Security Officer - Youth Justice Services - Secure

Do you have previous Security experience with the at-risk youth population? Have you ever considered a Security career in Youth Justice?”

RAY OF HOPE – SECURE is actively seeking a qualified SECURITY OFFICER to support our Youth Justice Services Program. If you have excellent deductive reasoning skills, are a good critical thinker, have familiarity with MCCSS (Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services) standards and are interested in supporting the journey of youth in conflict with the law, this could be an opportunity for you!

Overview 

Under the direction of the Operations Manager, the Security Officer is responsible for effective oversight of risk of harm to others and safeguarding the environment for staff, clients and visitors in a youth justice secure custody and detention facility. The position ensures the efficient operation of the facility by all security measures and risk mitigation strategies. The functions of the Security Officer are to provide security for all points of egress of the facility; monitors resident, visitor, and employee activity via security cameras and performs all duties associated with the control center. Duties are performed under stressful conditions and can include physically de-escalating volatile situations. Distinguishing characteristics of this position include routine contact with residents. 

Specific Responsibilities

• Plans and coordinates with Supervisors routine and non-routine deployment activities (emergencies, young person escorts-transfers, special activities, Ontario Court Justice, medical appointment) as per Community Escort protocol.
• Distributes keys, fobs, and mechanical restraints in accordance with policies.
• Monitors and screens incoming and outgoing staff and visitors for contraband via security cameras, hand-held wand, and searches.
• Documents incidents per policy.
• Conduct daily rounds of all Units and common areas and document results of the rounds.
• Primary liaison for professional relationships with police forces and courts across the province 
• Collaboration with security partners at MCCSS including but not limited to PCU and ISU. 
• Reports to and consults with the Operations Manager on all issues involving the security of the facility including physical building, programs, incident / serious occurrence reports, staff and youth complaints and outside agency coordination. 
• Coordinates and reviews risk assessments pertaining to security activities, deployment practices, and to analyze the current resident population to inform decisions. 
• Makes critical and sound decisions during emergencies or potentially dangerous situations; may participate in group intervention crisis sessions (debriefing) and informs Operations Manager of concerns as warranted.
• Monitoring of Serious Occurrences and subsequent data collection and analysis
• Responsible to monitor and conduct security checks daily under the Employee Detection program (contraband smuggling control) 
• Conducts security checks of the Sallyport area (including man gate) following contractor (deliveries, work detail) and court transports.
• Controls access into the building.
• Responsible for initiation and completion of Internal Incident Review process 
• Completion of monthly reports, as required, for secure de-escalation, mechanical restraints and physical restraints along with submission to MCCSS 
• Give oversight to security of Young Persons personal property utilizing security camera tracking and monitoring property documents. 
• Coordinate and ensure effective searches of person, facility and property are conducted as per internal Policy and Procedures and MCCSS standards 
• Coordination and management of security cameras, keys, swipe cards/fobs (Access Control Readers) and static security measures (e.g. software) 
• Participate in new staff orientation. 
• Attend public, education, MCCSS or other meetings and trainings as required. 

Qualifications 

Education  

• Completion of post-secondary education (Minimum 3 Year Diploma/Degree) in a related field; or a combination of education and progressively responsible experience 

Experience   

• 3-5 years' experience working with at-risk youth, preferably in detention/custody setting 

Certifications  

• Understanding and Managing Aggressive Behaviour (UMAB) Certificate 
• Standard First Aid Level-C CPR & AED or willingness to obtain prior to employment 
• ASIST training 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities to be successful in this position 

• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing personal and professional development 
• Familiar with policies of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, Child, Youth and Family Services Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act 
• Excellent writing skills including proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Demonstrated ability to motivate staff team to ensure they work productively, cooperatively and with a sense of satisfaction in their work 
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 
• Proficient in reading, writing, speaking and comprehension in the English language 

Requirements  

• Vulnerable Sector Check/Police Check 
• Valid, unrestricted Class “G” Ontario Driver's licence 
• Ministry of Transportation Drivers Abstract through Service Ontario 
• Employment Medical Form including immunization record

Physical Demands  

• Constant standing (33%), sitting (33%) and walking (33%)
• Frequent use of mental capabilities and concentration 
• Possible exposure to hazards such as harassment, physical or verbal aggression or aggressive behaviours, witness to harassment or violence, and similar variables 
• Possible risk of vicarious trauma 
• Infrequent exposure to environmental hazards, including Hot/Cold and regular environmental variables 
• This position requires the person to consistently work with and around others. 
• Incumbent will be required to physically intervene with aggressive male youth using an approved restraint program 
• The Security Officer will have significant contact with internal parties such as Shift Coordinators, Team Lead, Operations Manager, and other members of the facility staff. They will also have some contact with community professionals such as Investigation Security Unit (MCCSS), Police Services, Probation Officers, etc 

This Job Description is subject to change at the sole discretion of Ray of Hope.