Security Officer

Location: North Benfleet, Essex

Salary: £24,855 per annum (Including £1250 Essex Fringe Allowance)

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (12-hour shifts covering days & nights)

About Us

St Andrew’s is a leading mental health charity dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with complex mental health needs. We provide specialist inpatient and community-based mental healthcare, working closely with partners to inspire hope and improve lives.

Our North Benfleet site is a secure mental healthcare facility supporting individuals in medium and low-security settings. We seek a Security Officer to ensure a safe and secure environment for our patients, staff, and visitors.

The Role

As a Security Officer, you will be critical in maintaining site security, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and responding to emergencies. You will monitor security systems, control site access, and support a safe environment within a secure mental health setting.

Key Responsibilities:

Security & Access Control:

• Manage key control and access systems, ensuring only authorised personnel enter restricted areas.
• Process staff, visitors, and patients upon arrival, verifying credentials and maintaining security logs.
• Conduct regular patrols of both internal and external hospital areas.

Emergency Response & Incident Management:

• Respond to fire alarms, intruder alarms, and security incidents promptly.
• Support the safe handling of emergency situations, including patient-related incidents.
• Assist clinical teams with security-related patient support, including risk management.

Technology & Systems:

• Monitor and operate CCTV, access control, and alarm systems.
• Maintain security records and reports, ensuring compliance with hospital policies.

Customer Service & Teamwork:

• Provide a professional and reassuring presence to patients, staff, and visitors.
• Work closely with clinical, administrative, and facilities teams to meet hospital security standards.
• Adhere to all hospital policies and security regulations, ensuring compliance with secure mental health facility standards.

About You

We are looking for a dedicated and vigilant security professional who is committed to safety and has a calm, customer-focused approach.

Essential Criteria:

• Minimum 1 year of security experience, preferably within a hospital, healthcare, or secure environment.
• Strong working knowledge of security systems (CCTV, access control, alarm monitoring).
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to stay calm and professional in high-pressure situations.
• Flexibility to work 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and bank holidays.
• Computer literacy, with the ability to maintain records and security reports.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in a mental health or forensic healthcare setting.
• SIA (Security Industry Authority) license – Door Supervisor or Security Guarding.
• Training in Conflict Resolution, De-escalation Techniques, or PMVA (Prevention & Management of Violence & Aggression).
• First Aid or Fire Safety certification.

Why Join Us?

Make a Difference – Play a vital role in protecting vulnerable individuals and maintaining a secure, caring environment.

Job Security – Work for a leading mental health charity with excellent staff support.

Training & Development – Access to free vocational qualifications and career growth opportunities.

Competitive Benefits Package:

• 30% extra pay for Saturday/night shifts, 60% extra pay for Sunday shifts.
• 35 days annual leave, increasing after 5 and 10 years of service.
• NHS-matched sick pay policy.
• Enhanced maternity cover.
• Pension scheme with employer contributions.
• Access to Blue Light Card & Health Service Discounts.
• Car Lease & Cycle to Work schemes.
• Healthcare cash plan to support your well-being.
• Free on-site parking and paid DBS application.

Our patients and colleagues expect you to live by our St Andrew’s CARE values: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence daily.

How to Apply

We would love to hear from you if you are a dedicated security professional looking to make a real impact in a mental healthcare setting.

For more information, contact:

Join us in ensuring a safe, secure, and supportive environment for all.

Closing Date: Wednesday 9th April 2025