Security Officer Position at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital

Are you a dedicated, vigilant, and resilient individual with a passion for ensuring safety in a dynamic healthcare environment? The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is seeking a qualified Security Officer to join the team at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Rondebosch. This role is pivotal in maintaining a secure and supportive atmosphere for patients, staff, visitors, and the community, contributing directly to the hospital’s mission of providing exceptional pediatric care.

As a Security Officer, you will play a crucial role in safeguarding one of South Africa’s leading children’s hospitals, where every day brings opportunities to protect vulnerable lives and support healthcare professionals. If you thrive in high-pressure situations, possess strong interpersonal skills, and have experience in hospital security, this could be the rewarding career step you’ve been looking for.

Job Overview
  • Position Title: Security Officer
  • Department: Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness
  • Location: Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, Rondebosch, Cape Town
  • Salary: R163 680 per annum (basic salary, excluding benefits)
  • Employment Type: Permanent, full-time
  • Closing Date for Applications: 05 September 2025

This position offers a competitive salary and the chance to work in a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to children’s health. You’ll be part of a team that values integrity, responsibility, and proactive problem-solving, ensuring the hospital remains a safe haven for healing and care.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will be responsible for a wide range of security duties aimed at preventing risks, managing incidents, and supporting the overall operations of the hospital. Your daily tasks will include, but are not limited to:

  • Access and Egress Control: Ensuring strict control over entry and exit points to prevent unauthorized access, the removal of persons, vehicles, dangerous objects, or illegal substances. This involves thorough checks and verification processes to maintain a secure perimeter.
  • Monitoring and Surveillance: Actively monitoring surveillance cameras and fire alarm systems to detect and respond to potential threats in real-time. You’ll identify suspicious activities, unauthorized entries, or adverse incidents, helping to avert vehicle thefts, forcible entries, or other security breaches at hospital departments and entrances.
  • Patrolling and Guarding: Protecting and guarding key buildings, points, patients, visitors, and personnel. This includes regular patrols of fenced-off areas, buildings, and the entire premises to deter potential risks and ensure a visible security presence.
  • Handling Aggressive or Uncontrolled Situations: Providing assistance to hospital personnel in managing aggressive, violent, or uncontrolled patients. Your role will involve de-escalation techniques and supportive interventions to maintain safety without compromising patient care.
  • Supportive Security Services: Delivering comprehensive security support to allocated areas with the goal of preventing injuries, patient abscondments, litigation, and other adverse incidents. This proactive approach helps foster a calm and secure environment for all.
  • Incident Reporting and Recording: Meticulously reporting and recording all incidents, patient movements, and related activities. Accurate documentation is essential for follow-up, legal purposes, and continuous improvement of security protocols.
  • Efficient Support to Supervisors: Applying service delivery principles effectively while providing reliable support to your supervisor. This includes rotating duties across all units as needed to ensure comprehensive coverage.
  • Additional Duties: Performing delegated tasks on a rotational basis, including working shifts, public holidays, weekends, and overtime when required. Your flexibility will be key to the hospital’s 24/7 operations.

These responsibilities require a hands-on approach, quick decision-making, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of security in a sensitive healthcare setting.

Minimum Requirements

To succeed in this position, candidates must meet the following essential criteria:

Educational Qualifications
  • General Education and Training Certificate (GETC) or Grade 9 (Standard 7). This foundational education ensures you have the basic literacy and numeracy skills needed for report writing and daily tasks.
Professional Registration
  • Valid registration with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) at Grade ‘C’ level, in accordance with the Security Industry Regulations Act (Act 56 of 2001). This certification confirms your professional standing and adherence to industry standards.
Experience
  • Appropriate and relevant experience as a Security Officer, preferably in a hospital or healthcare environment. Prior exposure to medical settings will give you an edge in understanding the unique challenges of securing a facility with vulnerable patients.
Inherent Job Requirements
  • Shift Work Flexibility: Willingness to work rotating shifts, including nights, public holidays, weekends, and overtime. The hospital operates around the clock, and your adaptability is crucial.
  • Rotational Duties: Ability to perform delegated duties across all units on a rotational basis, ensuring comprehensive security coverage throughout the facility.
Competencies (Knowledge and Skills)

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate:

  • A strong sense of responsibility and the ability to function independently, even in challenging or high-stress situations.
  • In-depth knowledge of managing aggression and violence, including de-escalation techniques and safe intervention methods.
  • Self-discipline, self-motivation, and the resilience to work under pressure while maintaining composure.
  • Excellent listening skills to assess situations accurately and respond appropriately.
  • Proficiency in writing detailed reports, documenting incidents clearly and concisely.
  • Strong conflict resolution and group handling skills to manage interactions with diverse individuals, including patients, families, and staff.
  • Familiarity with surveillance systems, fire alarms, and security protocols in a hospital context.

These competencies will enable you to contribute effectively to a team-oriented environment where safety is paramount.

Why Join The Team?

At Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, you’ll be part of a world-class institution renowned for its pediatric expertise and compassionate care. Our team is committed to excellence, innovation, and community impact. Benefits include:

  • Opportunities for professional development and training in security and healthcare-specific skills.
  • A supportive work culture that prioritizes employee well-being.
  • Contribution to meaningful work that directly supports children’s health and family support systems.
  • Preference given to excess personnel, aligning with departmental policies for internal mobility.

Note: Candidates must be available for selection interviews on a date, time, and place determined by the Department. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds to enrich our team.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the official Western Cape Government Health Jobs portal: www.westerncape.gov.za/health-jobs (click on “online applications”).

  • Important Instructions: No payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. Beware of any scams requesting fees.
  • Enquiries: For more information about the role, contact Mr M Michaels at Tel No: (021) 658-5573.
  • Closing Date: All applications must be received by 05 September 2025. Late applications will not be considered.

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A dedicated Security Officer who shares a strong commitment to safety and excellence is sought. Apply today and contribute to protecting the future of children’s health!

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