Police Officer

Department Overview

OHSU is proud to be designated a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Just 9 percent of U.S. healthcare organizations hold this designation. We pride ourselves in not only serving our community with the highest of accolades but also pushing a multifaceted mission that strives for excellence within the OHSU Culture.

OHSU is hiring! We offer a variety of benefits on top of joining a thriving organization:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage at low or no cost to employees
• Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
• Several retirement plans to choose from! – Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan and University Pension Plan, voluntary savings plans (403b, 401a and 457b)
• Up to 200 hours (equal to 25 full days) a year of paid time off 
• 96 hours of sick leave a year (prorated by FTE status)
• Commuter subsidies
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
• Annual Raises
• Employee discounts to local and major businesses
• Childcare service discounts
• Growth/Development Opportunities

We want you, apply and work with us today! https://www.ohsu.edu/

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) OHSU Police Officer is responsible for the safety and security of the OHSU community, including all OHSU members, patients, and visitors, as well as all OHSU resources, facilities, and property within the Officer’s assigned area(s) of responsibility.  The OHSU Police Officer may carry out these duties under the direct supervision of the shift Operations Lieutenant, shift Sergeant, or other DPS management, but will also be capable of effectively carrying out these responsibilities with minimal or no direct supervision, when necessary.

The University Police Officer is trained in accordance with applicable DPSST (Department of Public Safety Standards & Training) requirements, applicable state law, and OHSU Public Safety departmental policy to exercise the authorities of a police officer.

The University Police Officer will act at all times in support of the University’s mission and goals, and is expected to exercise his/her authorities in support of the University, and in a manner consistent with the University’s strategic plans, University policies, departmental policies, and in a manner supportive of the University’s unique culture.

The University Police Officer is expected to demonstrate enthusiastic support for the policies, procedures, vision, mission, priorities, and goals of the DPS and the University at all times.

While the University Police Officer has a unique role at the University, and in the law enforcement community, the Officer’s primary responsibility is to support and continually do their best to improve the partnership between the DPS and all other University departments, as well as external law enforcement agencies while ensuring the safety and security of the campus.

The University Police Officer will follow the established chain of command by bringing information, requests, concerns, etc. first to his/her immediate supervisor whenever possible before moving to senior DPS management and/or higher levels of OHSU management.

The University Police Officer is expected to adhere to the following:

• Be a role model for all OHSU core competencies required of all OHSU members, including providing excellent customer service
• Attend all mandatory meetings, training, and to keep all required certifications, proficiencies, and immunizations current at all times.
• Exercise the authorities and jurisdiction, per the applicable ORS (353.125), in accordance with all other applicable laws, and always within the limits of University policy and at the discretion of management
• Follow all appropriate safety guidelines when performing all duties
• Be knowledgeable of all applicable departmental policies and directives related to his/her job duties
• Perform additional and/or modified duties as assigned by a supervisor, consistent with the class specifications for this position
• Successfully complete any proficiency evaluations (written, verbal, or practical), which may be required to demonstrate the minimum accepted competency for this position, and to satisfy the requirements of OSHA, The Joint Commission and other regulatory or accreditation agencies and DPS or OHSU requirements
• Maintain any and all qualifications required for commissioning and certification as a Special Campus Security Officer, to be known as a University Police Officer, by OHSU and the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST)
• Complete all reports and paperwork as required and/or as requested by Director of Public Safety or DPS management, as required to support proper Public Safety services
• Interview and/or obtain statements from witnesses, victims, suspects, or others as appropriate
• Maintain a personal log of all on-duty activities consistent with law enforcement best practices

The University Police Officer is subject to recall at any time to assist in any emergency that may be critical to the full time operation of the hospital, response to a hazard or emergency, or in relief of other OHSU Public Safety staff.

Function/Duties of Position

Incident Response & Investigation

• Ensure a safe environment for the entire OHSU community by responding to and/or investigating the following:
• Calls for assistance, reported or observed crimes, alarm activations, fires, hazardous materials, and other situations as appropriate, when dispatched, or when directed by a supervisor.
• Observe conditions that could negatively impact the University’s operations, including environmental hazards, maintenance problems, unsafe conditions, etc.
• Take all reasonable actions to prevent injury, damage, or loss due to emergency or other situations until the appropriate responders arrive.
• Act within the scope of his/her training and experience and call for assistance when confronted with situations beyond his/her training, experience, knowledge, or authority.
• Show self-motivation and initiative in handling and dealing with emerging safety and security problems, including taking proactive actions to prevent problems whenever possible.
• Protect the scene and evidence related to any actual or potential crime, injury, or significant violation of OHSU policy.
• Perform proactive security checks of OHSU facilities, parking areas, grounds, and access routes to OHSU facilities.
• Respond to and monitor helicopter landings/takeoffs and emergency responders as required.
• Assist with uncooperative, disruptive, and/or dangerous persons as requested by staff or appropriate to the situation, including assisting with restraints, seclusion, and administration of medical care as directed by medical staff.
• Respond to medical emergencies and campus injuries, render immediate first aid according to training and skills, and request appropriate assistance.
• Be available for recall at any time to assist in any emergency that may be critical to the full-time operations of OHSU or in relief of other DPS staff.
• Prepare timely, complete, accurate reports as appropriate and in accordance with all applicable policies, procedures, accepted practices, and requests from DPS management and/or law enforcement.
• Observe, stop, detain, question, arrest, search, and/or transport persons suspected of criminal activity, and/or investigate suspected criminal activity related to OHSU, in accordance with applicable state law and OHSU guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.

Patrol & Enforcement

• Actively patrol/monitor area(s) of responsibility on foot, bicycle, in a vehicle, or via CCTV/DVMRE. Patrol/monitoring areas may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Inside and outside of OHSU facilities and buildings, both on and off campus
  • OHSU grounds, property, and parking areas, both on and off campus
  • Specific target areas
  • Other areas, as assigned
• Issue citations as necessary and authorized to persons or vehicles for violations of University policies or applicable laws.
• Contact individuals in or around OHSU facilities to enforce University policies, as necessary or directed.
• Police Officers may be designated Acting Sergeant, Field Training Officer or other responsibilities assigned.

Community Relations/Customer Service

• Respond to non-emergency requests for assistance from all members of the OHSU community, including patients, staff, students, visitors, and others in/on, or in close proximity to, OHSU facilities and/or property. Requests may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Assisting motorists with jump starts, emergency fuel, lost or stolen vehicles, vehicle accidents, etc.
  • Assisting persons needing information about OHSU facilities, parking, access, directions, etc. Provides bilingual and cultural relevant support as need by customers.
  • Providing security assessments for facilities or personal safety concerns.
  • Escorting persons with specific safety concerns and/or as requested and appropriate.
  • Locking/Unlocking facilities upon authorized request or according to DPS procedure and practices.
  • Answering general information questions from the public, staff, or students concerning security regulations, building locations and campus activities.
• Provide helpful community relations, customer service, and pro-active reporting functions with the DPS staff and customers throughout OHSU, including, but not limited to, the following:
  • Inform the appropriate department(s) of any problems noticed, changes in conditions, possible/actual interruptions of services, unsafe conditions, and any potential/actual unsafe condition.
  • Actively develop strong, productive working relationships with key individuals in all areas of the University by initiating non-crisis contacts whenever possible.
  • Interact with all community members in a professional, courteous, and inclusive manner that reflects positively on the DPS and OHSU.
• Employs the Community Oriented Policing (COP) and Problem Oriented Policing (POP) philosophy when working with the OHSU communities and surrounding neighborhoods and other groups to solve common problems.
• Attends cultural competency lecture series, events, and activities as organized by the Center for Diversity & Inclusion.
  • Works to build community partnerships
  • Employs the SARA model for problem solving
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma AND meet current DPSST minimum standards for employment as a Law Enforcement Officer (requirements are subject to change at the discretion of DPSST)
• Eligible for DPSST Basic Police Officer certification within one year of employment
• Successful completion of the Field Training and Evaluation Program within program guidelines
• Strong interpersonal communication skills for dealing professionally and courteously with all customers and fellow staff members, regardless of the situation.
• Cultural competency and ability to accept and relate to other cultures, histories and traditions.  Includes the ability to interact effectively with people of diverse cultures/ethnic backgrounds.  Cultural competence includes the awareness of one’s own cultural worldview, attitude towards cultural differences, knowledge of different cultural practices and worldviews, and cross-cultural skills.  Must have the ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and make quick, sound decisions.
• Ability to develop a sound understanding of Oregon Revised Statues and Federal Law.
• Ability to learn and follow OHSU Administrative Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines. 
• Ability to learn and follow The Department of Public Safety Policies and Procedures. 
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks within specific time and resource constraints.
• Ability to recognize critical security, safety, and maintenance items and report them immediately.
• Ability to relay detailed information calmly, quickly, accurately, and efficiently at all times.
• Ability to give and follow direction.
• Basic computer skills.
• Good written communication skills and ability to write detailed, accurate incident reports.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Additional Requirements:

• United States citizenship required for purposes of DPSST eligibility within 1 year of hire.
• Criminal history free of any disqualifying offenses listed by the DPSST for certification by the state of Oregon, and any OHSU requirements
• Vehicle operators’ license valid for use in the state of Oregon and free of any restrictions that would prevent operation normally required for DPS officers.
• Ability to pass a criminal justice background check
• Ability to pass a psychological screening evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist
• Ability to pass a physical health examination by a physician
• Ability to pass a physical agility test administered by DPS
• Valid Driver’s License
• Compliance with Code of Conduct, Respect in the workplace and Applicable policies, procedures and agreements related to position, department or OHSU as a whole
• Law Enforcement Code of Ethics

Preferred Qualifications

• College degree in a law-enforcement/public safety related field
• DPSST Basic Police certification or equivalent
• Law Enforcement experience in a certified/commissioned position
• Demonstrated success in dealing with challenging individuals, particularly the mentally ill, in the field
• Multilingual and/or Bilingual proficiency through speaking, writing or signing.  Spanish and Russian preferable.
• First Aid/CPR
• Basic Police Officer Certificate

Additional Details

Pay Range: $40.38 - $51.60 per hour, with offer based on experience, education and internal equity

Recruitment process will consist of:

Phase 1:

Completion of application (with resume) and questionnaire, and completing the Frontline Written Exam.  It is the applicant's responsibility to schedule with the National Testing Network at http://www.nationaltestingnetwork.com , select OHSU as an agency to send test scores to, and take the Frontline Written Exam. Test scores are good for one year.

Phase 2:

Qualified applicants will be notified if they passed Phase I of the testing process and will then be invited for an Oral Board Interview.

Phase 3:

Applicants who successfully pass Phase 2 will be invited to pre-employment psychological testing that will take place on the Marquam Hill Campus.

Phase 4:

Qualified applicants who make it to Phase 4 will undergo a final interview, background investigation and the remaining psychological and medical evaluations.

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon’s only public academic health center.

In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research.  We also train the next generation of health care professionals.  As Portland’s largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

All are welcome.

OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations.  We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.

To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]