K-9 Handler

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Security Director, the K-9 Handler will be responsible for security service duties through professional interactions with CMC patients, staff, and visitors. The K-9 Handler will perform a variety of duties to include but not limited to responding to calls, providing assistance in emergency and non-emergency situations, investigating and documenting safety hazards, incidents and criminal activity. The K-9 Handler must complete a K-9 handler course and continual in-service training as required by security leadership.

Qualifications:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

• Previous law enforcement/security experience (particularly K-9 related) preferred.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local regulatory regulations and guidelines related to Law Enforcement and/or private security organizations.

Licensure/Certification/Registration

• South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) certification as South Carolina Certified Private Security Officer required.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform all security related tasks, ensuring life safety standards are maintained. Investigates and/or reports hazards, unusual or suspicious actions/events to the Security Shift Supervisor.
• Patrols assigned areas to provide security presence with or without K-9. Unlock buildings/doors after checking identification and compliance with policies; properly utilizes and maintains all issued and operated equipment. Observes activity and traffic in assigned areas to enforce CMC's policies and procedures. Assist with providing directions, escorts, and/or guest relations functions.
• Performs searches commensurate with the K9's certification
• Acknowledges and responds appropriately to emergency and non-emergency situations and alarms calls, with or without K-9 partner as assigned. Uses good judgment to safely determine the alarm cause, takes appropriate action and/or provides proper assistance and directions in both situations
• Intercede in disputes between individuals by using verbal de-escalation techniques, K-9 partner intervention and skills to diffuse potentially violent patient, visitor or staff situations. Physically manages combative, violent people without hesitation using techniques taught in required annual training.
• Maintain K-9 maintenance, handler training logs, and provides K-9 wellbeing and care while on and off duty.
• Provide a safe and secure environment for K-9 while off duty. The housing area and enclosure must be pre-approved by Security management/leadership.
• Provide leadership and assistance to the security department with K-9 during crowd control situations, serves as backup during room searches, and provides a force multiplier during riots and/or high stress situations.
• Participate along with the Security leadership, in liaison activities with industry peers and law enforcement community.
• Research best practices as it relates to K-9 program implementation and maintenance in healthcare settings.
• Attend regular training activities with K-9 team, ensuring ongoing certification.
• Operate security technology equipment such as personal computers, CCTV systems, fire alarm systems, access control systems, security alarm systems, and radios.
• Train in relation to Hospital Emergency Incident Command System job roles.
• Investigate employee, visitor, and patient complaints; work cooperatively with local police departments and authorities.
• Complete detailed reports on incidents, thefts, losses.
• Always display exemplary core customer service skills.
• Consistently display effective verbal communication skills.
• Complete other duties as assigned by department leadership.