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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safety and security for patients, staff, and visitors in a mental health facility.
- Company: Join St Andrew’s, a leading mental health charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 35 days annual leave, NHS-matched sick pay, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact while working in a supportive and secure environment.
- Qualifications: 1 year of security experience, excellent communication skills, and SIA license required.
- Other info: Flexible 12-hour shifts with training and development opportunities available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (12-hour shifts covering days & nights)
About Us
St Andrew’s is a leading mental health charity dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with complex mental health needs. We provide specialist inpatient and community-based mental healthcare, working closely with partners to inspire hope and improve lives. Our North Benfleet site is a secure mental healthcare facility supporting individuals in medium and low-security settings. We seek a Security Officer to ensure a safe and secure environment for our patients, staff, and visitors.
The Role
As a Security Officer, you will be critical in maintaining site security, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and responding to emergencies. You will monitor security systems, control site access, and support a safe environment within a secure mental health setting.
Key Responsibilities:
- Security & Access Control:
- Manage key control and access systems, ensuring only authorised personnel enter restricted areas.
- Process staff, visitors, and patients upon arrival, verifying credentials and maintaining security logs.
- Conduct regular patrols of both internal and external hospital areas.
- Respond to fire alarms, intruder alarms, and security incidents promptly.
- Support the safe handling of emergency situations, including patient-related incidents.
- Assist clinical teams with security‑related patient support, including risk management.
- Monitor and operate CCTV, access control, and alarm systems.
- Maintain security records and reports, ensuring compliance with hospital policies.
- Provide a professional and reassuring presence to patients, staff, and visitors.
- Work closely with clinical, administrative, and facilities teams to meet hospital security standards.
- Adhere to all hospital policies and security regulations, ensuring compliance with secure mental health facility standards.
About You
We are looking for a dedicated and vigilant security professional who is committed to safety and has a calm, customer‑focused approach.
- Minimum 1 year of security experience, preferably within a hospital, healthcare, or secure environment.
- Strong working knowledge of security systems (CCTV, access control, alarm monitoring).
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to stay calm and professional in high‑pressure situations.
- Flexibility to work 12‑hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and bank holidays.
- Computer literacy, with the ability to maintain records and security reports.
- Experience in a mental health or forensic healthcare setting.
- SIA (Security Industry Authority) license – Door Supervisor or Security Guarding.
- Training in Conflict Resolution, De‑escalation Techniques, or PMVA (Prevention & Management of Violence & Aggression).
- First Aid or Fire Safety certification.
Why Join Us?
- Make a Difference – Play a vital role in protecting vulnerable individuals and maintaining a secure, caring environment.
- Job Security – Work for a leading mental health charity with excellent staff support.
- Training & Development – Access to free vocational qualifications and career growth opportunities.
- Competitive Benefits Package:
- 35 days annual leave, increasing after 5 and 10 years of service.
- NHS‑matched sick pay policy.
- Enhanced maternity cover.
- Pension scheme with employer contributions.
- Access to Blue Light Card & Health Service Discounts.
- Car Lease & Cycle to Work schemes.
- Healthcare cash plan to support your well‑being.
- Free on‑site parking and paid DBS application.
Our patients and colleagues expect you to live by our St Andrew’s CARE values: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence daily.
How to Apply
We would love to hear from you if you are a dedicated security professional looking to make a real impact in a mental healthcare setting. Join us in ensuring a safe, secure, and supportive environment for all.
Closing Date: Tuesday 18th November 2025
Security Officer - Essex employer: St Andrew's Healthcare
Contact Detail:
St Andrew's Healthcare Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Officer - Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at St Andrew’s through LinkedIn or local events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of security protocols and mental health settings. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your soft skills! As a Security Officer, communication and teamwork are key. Be ready to share examples of how you've handled tough situations calmly and professionally.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Security Officer - Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of a Security Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise in security systems and customer service.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key in this role, use your written application to demonstrate your ability to convey information clearly and professionally. We’re looking for candidates who can stay calm under pressure, so share examples that reflect this.
Highlight Relevant Certifications: If you have any certifications like SIA licenses or training in conflict resolution, make sure to mention them! These qualifications are super important for us, and they show that you’re serious about your professional development in the security field.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Andrew's Healthcare
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Security Officer in a mental health setting. Familiarise yourself with key tasks like managing access control and responding to emergencies. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous security experience, especially in healthcare or secure environments. Prepare specific examples of how you've handled high-pressure situations or emergencies. This will highlight your ability to stay calm and professional, which is crucial for this position.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since you'll be working closely with clinical and administrative teams, it's important to showcase your teamwork skills. Think of examples where you've collaborated effectively with others and communicated clearly, especially in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your customer-focused approach.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview, such as how you would handle a security incident or manage a difficult patient situation. Practise your responses to these types of questions, focusing on your conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques. This will show that you're prepared for the realities of the job.
