
Status: Non-Exempt
Minimum Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent; some college coursework or vocational training in behavioral health, social services, or a related field preferred
Must have completed MOAB training/ Mental Health First Aid Training/ Certified Advanced Health Security Officer (CAHSO) (If a candidate is eligible for the position but has not yet completed the training, it must be completed within 6–12 months of hire. The Chief of Behavioral Health will assist the employee in registering for the required training.
Experience, knowledge, and training in working with individuals with substance use disorders.
1-3 years of experience as a security guard/officer
1-3 years of experience in healthcare, mental/behavioral health, public safety, social services, or related environments
Knowledge of crisis intervention, de-escalation, and supportive engagement techniques
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact compassionately with diverse populations
Basic computer literacy for documentation and reporting
Commitment to trauma-informed, patient-centered, and culturally responsive care
Friendly, reliable, and professional both in behavior and appearance.
Reliable, punctual, and able to handle occasional physical activity such as walking, standing, or responding quickly in emergencies
Must meet the physical demands for performing the duties of this job.
Software/Hardware: Access to video surveillance
Required Skills Upon Hire:
Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective in high-stress or emergency situations
Ability to appropriately manage patients experiencing mental distress, with knowledge of available behavioral health resources.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, individuals seeking assistance, and the general public.
Ability to work collaboratively with clinical, behavioral health, administrative, and support staff.
General Responsibilities and Duties:
Respond promptly (within 2–3 minutes) to emergency and non-emergency situations as reported by staff. Maintain a thorough understanding of all emergency codes and proper response procedures.
Communicate clearly and coordinate patient transports with Public Safety Officers and staff using radio or telephone, and assist with wheelchair transports as needed.
Open and close the facility, ensuring doors are properly unlocked/locked, alarms are managed, and the building is secure at the start and end of each day.
Serve as a professional and approachable presence throughout the facility, maintaining uniform attire and avoiding any visible identification as a Public Safety Officer.
Communicate with Public Safety staff to help identify any potential security risks.
Assist with maintenance, housekeeping, and other duties as needed to ensure the facility operates smoothly.
Direct patient concerns and complaints to the appropriate individual or party and provide patients with the appropriate party’s contact information as needed.
Willingness to work shifts outside of the regularly assigned schedule to ensure full coverage at the facility.
Report to your supervisor any incidents involving visitors or employees that could result in injury, property loss, or other harm to the company or staff.
Accurately document incidents, safety concerns, and behavioral health events according to organizational policies and HIPAA requirements. Follow all organizational, regulatory, and safety policies.
Commute/Travel to different site locations as needed and/or scheduled.
Behavioral Health Scope:
Respond to all behavioral health and mental health crises within the facility in collaboration with the Behavioral Health team.
Assist the Behavioral Health team with daily workflow operations, monitor patient behavior as needed, and escort visitors, clients, patients, and personnel to various locations within the facility.
Coordinate with other Public Safety Officers and the Behavioral Health team to manage hostile or disruptive behavior and ensure safe interactions for patients, staff, and visitors.
Represent the Department of Public Safety in all Behavioral Health meetings, events, and training opportunities.
Provide compassionate support to individuals experiencing mental distress, using trauma-informed and de-escalation techniques to prevent crises and promote emotional well-being.
Assist clients and patients in accessing behavioral health services and community resources, providing warm handoffs when appropriate.
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements
Work is performed in various environments, including indoor and outdoor locations, depending on the assigned location.
Requires prolonged periods of standing, walking, and patrolling.
Must be able to respond quickly to emergency situations, including running, bending, climbing stairs, and physically intervening when necessary.
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25-50 pounds.
May be exposed to varying weather conditions, noise levels, and lighting conditions.
Requires frequent use of communication equipment, surveillance systems, and computers.
Must be able to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and overtime.
Hourly rate: $18- $21

Caring Health Center (CHC) is one of the premier health centers in Western Massachusetts, and for nearly 30 years it has served as an essential source of health care for residents of the greater Springfield area. CHC is the most culturally diverse and linguistically leading institution in the region. It is the leader in modeling employment equity based on being both women-led and having majority representation of people of color in our executive and overall leadership team. As an innovator, CHC has participated in federally funded research for over 21 years.
In 1995, the time of its inception, CHC employed 20 and provided health care to 5,000 patients at a single site. Today, CHC employs over 250 and serves about 20,000 patients annually, providing affordable, quality, comprehensive medical care at three sites. In addition, the organization operates a state-of-the art pharmacy and WIC Nutrition Program, and serves as the largest Refugee Health Assessment provider in Massachusetts. CHC's on-site Wellness Center provides nutrition education, group physical exercise, and other services to support healthy and productive lives among patients.
CHC’s team and Board of Directors ensure that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses their cultural, economic, and language needs, while its behavioral health specialists deliver services to address a wide range of emotional and other issues.