Apply for Security Officer (Security Services) Vacancies at Lentegeur Hospital
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, under the Chief Directorate: Metro Health Services, is inviting qualified and dedicated individuals to apply for the position of Security Officer (Security Services) at Lentegeur Hospital. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced security professionals who are passionate about working in a healthcare environment, particularly within psychiatric and forensic care settings.
The successful candidate will receive a salary of R170,226 per annum and will play a critical role in maintaining safety, security, and order throughout the hospital. Security officers are essential in ensuring the protection of patients, staff, visitors, and hospital property while supporting the delivery of quality healthcare services.
Lentegeur Hospital is one of the leading psychiatric healthcare institutions in the Western Cape. Due to the specialized nature of its services, the hospital requires highly responsible, disciplined, and professional security personnel capable of working effectively in challenging situations involving psychiatric and forensic patients.
If you have security experience, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to public service, this opportunity could be the ideal career move.
Position Details
Job Title
Security Officer (Security Services)
Directorate
Chief Directorate: Metro Health Services
Salary
R170,226 per annum
Centre
Lentegeur Hospital
Employment Type
Permanent
About Lentegeur Hospital
Lentegeur Hospital is a specialized psychiatric healthcare facility that provides mental health services to communities throughout the Western Cape. The hospital plays an important role in delivering psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation services, and forensic mental healthcare.
Given the nature of psychiatric and forensic care environments, maintaining a secure and controlled facility is critical. Security officers are responsible for ensuring the safety of all individuals on hospital premises while supporting healthcare professionals in managing patient-related incidents.
Working at Lentegeur Hospital provides security personnel with a unique opportunity to contribute to healthcare service delivery while gaining valuable experience in a specialized healthcare environment.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum requirements.
Educational Qualification
- General Education and Training Certificate (GETC)
- Grade 9 (Standard 7)
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Professional Registration
Candidates must be:
- Registered as a Security Officer Grade C or higher.
- Registered with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA).
Registration must be valid and maintained throughout employment.
Experience
Applicants must have:
- Appropriate experience as a Security Officer in a psychiatric environment.
Experience within mental health institutions, correctional facilities, forensic environments, hospitals, or similar settings will be advantageous.
Inherent Requirements of the Position
Shift Work
Successful candidates must be willing to work:
- Day shifts
- Night shifts
- Weekends
- Public holidays
- Rotational schedules
Healthcare facilities operate 24 hours a day and require continuous security coverage.
Rotation Across Units
Security officers may be required to work in different hospital units as operational needs arise.
This includes:
- Psychiatric wards
- Forensic units
- Administrative buildings
- Hospital entrances
- Emergency areas
Physical Fitness
Candidates should be physically capable of responding to incidents and performing security duties throughout the hospital.
Emotional Resilience
The role requires individuals who can remain calm and professional during stressful situations involving patients, visitors, or emergencies.
Required Skills and Competencies
Interest in Psychiatric and Forensic Environments
The successful candidate should have a genuine interest in working within psychiatric and forensic healthcare settings.
Understanding the challenges associated with mental healthcare environments is important for success in this role.
Sense of Responsibility
Security officers are entrusted with safeguarding patients, employees, visitors, and hospital assets.
Candidates must demonstrate:
- Reliability
- Accountability
- Professionalism
- Integrity
Ability to Work Independently
The role often requires independent decision-making and initiative.
Security officers must be capable of assessing situations and responding appropriately.
Knowledge of Aggression and Violence Management
Candidates should understand techniques for:
- Managing aggressive behaviour
- De-escalating conflict
- Preventing violence
- Maintaining personal safety
These skills are particularly important in psychiatric and forensic healthcare settings.
Self-Discipline
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Professional conduct
- Strong work ethic
- Adherence to procedures
- Consistent performance
Ability to Work Under Pressure
Healthcare environments can present unpredictable situations.
Security officers must remain calm and effective during emergencies and high-pressure incidents.
Communication Skills
Strong communication skills are essential for:
- Incident reporting
- Patient interaction
- Teamwork
- Emergency response coordination
Report Writing Skills
Accurate documentation of incidents, observations, and security activities is a key responsibility.
Conflict Resolution Skills
The ability to manage disputes professionally contributes to a safe and secure environment.
Group Handling Skills
Candidates should be capable of managing situations involving multiple individuals while maintaining order and safety.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will perform a variety of security-related duties.
Access and Egress Control
One of the primary responsibilities is controlling access to hospital premises.
This includes:
- Monitoring entry points
- Verifying visitor access
- Enforcing access control procedures
- Maintaining security standards
Effective access control helps protect patients, staff, and hospital property.
Escorting Patients
The Security Officer will assist with escorting patients both on and off hospital premises when required.
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting patient movement
- Ensuring patient safety
- Preventing unauthorized departures
- Assisting healthcare staff
This function is particularly important within psychiatric and forensic units.
Assisting with Aggressive and Violent Patients
The successful candidate will support healthcare personnel in managing aggressive or uncontrolled patients.
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting staff during incidents
- Supporting de-escalation efforts
- Maintaining safety
- Preventing harm to patients and staff
Professional conduct and adherence to hospital procedures are essential.
Providing Security Services to Allocated Areas
The Security Officer will be responsible for maintaining security within assigned hospital areas.
This includes:
- Conducting patrols
- Monitoring activities
- Identifying risks
- Responding to incidents
The objective is to create a safe environment for all hospital users.
Preventing Patient Abscondment
One of the critical responsibilities within psychiatric facilities is preventing unauthorized patient departures.
The successful candidate will:
- Monitor patient movement
- Enforce security procedures
- Support ward staff
- Report incidents immediately
Effective monitoring helps ensure patient safety and continuity of care.
Reducing Litigation and Adverse Incidents
By maintaining a secure environment and enforcing hospital policies, security officers help reduce risks that may result in:
- Injuries
- Property damage
- Legal claims
- Operational disruptions
Supporting Operational Managers
The successful candidate will provide security support to operational managers and healthcare teams.
Responsibilities include:
- Reporting incidents
- Assisting during emergencies
- Supporting policy implementation
- Enhancing service delivery
Monitoring Surveillance Cameras
Security officers will operate and monitor CCTV systems throughout the hospital.
Responsibilities include:
- Observing security footage
- Detecting suspicious behaviour
- Monitoring access points
- Identifying security threats
Continuous monitoring supports proactive security management.
Preventing Unlawful Entry
The Security Officer will ensure that unauthorized individuals do not gain access to restricted areas.
This includes:
- Monitoring entrances
- Conducting inspections
- Verifying authorization
- Reporting suspicious activity
Identifying Dangerous Objects
The successful candidate will remain vigilant for:
- Prohibited items
- Dangerous objects
- Potential security threats
Prompt reporting and response help maintain a safe environment.
Reporting Incidents
Accurate reporting is a key component of the role.
Security officers must document:
- Security breaches
- Patient incidents
- Visitor-related issues
- Emergency situations
Reports contribute to accountability and operational improvement.
Recording Patient Movements
The position requires monitoring and recording patient movements where necessary.
This helps:
- Maintain accountability
- Support patient safety
- Prevent unauthorized absences
Monitoring Patient Activities
Security officers may assist healthcare teams by observing and reporting patient-related concerns that could affect safety or security.
Benefits of Working at Lentegeur Hospital
Competitive Salary
Earn R170,226 per annum.
Stable Government Employment
Public sector employment provides job security and long-term career opportunities.
Specialized Healthcare Experience
Gain valuable experience within psychiatric and forensic healthcare environments.
Professional Development
Enhance skills in security management, conflict resolution, and emergency response.
Meaningful Public Service
Contribute directly to patient safety and healthcare service delivery.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is someone who:
- Holds a Grade 9 qualification.
- Is PSIRA registered at Grade C or higher.
- Has security experience in psychiatric environments.
- Demonstrates professionalism and integrity.
- Communicates effectively.
- Works well under pressure.
- Understands conflict management.
- Maintains strong discipline.
- Is physically and mentally fit.
- Has a genuine interest in healthcare security services.
Enquiries
For further information regarding this vacancy, applicants may contact:
Ms S Govender
Tel No: (021) 370-1344
Important Notice
No payment of any kind is required when applying for this post.
Applicants are advised to be cautious of scams or fraudulent recruitment activities. The Department of Health does not charge fees for applications, interviews, assessments, or appointments.
Conclusion
The Security Officer (Security Services) Vacancy at Lentegeur Hospital presents an excellent opportunity for experienced security professionals seeking a rewarding career in the public healthcare sector. With a salary of R170,226 per annum, stable government employment, and the chance to work within a specialized psychiatric and forensic healthcare environment, this role offers both professional growth and meaningful public service.
Candidates who meet the requirements and are committed to maintaining safety, security, and quality service delivery are encouraged to apply for this exciting opportunity.