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Security Officer I - Security, Full-time, Nights

Northwestern Medicine · McHenry, IL · Full time · Health Care Provider

Posted Sep 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This is a full-time night role at McHenry. What draws you to overnight hospital security?

What they are checking: Whether they are ready for night work and understand what it involves.

Tell me about a time you used de-escalation to avoid a physical confrontation.

What they are checking: Whether they rely on words and calm presence first.

How do you stay alert and effective during long night shifts?

What they are checking: Whether they have habits that keep them sharp at night.

What would you do

A duress alarm goes off on a unit at 2am. Walk me through what you do.

What they are checking: Whether they respond quickly, assess the threat and call for help when needed.

A confused patient is trying to leave the building. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they work with clinical staff to keep the patient safe and avoid unnecessary force.

You notice a hazard in a parking lot, such as poor lighting or ice. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they report safety hazards and take steps to protect people.

When would you call local police instead of handling an incident yourself?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the limits of their role and involve police appropriately.

About the work

How would you monitor the access control system, fire alarms and duress alarms during a quiet night?

What they are checking: Whether they stay alert and respond quickly to system alerts.

What do you include in an incident report so supervisors know exactly what happened?

What they are checking: Whether they write clear, factual reports with the right details.

How do you investigate a report of theft from a patient room?

What they are checking: Whether they gather facts carefully and follow policy without making assumptions.

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The full job description

As published by Northwestern Medicine.

The Security Officer I reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. Under the direction of the Security Leadership, this position is responsible for adhering to established policies and procedures to protect the hospital from theft and damage; provides protection for patients, visitors, Associates, and medical staff; investigates and quells disturbances; restrains patients upon proper direction and assistance of medical/clinical staff. Responsibilities: • Investigates/quells hospital incidents and disturbances to maintain patient, visitor, and employee security. • Completes descriptive reports for supervisory personnel. • Notifies appropriate city officials (police and fire) and prepares descriptive reports for supervisory personnel. • Performs regular perimeter and internal patrols of the hospital buildings and grounds to assure protection of patients and property and to prevent the entry of unauthorized persons into the hospital. These patrols are both on foot and mobile. • Conducts investigations into incidents of hazardous conditions, reported theft, criminal activity, and any other security or safety issues as reported. • Monitors the access control system, fire and duress alarms, and the security video system. • Controls traffic as necessary to always assure access for emergency vehicles and access for patients and visitors accordingly. • Controls traffic as necessary during incidents and for helicopter transports. • Maintains security of restricted areas by checking and locking doors according to pre-set schedules or as required by special circumstances. • Provides escorts for staff to their vehicles as requested. • Delivers deceased bodies to the morgue and releases same to authorized persons in accordance with established policies. • Responds to all emergency codes in accordance with department specific guidelines. • Alerts the department Manager of any activities or deviation from departmental standards that may require disciplinary action or follow-up. • Enforces all hospital policies and procedures as directed. • Officers must display a competent and professional service image yet be approachable and service minded at all times. • This image should encourage people to freely ask for assistance or convey information that may allow the officer to prevent problems or reduce exposure of the hospital to damage or loss. • Conduct contraband searches for patient and employee safety as needed. • Monitor individuals or situations to ensure patient and employee safety as needed. • Oversees staff parking permit process, and monitors compliance per established policy and procedure. • Performs other related duties as assigned. Minimum Requirements: • Education: High-school diploma or GED • Licensure: • Valid driver’s license. • Certification: • Successful completion of IAHSS Basic exam within 90 days of hire • Maintain IAHSS Basic certification, • Current Basic Life Support certification through American Heart Association within 9 months of hire, • Successful completion of Northwestern Medicine Defensive Tactics in Healthcare within 6 months of hire • Behavioral Attributes: • Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to interact effectively with a variety of individuals, including employees, medical staff, patients, visitors, law enforcement and other outside agencies • Writing skills necessary to complete reports and paperwork that meets departmental standards. • Physical Demands: Physical ability and knowledge of how to operate a motor vehicle. Preferred: • Experience in healthcare security, police work, or military service • Valid FOID card • Associate/Bachelor’s degree Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status. Background Check Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act. Artificial Intelligence Disclosure Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. Benefits We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Click on or copy and paste URL to your browser to view detailed benefits information NorthwesternMedicine Career Page https://jobs.nm.org/benefits Please refer to the Benefits Eligibility by Employment Classification to determine benefits eligibility for job postings. If sign-on bonus is included in a job posting eligibility is as followed: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign-on bonus. Exception : New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position as a Registered Nurse at NM may be eligible.

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