Security Assistant (OA)

Security Assistant (OA)

This position resides within the Police Service, VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) and is physically located at the Portland Healthcare Center. The primary purpose of the position is to assist with administrative functions of the operations section, as well as dispatch duties and responsibilities. Providing high-quality customer service and provides information to employees and the public on a variety of subjects related to the mission of the Police Service.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

• 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.
• 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.
• Operates a variety of communications and security equipment, such as computers, multi-frequency radios, multi-line telephone system, and other related peripherals.
• Compiles and prepares reports related to events occurring in the operation of the police office for the dissemination of the completed products to various management officials.
• Coordinates with various Federal, State & local law enforcement officials for coordination of emergency situations.
• Responsible for the orderly flow of communications between the police dispatch center, agency leadership, and the workforce.
• Performs system checks on a variety of equipment used in the dispatch area. Troubleshoots systems when problems arise and resolve issues whenever possible.
• Conducts equipment inventories; completes records and other logs. Performs monthly alarm checks, submits reports documenting the operational status of each circuit tested. Initiates work orders for malfunctioning circuits and equipment.
• Maintains accurate radio / alarm activity records / logs to include dates, times, and results of communications and activities and types completed reports.
• Performs and documents emergency call-backs when necessary.
• Tracks critical information and reports findings to the supervisor.
• Implements policies, procedures, and methods for identifying and protecting information, personnel, property, facilities, operations, or material; performs work in support of established security programs; or performs protective work in guarding Federal buildings, personnel, and materials.
• Requires knowledge of Federal statutes, policies, and procedures relating to the various types of law enforcement jurisdictions and the criminal laws of the United States and State of Oregon and Washington.
• Requires a knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and Privacy Act statutes and regulations as they pertain to the work being performed.
• Protects data from unauthorized release or loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion.
• Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, the release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement that the employee signs.

Work Schedule : Monday - Wednesday OR Thursday - Saturday with alternating Sundays; 7 : 00pm - 7 : 00am OR 7 : 00am - 7 : 00pm (PST) Compressed / Flexible Schedule : Candidates must be willing to work on off-tours, rotating shifts or regular overtime if determined by the needs of the service.

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; or driving an automobile, etc. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.

Work Conditions / Environment : The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, or libraries. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.

Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12 / 31 / 1959 Physical Requirements : The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. Subject to background / security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements.

Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.

Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider : your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet specialized experience requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement, 11 / 12 / 2025.

Minimum Qualifications; 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 (KSAs) 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 : Knowledge of security or law enforcement objectives and programs; carrying out support tasks related to law enforcement and security administration; monitoring and / or responding to physical alarm systems and security cameras; dispatching officers; monitoring computers for video surveillance; and maintaining reports and logs.

OR, Education : Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed four (4) years of education above the high school level. This education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite.

OR, Combination : Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education (beyond the second year) and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements at the GS-05 level.

Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-05 level.

Typing Proficiency : In addition to meeting experience requirements, applicants for this position must show possession of the following proficiency : Ability to type 40 words per minute.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https : / / www.opm.gov / policy-data-oversight / classification-qualifications / general-schedule-qualification-standards / .

Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-05.

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.

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on 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