Operational Security Advisor

The Operational Security Advisor works under the direction of the Deputy Executive Commissioner for System Support Services. The Operational Security Advisor is responsible for providing counsel and senior-level strategic leadership in matters related to safety and security. The Operational Security Advisor establishes goals and objectives for the program; develops schedules, prioritizes high-level executive assignments and projects, coordinates and implements standards for program activities and achieving established goals.

The Operational Security Advisor works with the safety and risk management teams, along with state office and regional facility staff to manage the agency safety and security plan.

The Operational Security Advisor acts as a strategic business partner; provides aide, guidance and expertise to HHS executive leadership and employees in the interpretation, application, and implementation of security and safety policies and procedures.

The Operational Security Advisor ensures the program acts within compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, rules and agency policies.

Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Work is performed in a demanding and fast-paced work environment with strict deadlines and changing priorities.

Essential Job Functions:
Advises and provides counsel to senior-level leadership on strategic measures in safety and security matters.

Develops a Security Master Plan for the agency outlining the agency’s security strategies, goals, programs, processes, and details risks and associated mitigation plans. The Security Master plan forms the framework for program management, prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and training.

Serves as the agency’s crisis manager and is responsible for directing the organization’s response in accordance with its crisis management plan. Manages communications with employees, customers, and stakeholders appropriate reporting both internally and externally. Coordinates with the risk management, safety management, regional agency staff, communications, and state and local authorities in times of crisis to ensure continuity of efforts.

Serves as liaison for statewide security vendors. Analyzes vendor performance data on a regular basis and performs follow up activities to ensure vendors adhere to agency security measures. Compiles and analyzes trends that affect budgetary needs and supports the organization's budget cycle by providing vendor related information.

Provides threat assessment and management. Provides a coordinated agency responds to threatening situations; assess the likelihood of the dangers in and around agency facilities; and coordinates with appropriate staff and leadership and external agencies.

Develops a facility vulnerability assessment framework. Sets priority and schedule of assessments. Reviews security protocols, and makes recommendations related to processes, protocols, and policies to enhance security measures needed to protect agency personnel, property, and clients are in place and followed.

Enhances staff preparedness through the development implementation and tracking Active Shooter/Active Assailant training.

Leads the planning and development of systems, processes, and policies to intervene and mitigate incidents of violence in the workplace. Develops workplace violence training to ensure the safety of agency employees, customers, and clients and ensures all training meets all local, state, and federal requirements.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of:
Security management fundamentals, business operations, risk management, and response management. physical security assessments, application, design, and integration of physical security systems, and implementation of security measures.

Skilled in:
Customer service orientation and relationship management; analytical thinking; strategic planning and goal development; utilizing best practices for maximizing human potential; consensus building; and consultation and negotiation skills.

Ability to:
Value, promote, and manage diversity; explain policies and procedures to staff and the public; assess and balance competing values and priorities; be innovative and creative; build trust relationships; analyze data; effectively manage resources; influence others to act; make decisions; effectively manage and/or work in teams; apply mentoring, coaching, and counseling skills to develop talent; apply organizational development principles; communicate well; and develop effective solutions to mission requirements using principles/programs.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
ASIS Certification (Preferred).

Initial Selection Criteria:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with -5 years of relevant experience. Relevant experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. Preferred fields of study in law enforcement, criminal justice, business administration, public administration, or a related field.

Preferred requirement: An ASIS Certification in one or more of the following:

Certified Protection Professional,

Professional Certified Investigator,

Physical Security Professional,

Associate Protection Professional

Or the ability to obtain one of the certifications listed within one year of hire.

Additional Information:

MOS Code:
Note: The direct military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position are 3E9X1 – Emergency Management, 38B – Civil Affairs
OS – Operations Management, 1S0X1 – Safety, 31D – Criminal Investigations, 71SX – Special Investigations

All qualified active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.

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HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.