-Is the applicant prepared to respond to work demands over and above what may be normally required? Is the applicant aware that employees may be required to work long hours, nights, and weekends during an emergency to ensure proper delivery of healthcare? Is the applicant willing and capable of providing services outside of his/her job description in the event of an emergency?

For more information about hiring security officers and creating a security team, read the "Hospital Security Professionals' Manual." To purchase, visit http://www.hcmarketplace.com/Prod.cfm?id=1291&S=EB25741A

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