DSHS BHHA Director of Security

DSHS BHHA Director of Security

Salary

$103,000.00 - $123,000.00 Annually

Location

Pierce County - Lakewood, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Job Number

2026-05335

Department

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division

BHHA

Opening Date

07/10/2026

Closing Date

7/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The Department of Social and Health ServicesBehavioral Health and Habilitation Administration at Western State Hospital is seeking a proactive and collaborative Civil Center Director of Security to provide leadership in enhancing hospital-wide security and safety operations at Western State Hospital (WSH) Civil Center. You will report directly to the Civil Center Chief Operating Officer.

You will be responsible for facility security, assessing and managing emergencies, and ensuring staff respond in accordance with established policies. Excellent communication skills coupled with a transformational leadership style will ensure your success in this role.

In an environment where safety and security is critical, we are seeking an expert in this field to build relationships and foster a commitment at all levels to initiate ideas that improve our processes, services, and performance related to safety and security. This is your opportunity to use your knowledge to be part of our mission not only for the people we serve but the staff we employ.

Some of what you'll do:

• Learn and lead the security organization inside of a hospital.
• Manage the security needs for the Civil Center of WSH and the Communications / Switchboard Center for both the Civil Center and the Gage Center.
• Establish and administer security systems and procedures.
• Manage and direct the day-to-day operations of the security department.
• Ensure adequate staffing within the security department.
• Manage the security organization budget.
• Develop a strong leadership team inside the security organization.
• Review and update security policies and manage the Standard Operating Procedures
• Provide supervision and leadership to security supervisors.
• Oversee all aspects of on-the-job training program for security staff
• Foster a collaborative team environment.
• Manage security programs and emergency response services.
• Establish a baseline and annual update of compliance and assessment.
• Provide consultation to clinical management on the physical security of WSH.
• Serve as a member on a variety of committees.

.

Who should apply

• A bachelors degree in public administration, business administration, criminal justice, risk management, or closely allied field.
• At least five years of experience in supervisory level security work, law enforcement, or similar work in the military. At least two years of experience must be in a leadership position related to security or law enforcement.

Or,

• Equivalent relevant professional experience.

Preferred skills and abilities

• Knowledge and competence of violence escalation cycle, de-escalation, and physical intervention techniques in mitigating behavior crisis.
• Emergency management or incident management experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of security systems in a hospital environment
• Knowledge of safety and security laws, rules and regulations
• Ability to formulate, develop, implement and supervise a multi-scale security program
• CHPA certification (Certified Healthcare Protection Administrator)
• Familiarity with NFPA, OSHA and CMS codes and guidelines

Complete applications include the following

• A cover letter specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this job announcement and demonstrating what makes you a competitive applicant
• A current chronological resume

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.

Questions?

Feel free to contact Chris Pulley at chris.pulley@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 05335.

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 applicants 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 drivers 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.

02253

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

01

Please describe your professional experience where you were in a leadership role related to security or law enforcement. If this does not apply to you, please put N/A.

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov