Security Officer III

Job Title

Security Officer III

Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC)

Vernon, TX – Vernon State Hospital, 4730 College Dr, Vernon, TX

• Posting Number: 12562
• Closing Date: 01/21/2026
• Posting Audience:
  Internal and External
• Occupation Category:
  Healthcare Support
• Salary Group: TEXAS-A-15
• Salary Range: $3,500.00 - $4,837.08/month
• Pay Frequency:
  Monthly
• Shift: Evening
• Telework:
  Not Eligible
• Travel:
  Up to 10%
• Regular/Temporary:
  Regular
• Full Time/Part Time:
  Full time
• FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:
  Nonexempt

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need.

HSCS is comprised of nine psychiatric hospitals, one youth residential treatment facility, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Security Officer III performs highly complex (senior-level) security services work. The Security Officer III is the most senior Security Officer and supports the Security Supervisor with department goals and objectives. Work involves patrolling grounds; conducting initial investigations as needed; providing direction and/or assistance to patients, staff, and visitors. Responsibilities also include temporary switchboard duties such as answering the hospital telephone switchboard as needed, the fire alarm system, and emergency response phone line.

Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends. This position may also be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on maximum security locations.

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Patrols hospital grounds to monitor and mitigate unusual occurrences such as trespassers, vandalism, and emergencies.
• Monitors and directs daily activities and work performance of junior security officers as needed. Adjusts daily activities of security officers assigned to shift to ensure objectives of the department are met in accordance with directives of the security supervisor based upon tasks and personnel available.
• Provides security to the hospital campus. Opens hospital gates as appropriate. Provides direction and assistance to visitors. Patrols grounds, inspecting and safeguarding buildings, properties, and equipment. Writes reports and documents incidents or events in and around the hospital grounds. Downloads video requests from the Rights Protection department.
• Performs temporary switchboard duties as requested. Answers phone and calls from service via dispatch (switchboard) as needed, the fire alarm system, and emergency response phone line.
• Checks points of ingress and egress, to assist in the prevention of unauthorized departures/escapes. Investigates and documents unusual incidents such as thefts, fire, vehicle accidents, unauthorized…