This position serves as the Security Assistant (GS-0086-05) for Police Service at the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System. The role involves monitoring physical security equipment, alarm systems, and communications for a VA medical facility. Key duties include operating access control systems, emergency communications/dispatch, and operations support. The position requires knowledge of security procedures, works under general supervision, and involves sedentary work with potential shift requirements.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-05 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: In-depth knowledge of standard procedures in the field, requiring extended training or experience, to perform such work as adapting equipment when this requires consideration of the functioning characteristics of the equipment; interpreting situations based on experience and observations; or extracting information from various sources when this requires considering the applicability of information and the characteristics and quality of the sources. Work requires, in addition to general administrative and/or clerical skills, practical knowledge of specific security or law enforcement objectives, programs, methods, and procedures, and skills in carrying out support tasks related to law enforcement and security administration. The position has practical knowledge of the mission and objectives of Police Services, physical security systems, and procedures to support operations and the work of other staff. Knowledge of VA and VHA policies and procedures related to security procedures. Knowledge to execute administrative tasks that support police security related responsibilities. Knowledge to monitor and respond to physical alarm systems and security cameras to include troubleshooting basic equipment problems to dispatching Officers in response to potentially more significant issues. The position demonstrates broad working knowledge of how the various alarm systems operate and interconnect with the overall VAMC physical security monitoring system to identify and resolve security risks. The position has extensive knowledge of VA and facility physical security standard operating procedures and practices to monitor the different alarms, determine possible causes of the alarm and initiate a response from a range of options. OR, Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-05 level (4 years above high school). OR, Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for all grade levels and positions for which both education and experience are acceptable. Proficiency requirements are described To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-05. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Physical Security Support: monitors and responds to alarms; traces access patterns, programming, assigns or removes user permissions, and remotely opens and secures doors during routine and emergency operations; determines when to dispatch law enforcement or other personnel to investigate; maintains radio/alarm activity records/logs to include dates, times, and results of communications and activities; prepares completed reports; issues and retrieves government issued keys and/or identification cards; and maintains accountability of Police Officer badges issued and all associated logs. Communications: monitors and receives routine and emergency calls from a variety of sources that need police, fire, medical or other emergency services; maintains contact with law enforcement units; monitors and directs responses to security and life safety communications, radio dispatches, telephone calls, and other emergency communication circuits; coordinates with various federal, state and local law enforcement officials for coordination of emergency situations; and operates a variety of communications equipment, telephones and computer systems to support both routine and emergency operations. Operations Support: performs system checks on a variety of equipment used in the dispatch center; troubleshoots systems when problems arise and resolves issues whenever possible; conducts equipment inventories and completes records and other logs; enters, updates and retrieves information from a variety of computer systems/databases; uses state and the National Crime Information Computer (NCIC) to access sensitive law enforcement information to support field operations and investigations; enters or updates regional and national records; compiles and prepares reports related to events occurring in the operation of the police control center; completes vehicle registration tasks and issues decals and permits. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Full-Time, 2300-1100 Position Description/PD#: Security Assistant/PD99858S Incentives: Retention incentives may be offered following successful completion of the initial 90-day period. Physical Requirements: The work is typically sedentary in nature. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying of light items such as papers, books, small parts; etc. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. Working on off-tours, rotating shifts or regular overtime may be required.