Security Guard 1 (Control Center Operator)

Posting number: 2026-07737

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: PBX AND TELEPHONE OPERATOR

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Dispatch, 911 Telecommunications, Communications

Summary

DSHS ESH – Security Guard 1 (Control Center Operator) DSHS’ Behavioral Health and Habilitation Administration (BHHA) is seeking a Control Center Operator, also known as a Security Guard 1, to join the dedicated team at Eastern State Hospital (ESH) in Medical Lake, WA.

As a Control Center Operator, you’ll serve as a central point of communication and coordination for security, safety, PERT, and hospital staff. You’ll operate a multi-line phone and radio system, monitor fire panels, closed-circuit cameras, emergency and radio alarms, and ward and treatment team radio traffic. During emergencies, you’ll help coordinate critical communications both within the hospital and with external emergency responders. Strong customer service skills and the ability to think and act quickly in high-pressure situations are essential for success in this role. You’ll also handle sensitive information where confidentiality, professionalism, and compassion are equally important.

Some of what you will do:

• Operate a multi-line phone system, paging system, and digital radio interface to facilitate communication throughout the hospital.
• Receive, screen, and route incoming calls to appropriate staff, departments, or services, and assist callers with general information.
• Monitor fire panels, staff emergency alarms, and hospital digital radio channels, responding promptly to alarms and radio traffic.
• Coordinate emergency communications and notify key personnel during patient elopements, fires, disasters, medical emergencies, and other critical incidents.
• Arrange ambulance or air ambulance services when medical emergencies arise and coordinate security or staff escorts as needed.
• Maintain awareness of staff and patient locations and movement to efficiently locate and contact individuals when needed.
• Provide telephone and communication services for staff and patients, including collect, credit card, and long-distance calls, while providing professional and compassionate service to visitors and callers.

Who should apply?
Professionals with:

• High school graduation or GED and one year of experience in areas of work such as: security guard, correctional officer or store investigations, or, police officer, police reserve officer, military police, or other law enforcement work.
  OR
• A certificate of completion in a basic law enforcement training program approved by the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission; or, a certificate of completion in a police or reserve police academy or military training program.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has prior experience as a receptionist, switchboard or PBX operator, radio communications operator, or in clerical office work involving direct contact with the public.
• Communicates effectively with staff, patients, visitors, emergency responders, and the public, including during high-pressure or sensitive situations.
• Responds calmly and effectively to emergencies, follows established procedures, and takes appropriate action during fires, medical emergencies, patient elopements, and other critical incidents.
• Demonstrates strong observation and situational awareness, recognizing unusual or suspicious activity and gathering pertinent information when incidents occur.
• Understands safety and security practices, including building access, fire prevention, emergency procedures, basic first aid, and appropriate methods for responding to safety or security concerns.
• Learns and operates security and communication systems, follows written and verbal instructions, and prepares clear, accurate reports documenting incidents and actions taken.

Additional information

• Work schedule: 10:30 PM - 7 AM, Tuesday through Saturday
• Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.
• Evening and Night shifts include a shift differential in addition to the standard compensation rate.
• A valid driver's license may be required.

About Eastern State Hospital Located in the quiet community of Medical Lake, just 15 miles west of Spokane, Eastern State Hospital (ESH) is one of two state-operated psychiatric hospitals for adults in Washington. Since opening its doors in 1891, ESH has played a vital role in delivering inpatient evaluation, therapy, and treatment for individuals with serious mental illness. The hospital operates 375 beds across its Eastlake and Westlake campuses and is accredited by The Joint Commission and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Serving patients primarily from eastern Washington, ESH provides essential, court-ordered psychiatric care in a secure, recovery-focused environment on a peaceful, wooded campus.

Interested?
Along with your application, please include:

• An updated resume
• Three professional references with contact information

Questions? Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Ricky Luna at ricky.luna@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #07737.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Supplemental information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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