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VCU Health
Richmond, Virginia

Behavioral Health Security Specialist - Va Treatment Center for Children - Evenings

Behavioral HealthIncludes weekendsFull-Time

Listed compensation

$16.08-$24.12/hr

Listing transparency2 of 6 stated

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations and nights and shift pattern.

Employment & setting
Full-Time
Call expectations
Not specified
Weekends
Includes weekends
Posted 1 day 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) years 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

  • Associate's 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.
  • Evaluates the physical environment and develops patient management strategies.
  • Prevents 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

Compensation Range

$16.08 - $24.12

Actual salary offers will be based on several key factors to include relevant work experience, credentials, and qualifications.

Evenings

EEO Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran

Key Responsibilities

The Behavioral Health Security Specialist provides security services to inpatient psychiatry units by assisting staff, visitors, and patients while enforcing facility rules. This role focuses on proactive violence prevention, de-escalating agitated patients, and maintaining a safe healthcare environment.

Requirements

Candidates must have a minimum of 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 perform physical tasks such as lifting and prolonged standing.

Qualifications

Experience
2+ years of experience

Key Skills

Safety compliance

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)), so the posted ~$42k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $41k in an average-cost state. 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 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.