Sworn Police Officer in Boone, North Carolina at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Full-Time | Variable Shifts

As a Hospital Police Officer at UNC Health Appalachian, you’ll play a critical role in maintaining a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, staff, and physicians. As a sworn law enforcement officer, you’ll protect life and property while supporting a healthcare organization dedicated to exceptional patient care. Join a team that values professionalism, service, and community impact in one of North Carolina’s most beautiful mountain regions.

• Compensation: Starting pay begins at $25.63 per hour, with competitive rates based on experience and education.
• Schedule: Full-time position with variable shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency response coverage.
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision coverage, retirement with employer match, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, wellness incentives, and employee discounts.

• Provide physical protection of life and property across UNC Health Appalachian campuses.
• Enforce applicable laws, regulations, and hospital policies using sound judgment and professionalism.
• Respond promptly to security incidents, emergencies, and requests for assistance.
• Conduct routine patrols of hospital facilities and grounds.
• Monitor surveillance systems and investigate security concerns.
• Assist with access control, key and lock security, and emergency preparedness activities.
• Support fire safety initiatives and emergency response procedures.
• Communicate effectively with patients, visitors, staff, physicians, and external agencies.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and adherence to UNC Health Appalachian’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Law Enforcement or related field preferred.

• Previous law enforcement, security, military, or related public safety experience preferred.
• Prior experience in a healthcare or public service environment preferred.

• Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) certification required.
• Probationary Certification issued by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission required.
• Current F-9A Firearms Qualification certification required.
• Must meet all applicable North Carolina General Statute 74E requirements.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain professionalism during stressful situations.
• Knowledge of emergency response procedures and incident command principles.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service while maintaining safety and security standards.
• Ability to effectively interact with patients, families, visitors, staff, physicians, and law enforcement partners.
• Understanding of healthcare operations and patient-centered service principles.

• Continuous standing and walking for extended periods throughout shifts.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling greater than 50 lbs.
• Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, turning, and reaching.
• Frequent hand, finger, and wrist repetition with moderate dexterity.
• Frequent close eye work and communication in busy healthcare environments.
• Exposure to electrical and mechanical equipment hazards.
• Exposure to emergency situations, accidents, injuries, slippery surfaces, and uneven terrain.
• Subject to variable schedules including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-ins.
• Occasional exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, including x-ray and microwave environments.

• Career Growth: Advance your law enforcement and public safety career through ongoing training, professional development, and leadership opportunities.
• Meaningful Service: Help protect patients, families, visitors, and staff in a healthcare environment dedicated to exceptional care.
• Community & Lifestyle: Enjoy living and working in Boone, North Carolina, surrounded by the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains and a vibrant community.
• Inclusive Culture: Join a healthcare organization committed to respect, teamwork, diversity, and professional excellence.

Ready to serve and protect in a mission-driven healthcare environment?

Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian and help create a safe and secure environment for the communities we proudly serve.

About UNC Health Appalachian
It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.”

About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.