Security Therapy Aide

Position Overview - Security Therapy Aide I

Under direct supervision, as facility-wide float, performs routine tasks in dispensing therapeutic custodial care to mentally ill patients in a maximum security environment; escorts and oversees the patient’s movements, conduct, activities, and basic care of patients under his/her jurisdiction; assists patients with their daily living needs; assists in the orientation of newly admitted patients; provides subprofessional counseling; prepares routine reports concerning patient behavior, progress and response to treatment of medication; confers with supervisor concerning special programs. Actively participates and mediates in the settlement of disputes and altercations. Performs routine checks of security equipment and interior of the buildings. Assists in the on-the-job training to the Security Therapy Aide Trainees. Provides security escorts within the facility and escorts patients for medical services and court appearances outside the facility.
 

Job Responsibilities - Security Therapy Aide I

1. As a facility-wide float, performs routine tasks in dispensing therapeutic custodial care to mentally ill patients in a maximum-security environment. Participates in overall patient care and treatment.

2. Maintains roster of patients for specific areas.

3. Escorts and oversees the patient's movements, conduct, activities, and basic care of patients under and his/her escorts jurisdiction.

4. Actively participates and mediates in the settlement of disputes and altercations among the patient population. resolves differences and complaints brought to his/her attention through personal observation or by complaints made by members of patient population/staff.

5. Performs routine checks of security equipment and interior of the buildings to ensure the integrity of the security systems, locks, screens, etc. Under supervision, performs searches of patient rooms and other work areas to ensure that the patient living environment is kept safe and secure from contraband and weapons and to ensure the safe operation of the facility.

6. Serves as active treatment team members. Attends treatment planning and other meetings to share information concerning security consideration, patient behaviors and patient responses to treatment. With the assistance of other treatment team members, provides general guidance and counseling to patients directed at helping the patient to learn appropriate socially acceptable responses and behavior.

7. Assists in, observes and/or follows specific treatment programs developed by the treatment team for the individual patient's problems and treatment. Assists medical staff in dispensing medications or other· forms of medical treatment.

8. Operates security and surveillance equipment essential to the overall security of the facility.

9. Prepares routine reports concerning patient behavior, progress, and response to treatment of medication.

10. Directly supervises patient hygiene and safety to ensure that the personal care needs of the patient are met. Provides necessary supplies and assistance to patients in carrying out these functions as well as other related quality of life functions. Reports and obtains assistance from other appropriate staff when needed or dictated by the presented problems. Ensures the other staff are thoroughly informed about patient's problems and behaviors.

11. Assists in the on-the-job training to the Security Therapy Aide Trainees and other personnel assigned to immediate work area. Provides direction to the trainees in work related problems and obtain assistance of supervisor and other appropriate staff to solve problems of a large or persistent nature. Participates in training activities such as fire drills, etc.

12. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications - Security Therapy Aide I

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of high school.
• Requires successful completion of an approved Security Therapy Aide Training Program or equivalent experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Security Therapy Aide I

• Requires ability to control and direct patients with mental illness.
• Requires ability to report and document unusual happenings, accidents, and violation of rules.
• Requires ability to understand and implement rules, regulations, and policies of the hospital.

Work Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Monday-Friday
Work Location: 
Madden Mental Health Center
1200 South First Avenue
Hines, Illinois 60141

Job Function: Health Services

DHS MISSION STATEMENT:

IDHS’ serves families in need all across Illinois. Our mission is providing equitable access to social services, supports, programs and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve. We are committed to the core values of Human Dignity, Equity, Community, Urgency, Transparency and Kindness.

The Department of Human Services is one of Illinois' largest agencies, with more than 13,000 employees.

Illinois created IDHS in 1997, to provide our state's residents with streamlined access to integrated services, especially those who are striving to move from welfare to work and economic independence, and others who face multiple challenges to self-sufficiency.

IDHS is proud of its diversity, efficiency, and the services that the agency and its community partners provide to Illinois citizens.