South Hackensack NJ - Security

Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title
Security Guard – Retail & Programs
Department
Loss Prevention / Asset Protection
Reports To
Loss Prevention / Asset Protection Management and designated Store/Program Management
Cost Center

Classification

GENERAL PURPOSE
The Security Guard – Retail & Programs protects Goodwill employees, participants, customers, visitors, property, donations, merchandise, assets, and facilities while maintaining a safe, welcoming environment.
The Guard provides a visible security presence, observes and reports safety, security, and loss-prevention concerns, prevents unauthorized access, responds to incidents, and supports emergency response efforts.
Guards must use sound judgment, maintain professionalism, de-escalate situations when possible, and request law enforcement or emergency assistance when needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Premises Security

Protect Goodwill facilities, including stores, programs, donation centers, warehouses, and offices.
Maintain a visible security presence and conduct patrols.
Monitor entrances, exits, and restricted areas.
Identify and report suspicious activity, hazards, theft, vandalism, or trespassing.
Report building security issues (doors, locks, alarms, lighting).
Enforce access-control procedures and prevent unauthorized entry.
Protect security credentials and never share access information.

2. Retail Loss Prevention

Monitor for theft, fraud, and policy violations.
Observe and report suspicious behavior.
Support investigations without interfering.
Report suspected internal or external theft.
Protect cash areas, merchandise, and assets.

3. Donation Center Security

Monitor donation and receiving areas.
Prevent unauthorized removal or diversion of donations.
Report suspicious donor, vendor, or visitor activity.
Monitor loading docks and storage areas.

4. Program & Participant Safety

Maintain a safe environment for participants and staff.
De-escalate conflicts when possible.
Maintain professional boundaries.
Assist during disputes or incidents.
Request emergency assistance when needed.
Maintain confidentiality.

5. De-Escalation & Conflict Management

Stay calm and professional.
Use respectful communication.
Avoid confrontation.
Identify escalating behavior.
Separate individuals when safe.
Contact management or emergency responders as needed.
Document incidents.

Guards are not police officers and must not exceed their authority.
6. Emergency Response
Respond to emergencies including fire, medical incidents, violence, threats, theft, and evacuations.
Actions:

Notify management.
Call 911 when required.
Follow emergency procedures.
Assist with evacuation or containment.
Secure the scene.
Preserve evidence.
Document incident.

7. Fire & Life Safety

Keep exits clear.
Report hazards immediately.
Know emergency equipment locations.
Assist with evacuations.
Do not interfere with safety systems.

8. Camera & Security Systems

Monitor CCTV and alarms when assigned.
Report suspicious activity.
Maintain confidentiality of footage.
Report equipment issues.

9. Access Control

Monitor entry to restricted areas.
Verify authorization when required.
Prevent tailgating.
Protect access credentials.

10. Incident Reporting
Report incidents including theft, violence, accidents, emergencies, damage, trespassing, and safety issues.
Reports must be factual, clear, and timely.
11. Evidence Handling

Do not disturb evidence unnecessarily.
Secure area if needed.
Notify management.
Follow chain-of-custody procedures.

12. Emergency Responders

Provide accurate information to responders.
Assist with scene control.
Notify management of response.

13. Confidentiality
Protect all sensitive information including employee, participant, donor, security, and operational data. Share only with authorized personnel.
14. Daily Duties

Attend shift briefing.
Conduct patrols.
Monitor assigned areas.
Respond to incidents.
Complete reports.
Secure post at shift end.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Daily Log
Record shift activity, patrols, incidents, alarms, and observations.
Incident Reports
Required for theft, violence, emergencies, damage, and other significant events.
Escalation
Immediately report serious threats, violence, weapons, major theft, fire, or emergencies.

QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Strong communication and judgment skills.
Ability to remain calm under pressure.
Ability to write clear reports.
Basic computer skills.
Ability to stand and patrol for long periods.
Security or customer service experience preferred.

REQUIRED LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS
New York

NYS Security Guard Registration
8-hour pre-assignment training
16-hour on-the-job training
8-hour annual in-service training

New Jersey

SORA registration and required training

GOODWILL TRAINING
Required training includes:

Security orientation
Workplace violence prevention
De-escalation
Emergency response
Incident reporting
Access control
Confidentiality
CCTV procedures
Customer/participant interaction
Report writing

SECURITY AUTHORITY & LIMITATIONS
Guards may observe, deter, report, and respond to incidents.
Guards may NOT:

Act as police
Conduct unauthorized searches
Use excessive force
Access confidential data without permission
Share security credentials
Leave post without authorization

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY
Guards protect people and property, identify risks, respond to incidents, and report concerns. They do not replace management or law enforcement.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Post compliance
Attendance
Incident reporting accuracy
Response effectiveness
Security awareness
Professional conduct
Confidentiality
Communication
Emergency response

WORKING CONDITIONS

Standing and walking for long periods
Indoor/outdoor patrols
Nights, weekends, and holidays
Emergency response situations
Exposure to varied environments

REPORTING STRUCTURE
Security Guard → Store/Program Manager → Loss Prevention → Senior Leadership
Immediate escalation required for emergencies.

DOCUMENTATION
Maintain logs, incident reports, patrol records, and security documentation per company policy.

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