Security Assistant

Summary 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. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job Subject to a background/suitability investigation Designated and/or random drug testing may be required May serve a probationary period Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Qualifications 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. Education Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. Additional information Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.