Security Officer K9 Handler

Job Description

The Security K9 Officer is responsible for the protection and safety of employees, patients, and visitors while on hospital property. A Healthcare Security K9 Officer plays a crucial role in maintaining safety and security within healthcare facilities.

• Routine Rounds and Response:
  Performs routine rounds on the interior and exterior of the facility, including parking areas. Responds promptly to dispatch calls, performs scene assessments, gathers relevant information, resolves conflicts, and completes appropriate documentation.
• Patrol and Surveillance:
  Conducts routine patrols of the healthcare facility with a trained K9 to deter and detect suspicious activities.
• Incident Response:
  Responds to alarms and security‑related incidents, utilizing the K9 for search and detection of illegal substances, explosives, or contraband.
• Search and Rescue:
  Assists in search and rescue missions within the facility, especially in cases of missing persons or emergency evacuations.
• Public Safety:
  Ensures the safety of patients, staff, and visitors by monitoring for potential threats and taking appropriate action.
• Training and Care:
  Trains and cares for the K9, ensuring its health, fitness, and skills are maintained at optimum levels.
• Documentation:
  Documents and reports all incidents and irregularities to superiors, maintaining accurate records of K9 activities and health and maintaining training logs weekly.
• Customer Assistance:
  Provides directions and information to patients, visitors, employees, and volunteers while in the facility or on rounds.
• Incident Investigation and Reporting:
  Investigates incidents and writes detailed reports.
• K9 Program Support:
  Maintains crowd control with canine, patrols hospital, conducts drug searches, ensures a minimum of 250 hours of annual training for the canine, and is responsible for the total care and maintenance of the canine.
• Specialized Investigations:
  Conducts detailed investigations of complex cases, including controlled substance/drug irregularities, interviews individuals, and liaises with Internal Audit, police, and DEA as appropriate.
• Training and Professional Standards:
  Participates in mandatory training and certifications at hire, weekly, and annually. Performs all functions according to established policies, procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, and professional standards. Provides excellent service to all customers of Intermountain Health.
• Obedience Training:
  Teaching the dog to comply with commands or signals from the handler.
• Behavior Modification:
  Using techniques and strategies to encourage desired behaviors and discourage unwanted ones.
• Canine First Aid:
  Provides medical care to the K9 in case of injury or illness.
• Positive Reinforcement:
  Rewards good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime to reinforce learning.

• Compassion
• Communication
• Safety Security
• Leadership
• Workplace Violence Prevention
• Direct Care
• Team Management
• Oral Communications
• Security Operations
• Integrity
• K9 obedience training
• K9 behavior modification
• K9 handling

• Must have and maintain a valid Driver’s License.
• Current Basic Life Support Certification (BLS) for healthcare providers or willing to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Demonstrated previous experience as a K9 handler or in a similar security role is highly desirable.
• Completion of K9 handler training and certification through National Police Canine Association (NPCA) within 90 days.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills, especially in de‑escalating strong emotional situations as well as excellent animal handling skills, strong observational abilities, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Demonstrates effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.

• Providing a suitable living environment for the K9 is essential for its health, happiness, and performance in its security duties. Home inspections will be conducted to ensure adequate indoor living conditions and outdoor space to provide a safe and controlled environment for the dog to exercise, play, and train.
• A critical aspect of a K9 officer's qualifications includes ensuring appropriate housing, shelter,…