Job Title:
Security K9 Handler
Company: Ellis Medicine
Location: Schenectady, NY
Created: 2026-03-13
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
The Security K-9 Handler is responsible for ensuring the safety and security for everyone and property within the facilities of Ellis Medicine. Comply with The New York State Security Guard Act and enforce Security, Parking and hospital policies and procedures. This position has a K-9 partner team requiring adherence to a complete documented K-9 program to include training, handling, exercising and ongoing quality documentation of the program. Ensure the overall safety and security of Ellis Medicine's patients, families, visitors, employees, and property. Must be able to travel for the necessary training and be able to complete daily trainings at home. Must have a suitable home for canine and canine is expected to live at the handler's residence. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Education: High School diploma or equivalent required. Associate degree and/or completion of Police Basic Training curriculum preferred. Experience: 3 years of K9 handling experience 5 years Armed Security Guard experience or 5 years Healthcare/Hospital security or 5 years Law Enforcement experience preferred. Certification: Valid NYS Driver's License, Unexpired NYS Armed Security Guard License (includes firearms training and a valid NYS pistol permit). Must be able to meet and pass an OC-Chemical Spray Course Must be able to meet, pass and maintain New York State Security Guard Act requirements. Any person being offered employment as a security officer must be able to get a "transaction number" from the Department of State before starting any employment. This transaction number will be copied and maintained in the employee file. This includes in part the requirement to pass criminal background checks by way of fingerprinting, 8-hour pre assignment training course, 16 hours on the job specific training course within 30 days of employment start and annual training requirements set by the Ellis Medicine, Department of Criminal Justice Services and New York Department of State. Each employee must complete an "Employee Statement" that will be sent to the Department of State and a copy maintained on site in the employee file. In the event we employ any unlicensed individual this person must be able to pass such requirements within 90 days. Each security officer also must be reported on the "Employee Notification Form" to add and remove employed security officers from the Department of Criminal Justice System, "Association". PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to pass a physical examination and be capable of arduous physical exertion and be capable to withstand exposure to unusual or inclement weather. Actual physical contact may be necessary with persons to maintain order. The position is located indoors under normal working conditions. Should be able to push/pull 25 lb., lift/move 15 lb. from floor to table, be able to perform moderately difficult manual manipulations such as using a keyboard, writing, and filing for extended periods of time, must be able to perform tasks which require hand-eye coordination such as data entry, typing and using photo copiers. Mobility requirements may include the ability to sit at a computer terminal or workstation for a prolonged period in addition to being able to squat, stand and walk for a reasonable length of time and distance. Sensory requirements include the ability to articulate and comprehend the spoken English language in addition to being able to read the English language. The position requires being able to work in inclement weather. This position also includes situations that could be physical/combative situations with patients/visitors which can require the use of restraining and hands on situations. Equipment Handling Maintains the department's equipment in a safe manner. Operates the department's equipment including motor vehicles in a safe manner. Demonstrates proper and safe use of all assigned equipment and maintains proficiency in same, including firearm, pepper gel, etc. The following are mandatory certifications that a Security Officer must pass and maintain. Security Canine Science, Safety and Handling Certification or Basic Handler Certification Crisis Prevention / De-Escalation Training OC Spray Training Handcuff Training BLS/CPR Certification Belt Trauma Kit Certification 16 Hour Security Academy 16 Hour on Job Training 47 Hour Armed Security Training 8 Hour Annual DCJS Security Guard Course Security Guard DCJS 8 Hour Armed Annual Course Annual training based on the additional certifications held by this position. K-9 Handler Responsibilities and Requirements Responsible for the K-9 partner team requiring adherence to a complete documented K-9 program to include training, maintenance, handling, exercising and ongoing quality documentation of the program. The officer must possess sincere interest in animals and have some understanding of animal behavior and must agree to undergo an interview and evaluation process to determine suitability for this assignment. The handling officer must ensure that their family is fully apprised of the nature of the program and consents to your participation in it. The officer must agree to allow the canine to live in their residence and submit such arrangements to family members. Family members do not have allergies or conditions to dogs. Inspection of the handler residence to determine suitability for this assignment, fenced yard, and suitable space for the K-9. Ellis Medicine will pay for the K-9 Handler to board the K-9 at a kennel authorized by the Manager, food, and vitamin supplements. The K-9 Handler must agree to serve in the assignment for at least four years from the date the officer successfully completes the training program. During the period, the officer will not be allowed to apply for any other positions to include promotional opportunities. Training requirements are set forth by the Director of Safety and Security Services. All training is compulsory. Moreover, retention in the assignment and program is dependent upon successful completion and ongoing maintenance of all training. The K-9 Handler will wear a body camera for protection services. When an altercation takes place and the handler feels they are in a threatening or liable situation, the body camera will be turned on to record the events. Only the K-9 Handler and the Director of Safety/Security can review this if there is an event recorded until pass on is needed to further departments or agencies. The K-9 Handler will wear animal deterrent spray (spray shield) for personal protection in the event the handler or the canine was attacked or needed to defend themselves from another animal. This will only be used for self-defense purposes and shall only be used against another animal. Responsible for ensuring the safety and security of all persons and property within the facilities of Ellis Medicine. Provides the Director, Manager or Supervisor with pertinent information concerning the safety of its occupants. Comply with and enforce Security & Parking policies and procedures along with all hospital policies and procedures. Performs all security/safety rounds/fixed post assignments utilizing departmental prescribed procedures; as well as utilizing training and experience as an Armed Security Guard/Law Enforcement Personnel to de-escalate workplace violence, mitigate threats and properly handle emotionally disturbed persons (EDP). Patrols facility to provide a safe environment for all persons and reports unsafe conditions. Assist in response to Code Silver/Active shooter events collaborating with law enforcement response. Investigates and reports all security incidents, completes all appropriate logs and paperwork, and ensures proper communications of incidents to appropriate staff. Properly perform and document DETEX fire and security rounds. Monitors and operates the fire alarm system. Assists in bomb threat searches and investigations. Secures a crime scene until appropriate authorities arrive. Operates computers, programs, and CCTV surveillance system and other security equipment. Properly handles and inventories patient valuables and departmental cash escorts. Maintains and secures all accountable items, such as keys, radios, etc. Accurately completes and maintains the daily security logs, reports, and related paperwork; Lost & Found, Storeroom. Notifies appropriate staff of unusual occurrences that require immediate attention. Responds to Code situations in a timely and appropriate manner and initiates or assists control of the incident. Monitors Code 9.39 patients. Respond to customer calls in a timely, courteous, and efficient manner, provide optimal customer service and document call information. Communicates with patients, patients' families, and staff to ensure safety, patient satisfaction and excellent customer service is provided. Collaborates with other departments throughout the organization and participates in hospital related matters. Provide on the job training to new employees. Complete required training as assigned (i.e., hospital, departmental, health streams). Complies with Hospital and department policies, work rules and requirements. Adhere to patient privacy policies and procedures, maintain confidentiality. Ellis Medicine is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will prohibit, discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex/gender (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, prior arrest or conviction record, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decisions, domestic violence victim status, known relationship or association with any member of a protected class, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law violates federal, state and, where applicable, local laws , reproductive health decisions or source of payment, consistent with applicable legislation and to comply with the laws pertaining thereto. Salary Range: $ 27.52-41.27 /hour Pay is based on experience, skills, and education. Exempt positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be paid within the base salary equivalent of the stated hourly rates. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on location.