JOB DESCRIPTION
Security Guard Permanent Housing & Drop-In Center
Organization: Carter Lard Consulting
Department: Security / Operations
Reports To: Security Guard Supervisor / Program Director
Location: Yonkers, New York
Employment Status: Full-Time
Salary: $20 - $21 per hour
Schedule: Three (3) 12-hour shifts per week
Available Shifts: 7:00 AM 7:00 PM or 7:00 PM 7:00 AM
Position Summary
The Security Guard is responsible for helping maintain a safe, secure, respectful, and orderly environment at Carter Lard s Yonkers housing and drop-in center serving adult men.
The Security Guard provides continuous security coverage, monitors access to the facility, conducts regular patrols, responds to incidents and emergencies, enforces facility rules and procedures, and works collaboratively with program and operations staff.
Because the drop-in center operates around the clock and may experience increased activity during overnight hours, Security Guards must be comfortable working in an active human-services environment and interacting professionally with individuals experiencing homelessness and other challenges.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Maintain a visible and professional security presence throughout the facility.
- Monitor entrances, exits, common areas, resident areas, and other designated locations.
- Control access to the facility and ensure that residents, drop-in guests, visitors, vendors, and staff follow established entry and identification procedures.
- Conduct regularly scheduled interior and exterior security patrols.
- Monitor security cameras and other security systems as assigned.
- Assist with resident and drop-in guest arrival, sign-in, screening, and departure procedures.
- Help maintain an accurate count of individuals utilizing the facility when required.
- Enforce facility rules, policies, safety procedures, and prohibited-item requirements consistently and respectfully.
- Respond promptly to disturbances, disputes, unauthorized access, suspicious activity, safety concerns, and other incidents.
- Utilize verbal de-escalation and conflict-resolution techniques whenever appropriate.
- Immediately notify the Security Supervisor and/or program management of serious incidents or safety concerns.
- Contact police, fire, EMS, or other emergency services when directed or when circumstances require immediate emergency intervention.
- Assist program staff during emergency situations, including evacuations, fire alarms, medical emergencies, and other critical incidents.
- Complete accurate and timely incident reports, security logs, patrol logs, and other required documentation.
- Conduct thorough shift-change briefings to ensure incoming security staff are aware of incidents, concerns, individuals requiring attention, and outstanding issues.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding residents, guests, staff, and facility operations.
- Work collaboratively with case management, administrative, maintenance, program leadership, and other facility staff.
- Treat all residents and drop-in guests with dignity, professionalism, fairness, and respect.
- Perform other security-related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Valid New York State Security Guard registration/license as required for the position.
- Ability to meet all New York State security guard training requirements.
- Previous security experience strongly preferred.
- Experience in homeless shelters, supportive housing, transitional housing, hospitals, behavioral health facilities, residential programs, or similar environments is highly desirable.
- Strong observation, communication, judgment, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Ability to remain calm and professional during emergencies and challenging interactions.
- Ability to prepare clear and accurate written incident reports.
- Must be dependable and able to report to assigned shifts consistently and on time.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
Physical Requirements
The position requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods, conduct routine patrols throughout the facility, respond quickly to emergencies, and perform other physical activities normally associated with security operations.
Schedule Requirements
Security Guards will generally be assigned to one of the following shifts:
Day Shift: 7:00 AM 7:00 PM
Night Shift: 7:00 PM 7:00 AM
The regular schedule consists of three 12-hour shifts per week. Employees must be available for their full assigned shift and participate in shift-change communication with incoming security personnel.
Professional Expectations
Security Guards are expected to maintain appropriate professional boundaries while treating every resident and guest with dignity and respect. Security staff are responsible for maintaining safety and enforcing facility rules; they are also an important part of creating a stable, professional, and supportive environment for the individuals served.