Safety & Security Specialist

Vanderbilt University · Nashville

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The Safety & Security Specialist serves as a welcoming and vigilant presence within the Vanderbilt University community. As part of Vanderbilt University Public Safety, this role supports the safety and security of campus and medical center environments by operating weapon detection equipment, screening individuals entering facilities, and providing general patrol coverage across buildings, grounds, parking lots, and garages. The Specialist responds to safety concerns, assists visitors and staff, and communicates clearly and professionally to maintain a safe, respectful, and service-oriented environment. This role also supports traffic flow, parking guidelines, and emergency response activities, escalating concerns to supervisory personnel when needed.

About the Work Unit:

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) is led by the Office of the Chief of Police in the Division of Administration. VUPS is a dedicated team of over 400 professionals united by a shared commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all in the Vanderbilt community, as well as the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Organized into several specialized units, our department includes commissioned officers, security professionals, and skilled administrative staff, all working collaboratively to uphold the highest standards of community-based policing.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Security & Safety:

• Serve the community through proactive security post assignments or patrol functions including self- initiated activities.
• Responsible for monitoring individuals as they pass through the weapon detector, ensuring that each person is scanned thoroughly.
• Adhere to established security protocols and procedures while operating the weapon detector checkpoint to ensure the safety and security of the premises.
• 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. 
• 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 knowledge of the institutional Disaster Plan and the role of the Safety & Security Specialist in the administration of the plan.
• Maintain familiarity with personal protective equipment, including protective suits and N-95 respirators.
• 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.
• Ensure compliance with established procedures and protocols.

Weapons Detector Operations and Monitoring:

• Set up, operate, maintain, and store the weapon detector, ensuring it remains in good working condition and promptly reporting any malfunctions or issues to the shift supervisor.
• Actively monitor the weapon detector for alarm triggers and assess whether activations are caused by harmless items (e.g., keys, coins) or potential threats.
• Perform secondary screenings on individuals who trigger alarms, using handheld detectors or physical patdowns as appropriate to locate and identify the source.

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.
• Develop rapport with members of the university community as well as surrounding areas; participates in community relations activities.
• Assist the community members and provide courteous and professional customer service to individuals entering 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.

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.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the assigned Safety & Security Supervisor.

Qualifications

 Education and Certifications:

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

(Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide ongoing motor vehicle record monitoring)

• Must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation and drug screening in accordance with university and departmental standards.
• Completion of VUPS training within 30 days of hire is required. This includes:
  • De-escalation techniques
  • Pressure Point Control Tactics
  • ASP Baton and pepper spray (or similar training)
  • CPR and AED certification
  • Security officer training

Note: This training is typically completed during the first two weeks of employment. If training sessions are missed, all components must be completed within 30 calendar days of hire.

Experience and Skills:

• At least 24 months of experience in roles requiring high levels of customer service, communication, and professionalism (e.g., hospitality, concierge, guest services, customer relations, public-facing service roles) is required. Security experience is strongly preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated stable employment history, reflecting reliability and dependability in prior roles.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with individuals from various backgrounds, are required.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm and composed under pressure and in potentially challenging situations is required.
• Attention to detail and the ability to consistently follow safety protocols and procedures 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:

Safety & Security Specialists must be able to:

• Stand for extended periods.
• Walk, climb, and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Meet written departmental standards on appearance/grooming.
• 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.
• 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.
   

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

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