Goodwill Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (GWNYNJ) believes that the power of work and sustainable fashion is how we unlock the good in our communities. For over 100 years, we have helped people get jobs, stay employed, and progress in careers across New York and Northern New Jersey. We believe that diversity drives innovation and strengthens our workplace. We are committed to fostering our inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and abilities.
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:
1. Notify management.
2. Call 911 when required.
3. Follow emergency procedures.
4. Assist with evacuation or containment.
5. Secure the scene.
6. Preserve evidence.
7. 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
We believe in creating space for everyone to do their best work and have individual and collective impact. We believe in challenging the status quo and setting ambitious goals in the name of doing more good. We believe that being your best self and helping others do the same is how we bring our mission alive. Even if you don’t think you meet all the qualifications listed for the job, we would love to hear from you!
If you require a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, or if you are unable to apply through our recruitment portal, please contact us at
[email protected]. We are happy to assist and ensure you have an equal opportunity to apply.
