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Security Officer

Mercyhealth · Rockford, IL · $18.28–$27.42 an hour · Per diem

Posted Sep 28, 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

Tell me about a time you calmed down a tense situation without using force.

What they are checking: Whether they have real de-escalation skills, since this is an unarmed role.

Tell me about a time you noticed a safety hazard and reported it.

What they are checking: Whether they pay attention to safety and follow through with work orders.

What would you do

A visitor is yelling at staff in the emergency department. Walk me through how you handle it.

What they are checking: Whether they use calm de-escalation first and know when to call for backup.

How do you greet patients and visitors while also watching for problems?

What they are checking: Whether they can be friendly and alert at the same time, as the posting expects.

You find a door that should be locked standing open at 2 a.m. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they check the area and report it carefully instead of just closing it.

How do you enforce parking rules with someone who gets angry?

What they are checking: Whether they stay polite and firm without making the situation worse.

How would you handle a patient who is trying to leave and may be a danger to themselves?

What they are checking: Whether they work with clinical staff and know the limits of their role.

This is a PRN role with varied shifts. How do you stay ready when you're called in?

What they are checking: Whether they can be reliable and alert on short notice.

About the work

How do you write an incident report, and what details do you include?

What they are checking: Whether they write clear, factual reports that can be used later.

An overhead code is called. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they know how to respond to emergency codes in a hospital.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Mercyhealth from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

Overview Performs unarmed, uniformed security related services which include but are not limited to; Conducts rounds, secures the facility and the work environment for Mercyhealth partners. Respond to all security calls for assistance. May be required to work on call, flexible hours, alternate shifts, and weekends. Perform other duties as assigned. Schedule: PRN Shift: Varied ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Takes initiative to greet all patients, visitors, and Mercyhealth partners in a timely, professional, and courteous manner projecting an open and friendly attitude on a daily basis. • Provides a visible deterrence to crime and prohibited activities by patrolling the buildings, grounds, and parking lots of Mercyhealth to detect any irregularities. Inspects doors, windows and locks to ensure a high level of security. • Respond to all dispatch/ security service calls and overhead emergency code calls. • Checks grounds and areas for cleanliness and safety • Perform parking lot patrols and enforce Mercyhealth parking policy. • Notifies management/maintenance staff concerning need for major repairs or additions to lighting, heating, and ventilating equipment. through initiating a work order. • Assist with completion of fire drills or other drills as requested. • Write clear and accurate daily reports of shift activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences. • Provides initial investigation and documentation of incidents of unusual circumstances reported by Mercyhealth personnel, visitors, physicians, or patients. • Orient and train security staff at respective sites of responsibility as needed and complete training documents. • Monitors the Mercyhealth environment using electronic security equipment (CCTV, Alarms, etc.) as applicable. • Is required to assure and/or request partners and contractors display Mercyhealth badges or required proof of identity. • Duties pertinent to site specific requirements will be assigned. • Ensure the safety of all during takeoff and landings of MedFlights. • Assist with identification of deceased patients and verification of credentials of funeral home and Medical Examiner's Office personnel. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE High school diploma or equivalent required Healthcare security experience preferred Bilingual skills are preferred Minimum of 2 years’ experience with police, security, or military background Successful completion of all department required training such as Level 3 TACT training, handcuffing, OC spray, ASP baton, and physical control tactics training, etc. required within 12 months for new hires. Must maintain this proficiency on an annual basis. OR Completed 30 credit hours toward obtaining a degree Successful completion of all department required training such as Level 3 TACT training, handcuffing, OC spray, ASP baton, and physical control tactics training, etc. required within 12 months for new hires. Must maintain this proficiency on an annual basis. OR One year with Mercyhealth security Successful completion of all department required training such as Level 3 TACT training, handcuffing, OC spray, ASP baton, and physical control tactics training, etc. required. Must maintain this proficiency on an annual basis. CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE Successful completion of International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) Basic Security Officer certification within 180 days of start date. Maintain a valid driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance. Have and maintain an acceptable driving record per Mercyhealth’s HR-01 Fleet Safety Policy OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES Basic Computer skills preferred; Word/Outlook/Excel Able to interact with customers and communicate clearly Able to manage anger, fear, hostility and violence of others following Mercyhealth principles of customer service LEVEL OF SUPERVISION Work is performed according to specific procedures and post orders, but the incumbent must make decisions using independent judgement required in order to adapt to routine situations. SUPERVISES This job has no supervisory responsibilities PAY RANGE: $18.28 - $27.42 Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and benefits, including retirement, time off, on-demand pay, access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and more. Click here for more details. At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including: • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women

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