Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Make a Difference with DHSS

Our mission at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is to improve the quality of life of Delaware citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. We prioritize personal and family independence by assisting individuals and families in a variety of life areas.

We offer numerous career opportunities and are dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community today. DHSS is a great place to kick-start your profession.

Shift hours: 6:00am-2:00pm, 2:00pm-10:00pm, 10:00pm-6:00am Monday-Friday with rotating weekends

Summary Statement

The incumbent in this position will be working in the Delaware Psychiatric Center (DPC) at the Jane E. Mitchell Building (JEM). The incumbent is tasked with providing security and safety, enforcing institutional rules regulations and policies that are relative for the male and female clients from the Department of Correction. Significant aspects of the work involve: the possibility of dealing with crisis and/or emergency situations, foot patrol of the patient units, conducting room/building searches, and monitoring patients in a day hall setting during meals and in group activities.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Observes the behavior of clients and alerts nursing and other clinical staff of behavioral changes; monitors conduct of visitors; and takes action to de-escalate potentially violent or disruptive situations.


• Responds to psychiatric emergencies involving combative clients and assists in detaining trespassers, violators and searching for missing clients.


• Maintains control of persons and property in compliance with policies relative to safety, security and orderliness.


• Monitors and ensures the safety of state property, as well as safety and location of staff and visitors by performing work such as controlling ingress and egress of people through a secure point of access, within the forensic building and units.


• Answers internal emergency calls received via the facility emergency phone line, relays information to the appropriate authorities, and monitors internal alarm systems.


• Uses electronic intercom and closed-circuit camera systems to communicate with staff to accurately identify and verify authorized access, granting sector by sector access from control center.


• Responds to internal hazards, risks, fires or other emergencies.


• Makes regular rounds of the forensic buildings, units and perimeter and ensures that all safety devices on doors and windows are operable and secure.


• Conducts inspections and searches of clients, visitors, grounds and building perimeter for weapons or other contraband and takes client counts.


• Provides general information to forensic unit visitors and gives directions as required.


• May be required to prepare logs, statistical information, incident reports and use of force reports.

Company Description

The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) is located in the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). DSAMH serves the adult (age 18 and older) population in need of publicly funded behavioral health services. DSAMH is organized into three operating units. These are the Delaware Psychiatric Center (DPC) and a variety of community-based Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Programs.

Our mission is to promote health and recovery by ensuring that Delawareans have access to quality prevention and treatment for mental health, substance use, and gambling conditions.

Our vision: Always the Right Time, Always the Right Place, To Get the Right Service

Company Description

The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) is located in the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). DSAMH serves the adult (age 18 and older) population in need of publicly funded behavioral health services. DSAMH is organized into three operating units. These are the Delaware Psychiatric Center (DPC) and a variety of community-based Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Programs.\r\n\r\nOur mission is to promote health and recovery by ensuring that Delawareans have access to quality prevention and treatment for mental health, substance use, and gambling conditions.\r\n\r\nOur vision: Always the Right Time, Always the Right Place, To Get the Right Service

Job Tags

Part time, Casual work, Seasonal work, Monday to Friday, Shift work,

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