Job Summary

The Executive Director of Security leads Northeast Georgia Health System's security strategy and operations within the acute care, post-acute care and ambulatory settings.  The incumbent shall possess a deep understanding of the unique security challenges within the healthcare enviornment, including the protection of patient information, the safety of patients, staff, physicians and visitors, and the security of critical healthcare infrastructure.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Licensure or other certifications: Certified Healthcare Protection Administrator (CHPA) or equivalent certification

• Educational Requirements: Bachelor's degree in security management, criminal justice, or a related field. 

• Minimum Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in security management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within the healthcare sector.  Experience with regulatory compliance, particularly HIPAA, as well as other healthcare-specific security requirements

• Other:

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Preferred Licensure or other certifications: Relevant certifications in security management and emergency response are a plus.

• Preferred Educational Requirements: Master's degree

• Preferred Experience: Prior experience in law enforcement, military,  or homeland security

• Other:

Job Specific and Unique Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with all levels of the organization.

• Deep understanding of security principles, threats and mitigation strategies.

• Knowledge of physical security systems and technologies, including surveillance, access control, weapons detection, parking and alarm systems.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex security challenges and develop effective solutions.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive security strategy aligned with the organization's mission and goals and informed by vulnerability assessments with the goal of maximizing the safety of NGHS staff, physicians, patients and visitors while providing the highest levels of customer service.

• Provide leadership and direction to security team, ensuring a unified and proactive approach to security management across the System.  Ensure standardization of security processes across the System.

• Collaborate with senior management to integrate security considerations into organizational plans and initiatives.

• Ensure department provides a high level of customer service to external and internal stakeholders, to include integration of "In All We Do" training into daily interactions.  

• Prepare annual operating, capital budgets and staffing plans to meet the needs of the System.

• Develop System policies related to security and ensure periodic review.

• Ensures communication of security-related incidents to senior leadership as appropriate.

• Develop and maintain accurate statistical data on security and emergency management activities.  Provide to hospital management analysis of data and options for improvement.

• Attend monthly meetings for assigned committees to include: Environment of Care Committee, Emergency Management Sub-Committee, Security Management Sub-Committee and other leadership Committees.

• Prepare annual review of the Security Management and Emergency Management Programs.

• Develop and disseminate security and emergency management information to employees, students and staff through orientation presentations and other methods of instruction.

• Risk Management and Compliance

• In collaboration with the Risk Management and Information Technology teams, identify, assess and mitigate security risks to the organization, including physical and operational threats.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, standards and best practices, including HIPAA, DNV and other healthcare-specific requirements.

• Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify vulnerabilities and trends and implement corrective actions.   

• Align metric benchmarking and reporting to national standards while leading the department with continuous improvement efforts

• Physical Security and Parking

• Manage the security of the organization's physical facilities, including hospitals, clinics and administrative offices.

• Implement and maintain security systems, including surveillance cameras, weapons detection technology, access control and alarm systems.

• Implement a visitor access and control system to identify visitors to hospital campuses

• Develop and implement the parking strategy for the system to ensure continuous sufficient supply of parking capacity for all parties arriving on campuses.

• Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Develop and maintain comprehensive emergency response plans to address a wide range of potential incidents, including natural disasters, active shooter situations and public health emergencies.

• Coordinate with local, state and federal agencies ot ensure effective communication and collaboration during emergencies.

• Conduct regular drills and training sessions to ensure staff readiness, response capabilities and proficiency with the HICS Incident Command Center structure.

• Provide security and emergency management expertise to the Environment of Care committee and any pertinent sub-committees

• Provide representation for the hospital at all security and emergency management related meetings with outside agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), Hall County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA), Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR - formerly Health Resources and Services Administration - HRSA), the Gainesville Police Department, Hall County Sheriff's Office and any other agency where attendance and participation would promote the objectives of the hospital.

• Staff Training and Development

• Design and implement ongoing training programs for all staff members to promote a culture of security awareness, empathy, compassion, vigilance, and customer service.

• Ensure that security personnel receive continuous professional development and training to stay current with best practices and emerging threats, as well as to achieve and maintain certification by the IAHSS.

• Foster a team-oriented environment that encourages collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and expertise.  

• Develop and proactively monitor standards and processes for responding to crisis calls.  Enhance the organizational image by prioritizing the safety of officers and the public ensuring the appropriate use of de-escalation techniques and the appropriate use of force.

• Incident Investigation and Reporting

• Lead investigations into high-profile and sensitive security incidents, breaches and other security-related events, ensuring thorough documentation and reporting as well as implementation of improvements.

• Work with law enforcement and other external agencies as needed to resolve incidents and prevent future occurrences. 

• Analyze incident data to identify trends and areas for improvement in security practices and protocols.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Licensure or other certifications: Certified Healthcare Protection Administrator (CHPA) or equivalent certification

• Educational Requirements: Bachelor's degree in security management, criminal justice, or a related field. 

• Minimum Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in security management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within the healthcare sector.  Experience with regulatory compliance, particularly HIPAA, as well as other healthcare-specific security requirements

• Other:

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Preferred Licensure or other certifications: Relevant certifications in security management and emergency response are a plus.

• Preferred Educational Requirements: Master's degree

• Preferred Experience: Prior experience in law enforcement, military,  or homeland security