Security Assistant

Veterans Health Administration • West Haven, CT

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as the Security Assistant for Police Service within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), primarily monitoring physical security equipment and systems. The work supports routine and emergency police control-center operations, including physical security, emergency communications, and operational systems and records. The position is not virtual; the employee must live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the duty location.

The work is typically sedentary, with occasional walking, standing, bending, and carrying light items. The work environment is an adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated office or similar setting with everyday risks requiring normal safety precautions. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; off-tour or rotating shifts and regular overtime may also be required.

Applicants must meet the qualifications through one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level, four years of qualifying education above high school, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A one-year probationary period applies. U.S. citizenship is required, as are completion of the application process and online assessment, applicable Selective Service registration, a background/security investigation, onboarding requirements, and participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program for VA health care personnel.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level in the Federal service, or four years of qualifying education above high school, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Specialized experience, if used, must demonstrate knowledge of security or law-enforcement objectives and programs; law-enforcement and security-administration support; monitoring and responding to physical alarm systems and security cameras; dispatching officers; monitoring computers for video surveillance; and maintaining reports and logs.
• Complete all required application steps and an online assessment.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Subject to a background/security investigation and required online onboarding; acceptable identification is required for pre-employment requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA health care personnel.
• Serve a one-year probationary period.
• Submit transcripts when using education to qualify; education must be from an appropriately accredited institution and recognized as specified in the posting.
• Must live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the duty location.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and respond to physical security alarms; trace access patterns; program, assign, or remove user permissions; and remotely open or secure doors during routine and emergency operations.
• Determine when to dispatch law enforcement or other personnel to investigate incidents.
• Maintain radio and alarm activity records and logs, including dates, times, and communication and activity results; prepare reports.
• Issue and retrieve government-issued keys and identification cards, and maintain accountability records for Police Officer badges and associated logs.
• Monitor and receive routine and emergency calls requiring police, fire, medical, or other emergency services.
• Maintain contact with law enforcement units and monitor and direct responses to security and life-safety communications, radio dispatches, telephone calls, and other emergency communication circuits.
• Coordinate emergency situations with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
• Operate communications equipment, telephones, and computer systems for routine and emergency operations.
• Perform system checks on dispatch-center equipment; troubleshoot problems and resolve issues when possible.
• Conduct equipment inventories and complete related records and logs.
• Enter, update, and retrieve information in computer systems and databases; use state and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) systems to access sensitive law-enforcement information supporting field operations and investigations; enter or update regional and national records.
• Compile and prepare reports about events occurring in the police control center.
• Complete vehicle registration tasks and issue decals and permits.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to eligible employees and their families.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED