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This position has closed. Northwestern Medicine removed this listing from their careers page on Sep 30, 2026. The interview prep below is still useful, and there are similar open roles at the bottom of this page.

Security Operations Center Operator-Public Safety Full Time Evenings

Northwestern Medicine · Palos Heights, IL · Full time · Health Care Provider

Posted Sep 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 29, 2026

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

How do you stay alert through a full evening shift of monitoring?

What they are checking: The posting is full time evenings, and vigilance is the hardest practical part.

Full time evenings at Palos Heights. How does that fit your life?

What they are checking: The posting states the shift and the site.

What would you do

Several calls come in at once. How do you decide what to handle first?

What they are checking: The posting names receiving and prioritizing incoming calls, emails and alerts.

How do you keep a caller calm while you are getting the information you need?

What they are checking: The core dispatch skill and it decides whether help arrives in the right place.

An alarm goes off and you cannot tell whether it is real. What do you do?

What they are checking: False alarms are constant and treating one as real costs less than the reverse.

What is different about security in a hospital compared with another setting?

What they are checking: Patients, visitors and clinical staff change what a security response can look like.

How do you handle a situation involving a patient who is confused or in crisis?

What they are checking: A large share of hospital security calls are clinical rather than criminal.

About the work

Tell me about your dispatch experience.

What they are checking: The posting explicitly wants police, security or 911 dispatch experience.

Walk me through dispatching officers to an incident in a hospital.

What they are checking: The posting names dispatching security personnel to incidents, alarms and requests.

How do you keep an accurate record of a fast-moving incident?

What they are checking: The dispatch log is the record that matters afterwards.

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The full job description

As published by Northwestern Medicine.

Looking for applicants with previous police dispatch, security dispatch or 911 dispatcher experience. The Security Operations Center (SOC) Operator 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. The SOC Operator I has high visibility and is directly accountable for the effective and efficient flow of information from the SOC to the Security Services Officers, Security Supervisors, Security Coordinators and Operations Managers. The SOC is a 24/7 operation which provides the Security Services Department with a comprehensive monitoring approach to provide broad visibility of activity across the hospital(s), leverages intelligence from several systems and technology databases that provide advanced correlation, and analysis capabilities to deliver a prioritized list of actionable security incidents to the Security Operations Team. The SOC Operator I will play a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of our patients, facilities, visitors and staff members. Responsibilities: • Receive and prioritize incoming calls, emails, and alerts related to security incidents and emergencies. • Dispatch security personnel to respond to incidents, alarms, and requests for assistance according to established procedures and protocols. • Monitor surveillance cameras, access control systems, and other physical security technologies to detect and assess security incidents in real-time. • Respond to security alarms, including intrusion alarms, fire alarms, and duress alarms, and initiate appropriate response procedures. • Maintain clear and effective communication with security personnel, supervisors, and other stakeholders to coordinate incident response activities. • Record all incidents, responses, and actions taken in a detailed and accurate manner using incident management system or computer aided dispatch. • Assist with the implementation and enforcement of security policies and procedures. • Provide clear and concise instructions to security personnel and guide them during critical situations. • Relay critical information and updates to appropriate stakeholders, including hospital leadership, in a timely manner. • Coordinate with internal and external emergency services, such as law enforcement, fire departments, and medical services, to facilitate a timely and effective response to emergencies. • Escalate high-priority incidents or emergencies to appropriate management or authorities as necessary. • Address and relay any security related hardware or software issues as needed. Continue to work with vendors or internal support to rectify any issues that arise. This position is full-time, 72 hours per pay period, evening shift, 3:45 p.m. to 12:20 a.m. with alternating weekends and holidays. Required: • High-school diploma or GED • Successful completion of IAHSS Basic exam within 90 days of hire. • Maintain IAHSS Basic certification • Current BLS through American Heart Association within 9 months of hire • 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 • Attention to detail to accurately document incidents and maintain records. • Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment. • Writing skills necessary to complete reports and paperwork that meets departmental standards. • Physical ability to sit for extended periods and operate computer equipment. • Willingness to work in shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as physical security operations require 24/7 monitoring. • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications and the Internet. • Familiarity with physical security principles, procedures, and technologies, including surveillance cameras, access control, and alarm systems. • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills to assess situations quickly and determine the appropriate course of action in a calm demeanor Preferred: • Previous experience in a security dispatching role or similar position. • Associate/Bachelor’s degree • Valid driver’s license. • Valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card 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. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more. Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): 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 at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.