Vanderbilt University Public Safety Department has immediate openings for Weapons Detection Specialists to join our team. The pay rate for this position is $25.00 per hour.

The Weapons Detection Specialist is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the assigned post at VUMC by operating and monitoring the weapon detection equipment. This position involves screening individuals entering the facility to detect and prevent the unauthorized entry of weapons and objects that could pose a threat to patient safety, staff, or visitors. The role must maintain a high level of vigilance, professionalism, and customer service while adhering to the established safety protocols and procedures. The Weapons Detection Specialist will be responsible for promptly reporting any suspicious or concerning findings to appropriate leaders for further evaluation and response. This role may also serve as a backup for the Community Service Officer role, as assigned by leadership.

Vanderbilt University Public Safety comes under the charge of the Office of the Senior Associate Vice Chancellor/Chief of Police for the Division of Administration. The Public Safety Department includes a staff of over 300 people. The department is organized into four Divisions: Administration, Operations, General Services, and Emergency Management. The Department employs commissioned officers, non-academy-trained officers for security-related functions, and administrative personnel.

Duties and Responsibilities

Screening Individuals:

• Responsible for monitoring individuals as they pass through the weapon detector, ensuring that each person is scanned thoroughly.

• Ensure compliance with established procedures and protocols.

• Assist visitors who may require assistance or guidance as they pass through the weapon detector. This could include helping them remove items from their person or explaining the process.

Identifying Alarms:

• Actively monitor the weapon detector for alarm triggers including the presence of weapon objects on individuals passing through.

• When the weapon detector detects a weapon, identify whether the alarm is triggered by harmless items like keys or coins, or if it indicates a potential threat.

• Conduct secondary screenings on individuals who trigger alarms, utilizing handheld weapon detectors or physical pat-downs to locate and identify the source of the alarm.

Security & Safety Protocols:

• Adhere to established security protocols and procedures while operating the weapon detector checkpoint to ensure the safety and security of the premises.

• Respond to non-police emergency calls to include but not be limited to the following: alarms (fire, general security), hazardous material spills and leaks, and pedestrian or vehicular traffic control.

• Use trained tactics to assist in controlling, de-escalating, or restraining combative and/or violent patients as requested by medical personnel.

• Provide backup and assistance for other officers within guidelines specified in department policy and procedures.

• Respond to general security or safety hazard calls for service as directed.

• Maintain familiarity with personal protective equipment including protective suits and N-95 respirators.

Communication and Customer Service:

• Effectively communicate with VUPS and VUMC personnel to ensure a coordinated effort in maintaining security and responding to any potential threats detected by the weapon detector.

• Provide courteous and professional customer service to individuals passing through the security checkpoint, addressing any concerns or inquiries with patience and respect while maintaining security measures.

• Communicate VUMC policies and enforcement procedures to visitors, staff, and guests to ensure the safety of the community.

• Provide walking escorts as assigned.

• Provide security for events including athletic events, concerts, speaking engagements, visiting dignitaries, commencement, and other events as assigned.

• Provide internal and external disaster assistance according to Departmental, University, and Medical Center policies and procedures.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Document any incidents, alarms, or unusual occurrences that happen during the shift and report them to the shift Supervisor.

• Investigate and write reports for non-criminal activities as assigned.

Operating and monitoring equipment:

• Responsible for the setup, tear down, maintenance, and storage of the weapon detector, ensuring it is kept in good working condition and reporting any malfunctions or issues to the shift supervisor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.

• Completion of VUPS training within 30 days of hire is required. This includes:

• De-escalation, Pressure Point Control Tactics, Asp Baton, pepper spray, or similar training

• CPR and AED certification

• Security officer training

• 12 months experience working in safety/security or law enforcement is required.

• Previous experience operating weapon detection equipment in a healthcare security setting is highly preferred.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds are required.

• Attention to detail and the ability to consistently follow safety protocols and procedures is required.

• Demonstrated ability to remain calm and composed under pressure and in potentially challenging situations is required.

• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve is required.

• Ability to utilize electronic systems and two-way radio is required.

• 18 years of age is required.

Physical Requirements

Weapons Detection Specialist must be able to:

• Stand for extended periods.

• Walk, climb, and lift up to 25 pounds.

• Meet written departmental standards on appearance/grooming.

• Pass a thorough background investigation.

• Must obtain immunizations and medical tests as required to be able to work in patient care and high-risk areas.

Working Environment

• Required to work varying shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays as assigned.

• Must be able to work in inclement weather and various weather extremes.

• May encounter hazardous materials, infectious diseases, blood-borne pathogens, steam, car battery acid, loud noises, smoke, and fire.

• Must correctly use a TB Mask and other precautionary equipment.

• May encounter physical danger from violent patients, suspects, and others.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

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