Protection Specialist

Description

The BHA Protection Specialist is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for employees, clients, and visitors at Behavioral Health Allies’ corporate and remote locations while being grounded in our Core Values - Compassion, Integrity, Collaboration, Empowerment, Innovation, Excellence, Expertise, Advocacy, and Learning. The BHA Protection Specialist focuses on prevention, visibility, and positive engagement to promote safety and security across all BHA facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Safety Through Presence

• Provide a visible and professional security presence to deter unsafe behaviors and unauthorized access.

• Patrol and monitor facility grounds, parking areas, and building entrances to ensure the safety of employees, clients, and visitors.

• Assist with traffic control and parking direction during peak hours or special events.

• Support emergency response and evacuation procedures, including BHA’s color-coded emergency system.

Professionalism in Every Moment

• Respond to incidents calmly and effectively, following BHA policy and emergency protocols.

• Maintain confidentiality, integrity, and respect in all situations.

• Demonstrate composure and professionalism in interactions with employees, clients, visitors, and external partners.

• Arrive prepared, reliable, and focused on assigned safety and security duties.

• Dress in accordance with the BHA dress code and maintain a professional appearance.

Preparedness Prevents Harm

• Participate in regular safety drills, inspections, and security system checks.

• Monitor and report facility safety concerns, equipment issues, or violations promptly.

• Complete detailed incident and activity reports accurately and on time.

• Assist in internal investigations and support the Safety, Risk & Compliance team in identifying preventative measures.

Community and Collaboration

• Build positive relationships with employees, clients, and visitors to promote trust and cooperation.

• Collaborate with law enforcement, emergency responders, and other security professionals when necessary.

• Participate in company-sponsored functions, meetings, and community events to support safety operations.

• Serve as a supportive resource for employees on safety and de-escalation techniques.

Consistency Creates Safety

• Show up every day ready to engage and uphold expectations of professionalism and safety.

• Maintain punctuality, reliability, and preparedness to ensure stability across shifts.

• Follow established policies, procedures, and routines to ensure consistent safety standards company-wide.

• Respond to emergencies and incidents in accordance with training and established protocols.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described below represent those required to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made, as required by law, to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions safely and effectively. However, employees must be able to perform the essential duties in a manner that ensures the safety and supervision of employees, students and visitors at all times.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The working conditions described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made, in accordance with applicable law, to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions safely and effectively. However, employees must be able to perform the essential duties in a manner that ensures the safety and supervision of students at all times.

Additional Conditions and Expectations:

• Employees must maintain professional conduct and emotional regulation at all times, even during crisis events or when exposed to aggressive or unsafe behaviors.
• Employees must adhere to all BHA safety protocols, behavior support plans, and de-escalation procedures, following the direction of supervisors and clinical employees.
• Employees must remain physically and mentally alert throughout the workday to ensure continuous supervision of students. Sleeping or inattention during supervision is prohibited.
• Employees must maintain confidentiality, respect, and dignity toward all students, families, and colleagues, regardless of behavioral presentation.
• Work hours may vary depending on student needs, program requirements, and emergency situations.

ACCESS TO PHI: The BHA Protection Specialist may have access to Protected Health Information (PHI) as needed to assist in the investigation of safety or security incidents.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT: Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment based on their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination based on their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted so as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America.

ADA STATEMENT: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential job duty. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

ACCOUNTABILITY/IMPACT (Degree of answerability for actions, consequences of errors in judgment, and legal liabilities): Errors in judgment or mistakes could cost the organization loss of revenue, loss of clients, and/or negatively impact BHA’s reputation.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

1. Required company trainings.

2. Trainings deemed necessary by supervisor.

Requirements

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in security, loss prevention, or related protective services, preferably in a corporate or institutional environment.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screening.
• Preference given to candidates with certifications in security, workplace violence prevention, or crisis management.

Additional Requirements:

• Must maintain sufficient physical stamina, balance, and coordination to safely assist and supervise employees, students and visitors throughout the day, including during behavioral or emergency situations.
• Must be able to implement and sustain trained crisis intervention and de-escalation procedures (PCMA) in accordance with policy.
• Must demonstrate the ability to remain calm, alert, and physically capable during high-stress or physically demanding situations involving employees, students and visitors with challenging behaviors.
• Must possess the fine motor, gross motor, and sensory abilities necessary to operate computers, assistive technology, and classroom equipment safely and effectively.