A flex security guard is a security officer that works on an on-call or as-needed basis for a security company. Instead of being scheduled for regular shifts, flex officers fill in when extra security coverage is required or to cover for absent guards. Flex guards provide valuable staffing flexibility for security companies and clients in a variety of environments.
What Does a Flex Security Guard Do?
Flex security guards perform the same duties as regularly scheduled officers. Responsibilities typically include:
- Patrolling premises and monitoring activity
- Screening people and packages entering facilities
- Enforcing security and safety protocols
- Responding to security breaches and emergency situations
- Providing customer service and managing access control
- Writing reports and documenting incidents
- Operating security technology like surveillance cameras and alarm systems
Flex guards work at many types of locations including corporate offices, warehouses, hospitals, schools, hotels, construction sites, and retail stores. Their assignments can range from a single day to several weeks if covering an extended absence.
Qualifications for Flex Security Guards
Flex security officers need to meet the same core requirements as permanent guards. Typical qualifications include:
- Being 18+ years old
- Holding a high school diploma or GED
- Passing a criminal background check
- Having reliable transportation
- Being authorized to work in the United States
- Having strong communication and observation skills
- Being able to stand and walk for long periods
- Being willing to work flexible schedules
Many positions also require a guard card or registration, CPR/first aid certification, and specific training for site assignments. Flex officers should be prepared to adapt quickly to different posts and procedures.
Why Companies Use Flex Security Guards
There are several key reasons security companies and clients utilize flexible security staffing:
- Fill last-minute vacancies – Flex guards can readily cover shifts if a scheduled officer calls out sick or has an emergency.
- Handle seasonal fluctuations – Special events, weather changes, and holiday sales often create short-term spikes in security needs.
- Manage variable site activity – Flexible staffing allows security presence to match daily and hourly changes in traffic and occupancy.
- Provide temporary assignments – Flex officers can fill posts during recruit training periods, leaves of absence, and position vacancies.
- Control labor costs – Only paying for security coverage as needed provides significant cost savings over permanent staffing.
Flex officers are an efficient way to balance reliable service with lean overhead. Security companies can responsively adapt their operations to evolving client requirements.
Benefits of Working As a Flex Security Guard
In addition to meeting staffing needs for companies, flex security work offers advantages for the guards. Benefits can include:
- Income flexibility – Officers control their schedules and can accept or decline shifts as desired.
- Varied assignments – Working at different sites provides broader experience and skills.
- Supplemental income – Flex work provides part-time earnings in addition to regular jobs or school.
- Expanded job networks – Exposure to more sites and supervisors can lead to new job opportunities.
- Lower commitment – Flex positions require less time invested than permanent full-time roles.
For guards seeking schedule flexibility or temporary work, flex security meets many needs. The roles can also help develop skills for future career advancement.
Considerations for Flex Security Guards
While flex security work does provide advantages, there are also important considerations to weigh. These include:
- Unpredictable hours – Shifts may vary substantially week-to-week making financial planning difficult.
- Limited benefits – Flex guards typically do not receive benefits like insurance and paid time off.
- Changing assignments – Adapting to new posts frequently requires ongoing time for orientation and training.
- Employee classification – Some companies classify flex guards as independent contractors, although regulations vary in what defines employment.
- Seasonal slowdowns – Some industries have reduced needs for flex officers during slow business cycles.
While flex work suits many security officers’ availability, the instability and variability can also pose challenges. Weighing the advantages and drawbacks helps determine fit for each individual.
How to Get Started as a Flex Security Guard
If you’re interested in working as a flex security guard, here are some tips to get started:
- Search online job boards and company websites for flex security officer job postings in your area.
- Ensure you meet the minimum qualifications in terms of age, legal work status, licensing, training, etc.
- Highlight flexibility, adaptability, customer service, and communication skills on your resume.
- Apply for open flex positions and be prepared to pass background checks.
- Find guards employed by target companies to learn more about their flex programs.
- Ask about pay rates, shift procedures, required committment, and eligibility for benefits.
- Discuss the flexibility you need in terms of days, hours, and schedule predictability.
With an understanding of the role requirements and advantages, you can evaluate if flex security aligns with your skills and interests. The work provides officers supplemental income in a fast-paced industry.
Conclusion
Flex security guards meet short-term, variable, and temporary staffing needs for security companies and clients. While providing scheduling flexibility, the roles require adaptability to changing assignments and limited benefits. By weighing the pros and cons, security officers can determine if flex work fits their requirements. With proper qualifications and preparation, flex guards can readily find roles providing income, experience, and exposure to new opportunities.