About the position
The Chief of Police and Public Safety (Chief) is a vital member of the Cook County Health (CCH) Business Operations team, tasked with overseeing the police and public safety operations across all central campus buildings, ACHN clinics, and the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital. This flagship hospital serves as an urban level three trauma center, providing emergency services to a diverse and vulnerable population around the clock. The Chief is responsible for fostering a culture of safety and security for all employees, patients, and visitors within the CCH facilities. This role requires a strategic leader who can effectively manage public safety operations while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In addition to managing the safety and security operations, the Chief will engage in collective bargaining processes, reviewing agreements and collaborating with Labor Relations to formulate management proposals. The Chief will also be responsible for documenting and executing disciplinary actions in accordance with CCH policies and collective bargaining agreements. This position involves significant management responsibilities, including the hiring, training, and evaluation of staff, as well as the development of policies and procedures that guide safety and security efforts within the healthcare environment. The Chief will work closely with various stakeholders, including hospital security personnel and law enforcement, to ensure adherence to professional standards and protocols. This includes overseeing incident prevention, investigations, and emergency response actions. The Chief will also build relationships with local, county, and federal law enforcement agencies to coordinate public safety efforts effectively. Furthermore, the Chief will ensure that all incidents are thoroughly investigated and documented, maintaining clear communication with relevant stakeholders. This position reports directly to the Superintendent of Police and Security, emphasizing the importance of leadership and collaboration in maintaining a safe healthcare environment.
Responsibilities
- Direct and manage police and public safety operations for all central campus buildings, ACHN clinics, and John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital.
- Establish policies and procedures to guide safety and security efforts within the healthcare environment.
- Provide direction to hospital security personnel and law enforcement staff to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
- Conduct performance reviews of safety and security staff and contractors.
- Build relationships and coordinate with City, County, and federal law enforcement agencies.
- Ensure thorough investigation and documentation of all incidents and arrest activities.
- Work with the Director of Life Safety to prepare the organization for emergency response.
- Participate in collective bargaining negotiations and consult with Labor Relations on management proposals.
- Document and effectuate discipline at all levels in accordance with CCH policies and collective bargaining agreements.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
- Seven (7) years of experience in public safety and security.
- Three (3) years of management experience in a public safety or security role.
- Three (3) years of experience in hospital or campus safety and security.
- Knowledge of state and federal regulatory agencies related to hospital security and safety.
- Knowledge of criminal and civil laws in the State of Illinois.
- Prior experience working with emergency response and life safety initiatives.
- Prior experience in a security or safety capacity serving a diverse community.
- Prior work experience in a unionized environment.
- Meet annual minimum firearms qualifications as specified by the State of Illinois.
- Current and valid State of Illinois driver's license and security vehicle operator's license.
- Current and valid Firearm Owner Identification (FOID).
- Certified Healthcare Protection Administrators (CHPA) or eligible for certification within one year of hire date.
- Successful completion of National Incident Management System (NIMS) training program or eligible for completion within three years of hire date.
- Certified as a law enforcement officer in the State of Illinois, or eligible for certification within one year of hire.
Nice-to-haves
- Ten (10) years of experience in public safety and security.
- Prior experience in a hospital, medical center, health care organization or related industry.
- Basic knowledge of Spanish language.
