Public Safety Officer

Advocate Health is one of the largest nonprofit, integrated health systems in the United States, created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. This expansive healthcare network operates under several well-known names including Advocate Health Care in Illinois, Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama, and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health serves nearly 6 million patients annually, making it a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, and value-based care. The organization is deeply committed to providing equitable care for all populations, offering over $6 billion in annual community benefits, and engaging in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies. It employs more than 155,000 teammates across 69 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations, and supports one of the nation’s largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs.

The role available is a full-time Security Officer position based at the AMC Kenosha Public Safety Department, offering a 40-hour workweek on the 2nd shift (3:00 PM to 11:00 PM) with rotating weekends off. The pay range for this position is $21.85 to $32.80 per hour, and it is benefits-eligible. The Security Officer plays a critical role in maintaining the safety and security of the healthcare environment, focusing on professionalism, fairness, compassion, and a customer-service approach even in difficult situations.

This position requires the Security Officer to conduct routine interior and exterior patrols, identify potential vulnerabilities and hazards, manage patient valuables, and perform contraband searches. Officers assist patients, visitors, and team members by providing information, directions, and physical assistance when necessary. They are responsible for traffic control, monitoring visitor conduct, and confronting unauthorized persons. The role also involves preventing and responding to workplace violence, handling combative or threatening individuals, and serving as a key resource for de-escalation. The use of force, including conducted electrical weapons such as TASERs and handcuffing, is part of the responsibilities when necessary.

In emergency situations such as lost or abducted infants, fires, or active threats, the Security Officer must respond immediately and intervene physically as trained to prevent injury. The job includes investigating incidents that occur on Advocate Health property and providing accurate reports. Additional responsibilities include security awareness education, liaison rounding to foster departmental partnerships, and coordination with various federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Officers also manage law enforcement prisoner patient guards ensuring safety and policy compliance.

The position mandates maintaining current training in vital areas such as radio communications, verbal de-escalation, hemorrhage control ("STOP the BLEED"), CPR, clinical restraints application, and conducted energy weapon use. Other duties include assisting with exterior traffic, crowd control, parking enforcement, and valet parking assistance.

Candidates must hold or obtain the Security Officer Healthcare Certification (CHSO) from the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety within two years of appointment. Additionally, a valid driver’s license is required, along with completion of specific state courses and licenses depending on location. For example, Illinois employees must complete the State of Illinois 20-hour Basic Security Officer course and hold a Firearm Owners Identification Card, whereas Wisconsin employees must have a Concealed Carry Weapon license.

Security Officers must exhibit high emotional intelligence, remain calm under pressure, work collaboratively with medical staff and law enforcement, and maintain a patient-centered safety focus. Physical requirements include the ability to walk, stand, and occasionally lift up to 35 pounds, along with exposure to potential mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive, and radiation hazards. Protective clothing and specialized equipment operation are necessary, and frequent exposure to aggressive behavior is expected.

Advocate Health offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes competitive compensation, shift premiums, incentive pay, annual performance-based increases, paid time off, a range of health and welfare benefits, flexible spending accounts, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, retirement plans with employer match, and educational assistance programs. This role represents an important opportunity to contribute to a safer healthcare environment while working for a nationally recognized organization committed to employee well-being and community health.