Security Officer

Remuneration

The salary scale for the post is: 01/02/2026

€36,288 - €37,752 -€39,294- €39,704- €40,711-€41,582- €42,836- €44,136- €45,484

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Purpose of the Post

·        To provide a proactive and responsive security service to ensure a safe and secure environment for patients, staff and visitors.

·        To safe guard hospital property in addition to that of patients, staff and visitors.

·        To provide protection and security for all aspects of HSE West located in or on the site of Mayo University Hospital.

·        To provide a rapid response to all internal disasters such as fires etc. and to implement the Major Accident Plan in relation to the security response.

·        To maintain and review the operational bomb policy as required.

·        To provide routine security services within the hospital and to operate the security operational policy as required.

·        To provide an appropriate and immediate response to requests for assistance.

·        To undertake seminars and staff education programmes in relation to security on a departmental and personnel level, thereby extending and promoting security awareness to all staff.

·        To implement investigative capabilities in respect of the recovery of property in cases of theft and losses.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

·        The post holder will support the principle that care of the patient comes first at all times and will approach their work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree

·        Maintain throughout the Group’s awareness of the primacy of the patient in relation to all hospital activities.

·        Performance management systems are part of the role, and you will be required to participate in the Group’s performance management programme

• To provide physical protection to patients, staff, visitors and all person while on hospital property.
• Issue and control of keys.
• Patrol of Hospital and boundary, to guard against damage, fire, trespass, vandalism, theft, assault and wastage.
• List and report to Head of Security/Services Manager on property lost, stolen or recovered within the hospital.
• Maintain all appropriate records considered necessary in relation to Security.
•  Escort staff to Pharmacy at times specified.
• Monitor of C.C.T.V.
• Respond to all requests of a security nature i.e. difficult visitor/patient.
• To be familiar with the aims and objectives of Hospital security.

·        To attend for duty at the time specified.

• To work night duty and day duty as rostered.
• To be neat and to maintain a high level of dress and deportment and wear as directed any item of uniform clothing or identification as may be issued by the Board.
• Ensure Implementation of Hospital Policies and Procedures i.e. Tobacco Free Policy, Parking Policy and Observation Policy etc.
• Comply with all Infection Prevention and Control requirements including compliance with hand hygiene, standard precautions, dress code and health and safety.
• To operate and become familiar with the functioning of all fire fighting, access control communications and equipment which may be required to use from time to time.
• To carry out all fire prevention and security patrols within and outside the hospital, as directed.
• To advise the Head of Security on any matters relating to security, traffic control and fire prevention which may require his/her attention.
• To control traffic and parking in the Hospital Grounds as directed and liaise with any outside body employed to manage car parking.
• To investigate and report on incidents occurring in the hospital.
• To carry out security function on the implementation of the Major Accident Plan.
• To liaise with the An Garda Siochana on matters relating to hospital security.
• To provide necessary escorts for personnel and property as may be required.
• Maintain and update any IT database as required.
• To carry out any other duty, appropriate to the grade, which may from time to time, be assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.
• The person holding this post at Mayo University Hospital is required to support the principle that the care of the patient comes first at all times and will approach their work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree.

KPI’s

• The identification and development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which are congruent with the Hospital’s service plan targets.
• The development of Action Plans to address KPI targets.
• Driving and promoting a Performance Management culture.
• In conjunction with line manager assist in the development of a Performance Management system for your profession.
• The management and delivery of KPIs as a routine and core business objective.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING GENERAL CONDITIONS:

·        Employees must attend fire lectures annually and must observe fire orders.

·        All accidents within the Department must be reported immediately.

·        Infection Control Policies must be adhered to.

·        In line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Acts 2005 and 2010 all staff must comply with all safety regulations and audits.

·        In line with the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Act 2004, smoking within the Hospital Buildings is not permitted.

·        Hospital uniform code must be adhered to.

·        Provide information that meets the need of Senior Management.

·        To support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

Risk Management, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety

·        The management of Risk, Infection Control, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment.

·        The post holder must be familiar with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility.

·        The post holder has a duty to familiarise themselves with the relevant Organisational Policies, Procedures & Standards and attend training as appropriate in the following areas:

o   Continuous Quality Improvement Initiatives

o   Document Control Information Management Systems

o   Risk Management Strategy and Policies

o   Hygiene Related Policies, Procedures and Standards

o   Decontamination Code of Practice

o   Infection Control Policies

o   Safety Statement, Health & Safety Policies and Fire Procedure

o   Data Protection and confidentiality Policies

·        The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they become familiar with the requirements stated within the Risk Management Strategy and that they comply with the Group’s Risk Management Incident/Near miss reporting Policies and Procedures.

·        The post holder is responsible for ensuring that they comply with hygiene services requirements in your area of responsibility. Hygiene Services incorporates environment and facilities, hand hygiene, catering, cleaning, the management of laundry, waste, sharps and equipment.

·        The post holder must foster and support a quality improvement culture through-out your area of responsibility in relation to hygiene services.

·        The post holders’ responsibility for Quality & Risk Management, Hygiene Services and Health & Safety will be clarified to you in the induction process and by your line manager.

·        The post holder must take reasonable care for his or her own actions and the effect that these may have upon the safety of others.

·        The post holder must cooperate with management, attend Health & Safety related training and not undertake any task for which they have not been authorised and adequately trained.

·        The post holder is required to bring to the attention of a responsible person any perceived shortcoming in our safety arrangements or any defects in work equipment.

·        It is the post holder’s responsibility to be aware of and comply with the HSE Health Care Records Management/Integrated Discharge Planning (HCRM / IDP) Code of Practice.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Candidates must on the closing date:

1.      Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc.

i)       Have completed second level education to Leaving Certificate standard (Level 5

on the Quality & Qualifications Ireland Framework) and have obtained a minimum

of six passes in the Leaving Certificate Examination Ordinary Level including

Mathematics and English.

OR

ii)      Hold an equivalent qualification to the above as determined by QQI (Quality & Qualifications Ireland Framework), evidence of this must be submitted with

Application.

AND

iii)     Hold a current Private Security Authority License.

AND

iv)    Have recent satisfactory employment within the last 2 years working in Security

Services.

Health

A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character

Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Post Specific Requirements

Demonstrate depth & Breadth of experience relevant to the role

Other requirements specific to the post

Flexible Approach to working hours will be required as the post involves shift work, night duty and On-Call.

Additional eligibility requirements:

Citizenship Requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

(i)               EEA, Swiss, or British citizens

OR

(ii)              Non-European Economic Area citizens with permission to reside and work in the State

Read Appendix 2 of the Additional Campaign Information for further information on accepted Stamps for Non-EEA citizens resident in the State, including those with refugee status.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the closing date of the campaign.

Read more about Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment Work Permits.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Knowledge/Professional Knowledge

• Demonstrate ability to work on own initiative
• Demonstrate ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks

·        Demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge to best practice

·        Demonstrate a commitment to assuring high standards and strive for a patient/ resident/ service user centred service

·        Demonstrate ability to work under pressure

·        Demonstrate knowledge to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the role

Planning & Organising

• Demonstrate evidence of effective planning and organising skills

·        Demonstrate flexible approach – to working hours, rostering e.g. unsocial hours/shift work, night duty, on call, attitude to work

• Demonstrates ability to manage deadlines and handle multiple tasks
• Demonstrates evidence of time management and know how to prioritise workload
• Reports, documents and records incidents and complies with local policy in relation to records, as appropriate.

Teamwork

• Demonstrate ability to work as a member of team and make positive contributions to that team
• Demonstrate effective communication skills both written and verbal
• Demonstrate evidence of influencing/negotiating skills

·        Demonstrate motivation and an innovative approach to job.

·        Engages with Line Management & Colleagues to improve patient/ resident/ service user experience and outcomes

·        Demonstrates respect to patients/ residents/ service users and staff

Commitment to Providing a Quality Service

• Demonstrate ability to work in a customer focussed environment
• Demonstrate evidence of ability to empathise with and treat patients, relatives and colleagues with dignity and respect

·        Demonstrates commitment to providing a quality service.

• Demonstrate motivation to fulfil the role and contribute to improving the service.
• Demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

·        Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to deal effectively with a wide range of stakeholders

·        The ability to present information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing

·        The ability to build and maintain relationships with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing the role.

Tenure

The current vacancy available is permanent/temporary and whole time.

The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.

Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.

Working Week

The standard weekly working hours of attendance for your grade are 39 hours per week. Your normal weekly working hours are 39 hours. Contracted hours that are less than the standard weekly working hours for your grade will be paid pro rata to the full time equivalent.

Annual Leave

The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at Contracting stage.

Superannuation

This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme. Pension scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment. Members of pre-existing pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those which they were entitled to at 31st December 2004

Age

The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.

* Public Servants not affected by this legislation:

Public servants joining the public service or re-joining the public service with a 26 week break in service, between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.

Public servants, joining the public service or re-joining the public service after a 26 week break, after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.

Probation

Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.

Protection of Children Guidance and Legislation

The welfare and protection of children is the responsibility of all HSE staff. You must be aware of and understand your specific responsibilities under the Children First Act 2015, the Protections for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998 in accordance with Section 2, Children First National Guidance and other relevant child safeguarding legislation and policies.

Some staff have additional responsibilities such as Line Managers, Designated Officers and Mandated Persons. You should check if you are a Designated Officer and / or a Mandated Person and be familiar with the related roles and legal responsibilities.

Visit HSE Children First for further information, guidance and resources.

Infection Control

Have a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

Health & Safety

It is the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the management of safety, health and welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within their area of responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable. Line managers are named and roles and responsibilities detailed in the relevant Site Specific Safety Statement (SSSS).

Key responsibilities include:

•        Developing a SSSS for the department/service[1], as applicable, based on the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks, and reviewing/updating same on a regular basis (at least annually) and in the event of any significant change in the work activity or place of work.

•        Ensuring that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is integrated into day-to-day business, providing Systems Of Work (SOW) that are planned, organised, performed, maintained, and revised as appropriate, and ensuring that all safety related records are maintained and available for inspection.

•        Consulting and communicating with staff and safety representatives on OSH matters.

•        Ensuring a training needs assessment (TNA) is undertaken for employees, facilitating their attendance at statutory OSH training, and ensuring records are maintained for each employee.

•        Ensuring that all incidents occurring within the relevant department/service are appropriately managed and investigated in accordance with HSE procedures[2].

•        Seeking advice from health and safety professionals through the National Health and Safety Function Helpdesk as appropriate.

•        Reviewing the health and safety performance of the ward/department/service and staff through, respectively, local audit and performance achievement meetings for example.

Note: Detailed roles and responsibilities of Line Managers are outlined in local SSSS.

[1]A template SSSS and guidelines are available on writing your site or service safety statement.

2 Structures and processes for effective incident management and review of incidents.