The posting
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. #IND2
