Work Environment Overview
This internship provides undergraduate students with hands-on experience in public safety and security operations within a leading behavioral healthcare system. Interns will gain exposure to the day-to-day functions of the Department of Public Safety while supporting departmental leadership with administrative, analytical, and operational initiatives related to security data collection, reporting, risk assessment, and program evaluation.
The internship offers a unique opportunity to learn how public safety services support a complex healthcare environment serving inpatient and outpatient populations, employees, visitors, and campus stakeholders. Students will develop an understanding of security operations, risk management practices, regulatory compliance, and the use of technical security systems, including access control, video surveillance, and incident reporting platforms. Through direct exposure to security leadership and organizational operations, interns will gain valuable insight into public safety management within a healthcare setting.
Role Description
- Assist with the collection, analysis, and reporting of security-related data to identify trends, support decision-making, and enhance operational effectiveness.
- Support the completion, documentation, and tracking of security risk assessments and vulnerability analyses under the guidance of departmental leadership.
- Assist with administrative and operational processes related to electronic access control, video surveillance, and other security technology platforms.
- Maintain and update records, dashboards, metrics, and reports used to monitor departmental performance and support leadership initiatives.
- Participate in departmental meetings, compliance reviews, audits, and process improvement activities to gain exposure to public safety operations and organizational best practices.
- Assist with special projects related to security operations, risk management, emergency preparedness, and other departmental priorities.
- Conduct research and gather information to support policy development, program evaluation, and security-related initiatives.
- Develop professional skills in data analysis, critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and project management within a healthcare public safety environment.
- Collaborate with Public Safety staff and other organizational stakeholders to support a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, and employees.
Learning Outcomes
By the conclusion of the internship, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge of public safety and corporate security operations within a healthcare environment.
- Understand the role of security operations in supporting the safety, security, and continuity of care for patients, staff, visitors, and organizational assets.
- Develop practical experience with security-related data collection, analysis, reporting, and performance metrics.
- Gain exposure to risk assessment methodologies, vulnerability identification, and security program evaluation processes.
- Increase familiarity with security technology platforms, including access control, video surveillance, incident reporting, and related security management systems.
- Strengthen analytical, problem-solving, critical thinking, and project management skills through participation in real-world operational initiatives.
- Enhance professional communication, collaboration, and organizational skills through interactions with Public Safety leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Develop an understanding of regulatory, compliance, and risk management considerations relevant to healthcare security operations.
- Apply professional standards, ethical decision-making, and confidentiality principles within a security and healthcare setting.
- Build knowledge and experience that supports future career opportunities in corporate security, public safety, emergency management, risk management, or law enforcement.
What you’ll get from us…
- A structured onboarding process that introduces the Department of Public Safety, organizational policies, security procedures, and healthcare-specific safety requirements.
- Direct mentorship and guidance from Public Safety leadership and experienced security professionals.
- Hands-on assignments that provide practical exposure to security operations, risk management, and administrative functions.
- Guided instruction on security technologies, including access control systems, video surveillance platforms, incident reporting systems, and related operational tools.
- Job shadowing experiences that provide insight into day-to-day public safety operations and leadership responsibilities within a healthcare environment.
- Participation in departmental meetings, project discussions, audits, and process improvement initiatives.
- Exposure to security reporting, data analysis, risk assessment, and performance monitoring activities.
- Regular check-ins, coaching, and constructive feedback to support professional growth and skill development.
- Practical application of classroom concepts through real-world projects and operational initiatives.
- Progressive learning opportunities that encourage increasing levels of responsibility, critical thinking, and independent problem-solving as knowledge and competencies develop.
- Collaboration with Public Safety personnel and cross-functional stakeholders to gain a broader understanding of healthcare security operations and organizational safety practices.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program in Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Public Safety, Emergency Management, Criminology, or a related field.
- Attend a university with an active affiliation agreement with Sheppard Pratt
- Demonstrated interest in corporate security, public safety, risk management, healthcare security, or law enforcement careers.
- Successfully complete all required onboarding processes, including background screening, medical screenings, and mandatory organizational training.
- Adhere to professional standards of conduct, confidentiality requirements, and organizational policies.
- Possess strong organizational, time management, and attention-to-detail skills.
- Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a professional environment.
- Have basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, initiative, and a willingness to learn in a healthcare public safety setting.