Reading tasks
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LiteRacy pROfiLe:
Site Security Officer
Role: Site security guards control access to and patrol sites, guard property against theft and vandalism, maintain order, ensure that site safety procedures are followed and respond to public enquires and complaints. This literacy profile identifies the literacy tasks and skills that are part of this role. Literacy includes reading, writing, speaking and listening, numeracy, critical thinking, and the use of information technology.
Most of the tasks listed will involve the use of technical language and abbreviations relevant to the security industry.
Recognise and interpret pictures, symbols, abbreviations and codes
• Exit signs • ‘No entry’ signs • Safety signs • Alarm panels • Fire panels
• Floor and room numbers
Read and understand very short documents
• Log book • Shift debrief • Incident report
• Contractors’ documentation • Timesheets
• Leave forms • Shift roster
Read and understand short documents
• Notices • Memos
• Information sheets on standard procedures
• Equipment manuals • Training manuals • Training material
Read and understand complex documents
• SOPs
• Building plans
• Maps – on paper and GPS • Legislation
• Manuals and handbooks NB Reading and numeracy are linked in many of these tasks.
Reading skills
Interpret graphic symbols. - Signs
Recognise number formats. Recognise the features of a range of texts.
- Signs - Codes - Forms - Procedures - Manuals - Regulations
Understand common and industry vocabulary.
Understand common and industry abbreviations.
Find out the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases.
Use a reference source. - Dictionary
- Directory - Training text
Follow written instructions (which may include diagrams). Predict what will be contained in a text.
Identify the main points from a page of text.
Scan text, table or label to find specific piece of information. Skim a text for “gist”. Read text thoroughly.
Make inferences based on what written material does not say. Use a guide to document contents. - Key
Writing tasks
Writing skills
Use the right style for different sorts of writing.
- Note - List - Checklist - Form
- Assignments (training) - Assessments (training)
Sign name on forms to indicate understanding.
Complete forms using numbers, single words, short sentences. - Handwriting must be legible - Abbreviations can be used
- Spelling must be understandable, but correct spelling not essential - Grammar and punctuation must be understandable but need not be 100% correct
Write notes, lists and short sentences.
- Handwriting must be legible - Abbreviations can be used - Use recognisable spelling
- Write points in a logical order - Use punctuation
- Attempt to use correct tenses, and correct verb and subject agreement
Write documents following a set format.
- Follow agreed format conventions (e.g. meeting minutes, memo, report)
- Identify relevant points to record - Write points in logical order - Use correct spelling - Use complete sentences and paragraphs
- Use editing skills
Draw sketches that clearly represent work done or job requirements. - Geometric shapes represented clearly
- Relative dimensions represented correctly
- Correct abbreviations used - Exact or accurate dimensions included
Take notes from material read (training).
Write assignments. - Plan assignment writing (beginning, middle and end) - Write sentences and paragraphs - Use diagrams and sketches to help make a point
- Use editing skills
Write short answers to assessment questions.
- Handwriting must be legible - Abbreviations can be used - Spelling must be correct
- Grammar and punctuation must be understandable but need not be 100% correct
Complete simple documentation
• Timesheets
• Leave forms (annual, sick etc.) • Sign an acknowledgement that
a procedure has been read and understood
Write a brief factual statement
• Contractor’s activity • Notes in note book
Write a paragraph
• Daily activity report • Log book entries
• Answers to assignments and assessments in training
Write a longer piece of text
Speaking and listening tasks
Speaking and listening skills
Listen to procedures and instructions given orally and respond accordingly
• Shift change over • Contractors on site • RT check
• Training
Give factual information orally and check for understanding
• Public enquiries • Public complaints • RT regular report
• Incident report - face to face or on RT
• Requests to other agencies to assist
- Police - Night shelter - Towing company
Participate in discussions with work colleagues
• Team meeting • Work team • Training
Actively manage communications with others
• Track walkers
• Disorderly behaviour • Graffiti writers • Public during alarm
(NB Speaking and listening includes non-verbal communication)
Speak clearly.
Discuss topics which are appropriate in a work context.
Use words, pronunciation, and tone appropriate to situation and person. Initiate and conclude conversations appropriately.
Give information in a sensible order. Plan and deliver oral instructions in a logical order, and to suit the audience.
Understand that communication is a two way process.
Use active listening skills.
- Repeat message back to sender - Summarise instructions in own words
- Use following techniques e.g. say “aha” or “okay” as they follow what someone is saying Use negotiation skills.
- Identify issue
- Suggest possible solutions - Agree on best outcome
Use questioning techniques, including open and closed questions, to gain information, check understanding and encourage further discussion.
Use suitable body language.
Read body language of person speaking or being spoken to and respond appropriately.
Understand that there are barriers to communication, especially in a cross cultural situation.
Numeracy tasks
Recognise numbers as part of a code.
Use numbers. - Whole numbers - Decimals - Ratios
Understand place value. Do number problems. - Addition
Be aware of difference between imperial and metric measurements. Use 12 or 24 hour clock.
Estimate quantities. - Length
- Time - Weight - Quantity
Measure quantities accurately. - Length
- Time - Weight - Number Use map grids.
Use 2D drawing of a 3D object. NB Numeracy is linked with reading in many of these tasks.
Numeracy skills
Recognise and understand alphanumeric codes
• Number codes e.g. B2West • Number pads
- Cell phone - RT
• Zone codes
• Map grid reference • Room and floor numbers
Understand a range of numerical concepts as they apply to specific jobs
• 24 hour clock
• Map or building plan scales
Record data from workplace observations or measurements
• Time • Estimation
- Distance - Height - Weight
- Crowd numbers
Carry out simple calculations for specific work tasks
• Scale measurements from building plan or map • Pay sheets
critical thinking tasks
Identify when action should be taken.
Identify what action should be taken.
Identify when action cannot be taken independently and seek assistance.
Use a problem solving methodology.
- Identify issue
- Identify possible solutions - Determine best outcome - Decide on plan of action - Carry out plan
Visualise 3D objects from a 2D drawing.
critical thinking skills
Identify when workplace procedures are not being met and take appropriate action
• Contractors on site
Assess situation and identify appropriate action to take with regard to SOPs, legislation, and client policies
• Public enquiries • Track walkers
• Disorderly behaviour • Graffiti writers • Unauthorised access • Suspicious behaviour • Suspicious packages • Support services needed
Assess situation and decide if assistance is needed
information and communications technology tasks
information and communications technology skills
Use information communications technology with commercial software packages
• Electronic monitoring equipment • Security computer console • E-mail
• Word processing • Database
Use information communications technology to read or record information using company customised software or templates
• Incident forms
NB Tasks listed here concentrate on the information communications technology tasks needed not the level of reading and writing required.
Understand the names and basic purpose of computer hardware devices.
- CPU - Keyboard - Mouse - Screen - Printer
Understand how to operate a computer to launch a software application.
- Start the computer - Log-in if needed
- Start appropriate application
Understand and use common software functions.
- Open - Save - Close
Enter or update data on a computer. - Keyboard
- Mouse
- Other input devices
Notes:
This profile is based on roles observed at a number of security company sites. Therefore this profile represents a combined set of tasks from these sites. Site security officer trainees will carry out different combinations of the tasks identified depending on how far through their training they are. As well, different companies may require trainees to undertake different tasks depending on the job to be done as well as the company’s structure and systems.
