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VCU Health
Richmond, Virginia

Behavioral Health Security Specialist - Various shifts (Day/Eve/Night)

Behavioral HealthIncludes callIncludes weekendsFull-Time

Compensation

Pay not disclosed

Listing transparency2 of 6 stated

Ask the employer about the pay range, the work setting and nights and shift pattern.

Employment & setting
Full-Time
Call expectations
Includes call
Weekends
Includes weekends
Posted 1mo ago · Verified live

Job Description

The Behavioral Health Security Specialist provides security services to either Inpatient Psychiatry Units or the Virginia Treatment Center for Children (VTCC) by courteously assisting staff, visitors, and patients; enforcing rules and regulations of VCUHS; projecting a positive image; and promoting a safe healthcare environment. This role is a non-sworn security position.

The Behavioral Health Security Specialist provides proactive violence prevention and training toward fulfilling the basic mission of the Inpatient Psychiatry Units, VTCC and the VCUHS. This role talks with and calms agitated patients to resolve risky situations and evaluates ways to enhance safety and customer service through innovative programs and training.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire: Valid Virginia Driver’s License and acceptable driving record that reflects safe and lawful motor vehicle operation (if duties require operating a vehicle) Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment: Valid Virginia Driver’s License and acceptable driving record (if duties require operating a vehicle) Experience REQUIRED: Minimum of three (3) year of security, public safety or law enforcement work experience Experience PREFERRED: Five (5) years of security, public safety or law enforcement work experience Education/training REQUIRED: High School Diploma or equivalent Education/training PREFERRED: Associates Degree in Criminal Justice or related field Training or certification in conflict resolution, de-escalation and/or violence prevention Independent action(s) required: De-escalates agitated patients, both individually and as a member of a team.

Evaluate the physical environment and develop patient management strategies. Prevent potentially risky and/or violent situations.

Supervisory responsibilities (if applicable): N/A Additional position requirements: Ability to work all shifts including weekends and holidays and extended hours based on schedule and organizational needs. Age Specific groups served: As appropriate based on unit assignment.

Physical Requirements (includes use of assistance devices as appropriate): Physical: Lifting 20-50 lbs.

Activities: Prolonged standing, Prolonged sitting, Frequent bending, Walking (distance), Climbing (steps, ladder, other), Reaching (overhead, extensive, repetitive) Other: Physical intervention in conflict resolution/de-escalation when needed Mental/Sensory: Strong recall, Reasoning, Problem solving, Hearing, Speak clearly, Write legibly, Reading, Logical thinking Emotional: Fast pace environment, Able to handle multiple priorities, Frequent and intense customer interactions, Noisy environment, Able to adapt to frequent change

Nights

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran

Key Responsibilities

The Behavioral Health Security Specialist provides security services to inpatient psychiatry units by assisting staff and patients while maintaining a safe environment. This role involves de-escalating agitated patients and implementing proactive violence prevention strategies.

Requirements

Candidates must have at least three years of experience in security, public safety, or law enforcement and a high school diploma or equivalent. A valid Virginia driver's license is required, along with the ability to work various shifts including weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Safety monitoringCrisis intervention

Behavioral Health Career Context

Behavioral Health pay on WeekdayDoc is up 14.7% vs. the prior quarter (through Aug 2026).

The cost-of-living index for Virginia is 101.1 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 61.1% of Virginia clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Work-life snapshot

1.5/ 10
Listing-based score
  • Includes call
  • Includes weekends

Living in Richmond

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$342k
Typical market rent
$1,648/mo
Residents’ average commute
22 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
97.9
State income tax
Up to 5.8%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Richmond, VA metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.