Security Team Specialist I-Westfield Youth Service Center

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is the juvenile justice agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We work with young people who are detained or committed and provide detention, custody, diagnosis, education and support to young people ages 7-21. Most of the youth served are between the ages 14 and 18. The Department promotes positive change for the youth committed to our care, and has been on the forefront of de-institutionalization, in part, by providing adolescent-focused rehabilitation to youth in residential treatment. 

The Security Specialist I will conduct surveillance and patrol assigned areas; perform security checks of buildings and grounds; monitor security cameras and equipment; monitor youth, clients or residents’ curfew and electronic monitoring devices; determine extent of violations and take appropriate action; maintain and review the operations log; and respond to emergency situations. 

For additional information about the Department of Youth Services and its programs please watch:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gyP0kCJ181nBakh9Cc0pNNEyPw7kAoI6/view 

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Monitor surveillance cameras and patrol assigned interior and exterior areas including parking areas; check locks, maintain security by conducting searches for contraband, preventing incidents and ensuring the safety of staff, clients, residents and youth throughout the facility. 
• Inspect fire and other safety equipment in and around the facility in accordance with established agency procedures and standards to maintain safety of the property, staff, youth, clients and other occupants.
• Respond to emergency situations by administering first aid, locking down unsecured areas, calling for assistance and performing other actions necessary to gain control of the situation and maintain the safety of all parties involved.
• Gather information in accordance with established procedures in the occurrence of an incident; enter relevant information into the operations log or electronic client information system to maintain a record of incidents and activities and to share information in an organized manner with the appropriate authorities.
• Based on assignment, conduct curfew monitoring phone calls to youth placed in the community as determined by regional agency management.
• Take the appropriate action, in accordance with authorized procedures, to handle specific violations or to respond to emergency situations.
• Notify other staff and call for assistance to handle emergency situations.
• Assist in the evacuation of youth, clients, residents or students in drills or emergency situations.
• Receive and respond to telephone calls from both internal and external parties to provide requested information and guidance to other departments within the facility, other agencies and the general public.
• Transport youth, clients or residents who may be injured or restrained, to various areas within the facility to ensure the security of all staff, youth, residents and clients.
• Receive, screen, register and direct visitors to determine visitation eligibility, to preserve order in the facility and to maintain the well-being of residents.
• Based on assignment, incumbents maintain electronic records of staff vehicle registration and vehicle identification and manage employee identification cards.
• Lock down the facility based on the facility administrator’s authority.
• Determine if restraints are necessary when transporting youth.
• Deny the transition or transport of youth, clients or residents.
• Refuse access to visitors.
• Assist in the evacuation of youth, clients, resident