Institutional Security Specialist

overview

requisition no:868695

agency: children and families

working title: institutional security specialist i -

pay plan: career service

position number:

salary: $45,990.40 - $93,585.28 annually

posting closing date: 01/27/2026

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the florida department of children and families (dcf) is the state of florida’s social services agency. The agency oversees services for child safety, fostering, adoption, domestic violence, adult protective services, refugees, homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, childcare providers, human trafficking and public assistance. The agency’s mission is to work in partnership with local communities to protect the vulnerable, promote strong and economically self-sufficient families, and advance personal and family recovery and resiliency.

within dcf, the substance abuse and mental health (samh) program office is recognized as the single state authority for substance abuse and mental health services. The office of samh is statutorily responsible for the planning, evaluation, and implementation of a comprehensive statewide system of care for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of children and adults with serious mental illnesses or substance use disorders.

north florida evaluation and treatment center (nfetc) is a 216 bed, all male, forensic, mental health rehabilitation facility. The center is located in northeast gainesville, florida on 639 picturesque acres with regular sightings of deer, turkey, and other wildlife. Nfetc employs a variety of entry level to leadership positions including food service, maintenance, direct care, nurses, counselors, rehab therapists, medical doctors, security, psychiatrists, and psychologists.

north florida evaluation and treatment facility is a tobacco free facility.

to be considered for this position responses to the qualifying questions are required and must be verifiable based on your submitted application.

this is a highly responsible and professional position serving as the institutional security specialist i within the security unit
. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative team player who works seamlessly across all sections within the program office. This role requires the use of independent judgment, a proactive approach to responsibilities, and exceptional attention to detail. If you are driven, organized, and thrives in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply.

• staff observation posts for the prevention of escapes by residents and from intrusion into the secure area by unauthorized persons, vehicles or items. Monitor the system observe traffic in and around the institution. Monitor the pelco camera system and have a good working knowledge of the system.
• provide escort services and standby assistance as needed.
• provide protection for the residents, staff and visitors of nfetc.
• monitors ingress and egress of persons, vehicles, and objects into and out of the secure area. This includes but is not limited to: admissions, discharges, and visitation. Ensure that the proper paper work is received and filled out before accepting an admission or discharging a resident.
• takes part in training for job performance improvement and certification.
• respond to various incidents which include but are not limited to: use of physical intervention, mechanical restraints and use of chemical agents.
• maintain written logs and writes accurate and concise reports, and operates computer systems. Maintain resident counts. Set up and receive resident counts and be familiar with the entire operation of the security control room.
• conduct searches of people, places, property. Participate in the search of residential building areas and auxiliary areas to prevent the introduction of contraband. Perform periodic checks of the access road and staff parking lot to prevent intrusion into the institution.
• monitors the distribution and receiving of institutional keys and i.d.s
• operates communication equipment which includes telephones, and radios.
• acts as bail off for court medication hearings. Maintain proper security of residents being transported outside of the institution. Ensure that all transport paperwork is correct before leaving the institution and returning to the institution. Ensure that the proper restraints are used and applied correctly on residents when monitoring them outside the institution. Ensure that the transport vehicle is checked before use.
• respond to various crisis situations which include but are not limited to: escape attempts, escapes, hostage situations, riots, crimes, and natural disasters.
• performs other duties as assigned.

• ability to deal effectively with individuals.
• ability to recognize dangerous or potentially dangerous situations.
• ability to investigate suspicious or unusual events.
• ability to work without close supervision and to make independent decisions.
• ability to respond calmly in an emergency situation and to determine proper course of action.
• ability to make…