Security Assistant

Summary This position resides within the Police Service, VA Central Ohio Healthcare System (VACOHCS) and is physically located at the Chalmers P. Wylie Ambulatory Care Center. The incumbent screens Staff, Students, Contractors, Veterans and Visitors when entering the Chalmers P. Wylie Ambulatory Care Center. Also provides information as requested or gives directions. This is an unarmed position with no law enforcement or arrest authority. Responsibilities MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES Security Screening 90% The Incumbent provides for the safety and security of the facility by performing duties of operating a Weapons Detection System, wanding, pat down searches and searching bags at entry control points. The incumbent reports any issues to the VA Police Communications Center via radio. Observe all personnel entering the facility/grounds when suspected of carrying weapons, showing hostility, or being unauthorized personnel. Uses hands to search persons and bags to detect prohibited items identified by the weapons detection system. Squat, bend, and stoop to conduct pat downs. Reach overhead to conduct pat downs. Stand continuously for up to 4 hours without a break during screening process. Assist with disabilities in walking through the weapons detection system by providing a hand, arm, or shoulder for support. Operate controls on weapons detection system (e.g., console, mouse, touchscreen) to manipulate and clear images alerts. Open/close zippers, snaps, and buckles on baggage, backpacks, or briefcases. Unpack/repack belongings from backpacks and bags to detect items identified through weapons detection system. Control/direct the flow of people through the screening area. Resolve and clear weapons detection alarms. Law Enforcement (Dispatcher) 10% monitors and receives routine and emergency calls from a variety of sources that need police, fire, medical or other emergency services. Determines the nature and location of the emergency; uses their judgment to prioritize events and commit police resources appropriately; determines what notifications are necessary based upon event type, makes such notifications and coordinates follow-up communications. Receives and process emergency calls maintains contact with law enforcement units on assignment, maintains status and location of police and coordinates communication between agencies as needed. Monitors direct emergency alarms, answers non-emergency calls for assistance. Enters, updates and retrieves information from a variety of computer systems and sensitive databases. Monitors and directs the response to security and life safety communications, radio dispatching, telephone, and other emergency communication circuits. Receives and compiles information from various sources related to police and emergency incidents, taking appropriate actions regarding intrusion, duress, and hold-up alarms. Directs response and modifies responsible personnel depending on the type of incident or request. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts, Holiday and Weekends. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Security Assistant / 92035-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/30/2024. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-4 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: monitoring and directing police officers response to emergency and non­emergency criminal activity, security and life safety matters, communications, radio dispatching, telephone, fire and security computers systems. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute four (4) years of education above high school in any field for which high school education or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite, for the experience required for the GS-05 level. This education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical, junior college, college or university. (Transcripts Required). OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. To calculate, first divide the number of total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide the number of completed semester credits by 30. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-05. (Transcripts Required) You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Communications Computer Skills Customer Service Security Technology Application Search Public Safety and Security Manages and Organizes Information 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: Work requires physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking, bending and similar activities and occasional lifting and carrying of light items such as papers, books, small parts; or driving an automobile. Callback and emergency overtime may be required during periods of increased National Threat Levels or other local incidents. The mental stress of the position may be higher than the physical stress due to the necessity of dealing with persons who are often unhappy. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Managements website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/ Education There is no educational substitution at this grade level. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or 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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicants criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.