Safeguard Hope: Become a Security Officer at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital
A Call to Serve at an Esteemed Institution
Nestled in Rondebosch, Cape Town, the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital stands proudly as one of Southern Africa’s few dedicated children’s hospitals. Since its founding in 1956 as a memorial to fallen soldiers, it has become a beacon of excellence in paediatric care—affiliated with top universities like UCT and Stellenbosch, and respected for postgraduate specialist training in child health and surgery ([Wikipedia][1]).
As a public healthcare institution committed to healing and hope, the hospital is seeking compassionate individuals to join its frontline team. If you’re registered with PSIRA and thrive under pressure, this could be your opportunity to protect one of the most vital communities in healthcare.
Role Overview: Security Officer
Position Title: Security Officer
Location: Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, Rondebosch, Cape Town
(Estimated): Approx. R124,000 per annum (based on similar Department of Health roles) ([www.govpage.co.za][2], [JobCare][3])
What We’re Looking For
Minimum Requirements:
- *Education*: General Education and Training Certificate (GETC) / Grade 9 or 10—matric may be advantageous ([www.govpage.co.za][2], [JobCare][3]).
- Licensing: Must be registered with PSIRA, at least Grade C, in accordance with the Security Industry Regulations (Act 56 of 2001) ([www.govpage.co.za][2]).
- Experience: Prior experience as a security officer in a *hospital or healthcare setting* is desired; experience managing high-stress, vulnerable environments gives an edge ([www.govpage.co.za][2], [JobCare][3]).
Language Skills: Proficiency in at least two official languages of the Western Cape to communicate effectively with staff, patients, and families ([www.govpage.co.za][2]).
Inherent Job Characteristics:
* Willingness to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and public holidays.
- Flexibility to be rotated across various hospital units, adapting swiftly to different environments ([www.govpage.co.za][2], [JobCare][3]).
Core Competencies:
- Strong communication (verbal and written) and reporting skills.
- Conflict resolution, de-escalation, and management of aggression and violence.
- Self-motivated, disciplined, physically and mentally resilient under pressure.
- Understanding of access control, surveillance, and hospital security protocols ([www.govpage.co.za][2], [JobCare][3]).
Key Responsibilities
As a Security Officer at Red Cross Children’s Hospital, your role is central to both safety and patient well-being. Expect duties such as:
* Access Control: Monitor and manage entry points for staff, visitors, deliveries, and patients; conduct vehicle and pedestrian searches where necessary ([JobCare][3]).
- Patrolling: Conduct regular rounds—wards, courtyards, perimeter fences, and parking zones—to deter unauthorized activity and ensure safety ([www.govpage.co.za][2], [JobCare][3]).
- Surveillance**: Use CCTV and other security systems to detect and prevent breaches or suspicious behavior ([www.govpage.co.za][2]).
- *Incident Response*: Act swiftly in emergencies—escorting violent or distressed individuals, restraining when needed, and collaborating with medical staff ([www.govpage.co.za][2], [JobCare][3]).
- *Reporting*: Maintain accurate logs of incidents, patient movements, breaches, and daily observations for supervisor review ([www.govpage.co.za][2], [JobCare][3]).
- Supportive Role: Assist visitors or staff with directions, escort patients between departments, and enforce security protocols with tact and courtesy ([JobCare][3]).
- Policy Enforcement: Ensure compliance with uniforms, codes of conduct, and departmental practices.
Why Join This Mission-Driven Team?
- Protect Vulnerable Lives
At a hospital dedicated to children’s health, your work becomes deeply impactful—you’re safeguarding those who can least protect themselves. - Professional Growth in a Reputable Setting
As part of a major academic healthcare institution, you’ll gain invaluable experience in healthcare security protocols, emergency response, and collaboration in multidisciplinary teams. - Stable Public Sector Compensation
While not lavish, compensation aligns with government standards for security roles—plus, you’ll benefit from the structure, benefits, and stability of public employment ([www.govpage.co.za][2], [JobCare][3]). - Community Trust and Collaboration
Working here means interacting daily with medical professionals, families, and support staff—where empathy and vigilance go hand in hand.
How to Stand Out & Apply
1. Tailor Your Application
- Clearly state your PSIRA registration and its level (Grade C or higher).
- Detail any hospital-specific or emergency response experience.
* Emphasize language abilities relevant to Cape Town’s linguistic makeup.
2. Support with Credentials
- Include a certified copy of your ID, proof of residence, PSIRA certificate, and relevant academic qualifications—preferably certified within 6 months ([JobCare][3]).
3. Highlight Key Strengths - Demonstrate reliability, composure, and excellent interpersonal abilities.
- Show examples where you’ve handled tense or unpredictable situations professionally.
4. Prepare for the Process
- Expect practical evaluations think role-play scenarios for aggression management or access control setups ([www.govpage.co.za][2]).
5. Submit with Precision
- Applications are submitted to the Chief Executive Officer, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, via mail or drop-off as per formal listings ([www.govpage.co.za][2], [Simply Jobs][4]).