Job opening: Security Assistant

Salary: $37 696 - 49 009 per year

Published at: Oct 12 2023

Company: Veterans Health Administration

Employment Type: Full-time

This position provides traffic control at all entries and exits for the Veterans Affairs Northern Indiana Health Care System (VANIHCS), The incumbent screens or verifies screening of all staff, Students, Contractors, Veterans and Visitors when entering the and/or at the main entrances to the VANIHCS Facility when assigned. Also provides information as requested or gives directions. This is an unarmed position with no law enforcement or arrest authority.

Duties

The Incumbent maintains a physical presence while monitoring and controlling ingress/egress to VA property ensuring people accessing the facility have a genuine need to do so. Provides for the safety and security of the medical center while at entry control point by controlling traffic movement and being observant for suspicious or illegal behavior. The incumbent reports any issues to the VA Police via radio for informational purposes only or to request assistance. Provides as a communication operator for the police section on a rotation shift basis. Monitors CCTV during assigned tour of duty. Monitors and reacts to Access Control & Security System. Monitors radio communication system. Prepares daily journal. Receives all incoming calls requesting police service. Maintains and receives training within Law Enforcement online training system. During emergency situations such as vehicle accidents, fires, etc., incumbent contacts the VA Police for assistance. Incumbent will secure the area and/or relinquish control to VA Police or other emergency response personnel. In all cases, incumbent will follow guidance provided by VA Police personnel. When conducting screening duties and a medical emergency is observed, a screener will call the VA Police and request 911 medical assistance. Directs and controls traffic flow, during peak periods of congestion to avoid traffic back-ups and to maintain safety of vehicles and pedestrians. Requests VA Police assistance when necessary if traffic back-up has potential to interfere with public roadways. Provide pedestrian and vehicle traffic control in a manner to ensure the traffic is being directed in a safe manner. The incumbent will be required to wear proper Personal Protective Equipment, that could include but not limited to face covering, procedure mask, N95, reflective vest, etc. The reflective vests will be required at all posts that interact with vehicles. The Incumbent when providing screening duties, will ask agency approved Pre-Screening questions regarding COVID-19, conduct a temperature check, and follow directions provided per standard operating procedures. The incumbent will ensure individuals that can proceed past the check point are issued a pass and provided a face mask, unless the individual(s) are already wearing or in possession of one. May perform duties by operating a golf cart or Government approved vehicle by escorting a person to the Admissions and/or Emergency Department for care. Incumbent meets and interact with the general public in a manner that promotes a positive image of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Maintain poise and self-control under stress. Keep conversations with visitors to the facility cordial and brief. Incumbent shall not allow personal conversations or activity interrupt screening or traffic control duties. Incumbent uses customer service skills in providing directions, handing out maps, and/or agency approved flyers. Provides physical escorts in designated areas for contract employees, staff, patients and or visitors during assigned shifts. Uses and responds to radio communications as necessary. Incumbent will have access to VA computer systems for the purpose of checking e-mails, conduct on-line training, and other taskings associated to their job. The incumbent is responsible for the safeguarding and security of that information. The incumbent will be required to rotate shifts, assignments and days off. During emergencies or unusual situations, the incumbent is required to respond to or remain at the Medical Center upon request of Chief, Police Service or designee. At the direction of the Chief of Police, may be required to secure the gates of the facility during an emergency. Work Schedule: Full Time - Shift Work Covering 24/7, Weekends and Holidays. Individual schedules will be discussed during the interview process and are subject to change based on the needs of the Agency. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description Title/PD#: Security Assistant Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
Subject to a background/suitability investigation
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
Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Personnel
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: GS-05 grade level: Specialized Experience: 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. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to 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. NOTE: 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 OR Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-05 level. 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 above high school in any field. This education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university. One year of full-time academic study is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in a college or university, or at least 20 hours of classroom instruction per week for approximately 36 weeks in a business, secretarial, or technical school. (Transcripts must be submitted with application.). OR Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-05 level. Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education in excess of the first 60 semester hours (i.e., beyond the second year) is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement. One full academic year of study (30 semester hours) beyond the second year is equivalent to 6 months of specialized experience. Example: The position to be filled is an Security Assistant, GS-5. The applicant has 9 months of specialized experience and 75 semester hours of college (15 semester hours beyond the second year and the equivalent of 3 months of specialized experience). The applicant meets 75 percent of the required experience and 25 percent of the required education. The applicant meets 100 percent of the requirement for 1 year of specialized experience and is qualified for the position. 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. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Communication Critical Thinking Customer Service Technical Competence Security 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 Requirements: Work requires physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking, bending and similar activities and occasional lifting and carrying of objects of 25 pounds or less such as temporary traffic signs and traffic cones. Callback and emergency posts are frequently required. Additionally, callback and emergency posts may be required during periods of increased National Threat Levels or other local incidents. Work Environment: Duties are primarily performed in active traffic lanes at entry/exit points exposing incumbent to exhaust fumes. Incumbent must work in a variety of extreme weather conditions, including cold, heat, high humidity, and rain. Incumbent is required to wear a high-visibility traffic control vest while performing traffic control duties or other duties in low-visibility conditions. Due to the potential of the incumbent encountering individuals with potential blood borne pathogens and hazardous materials, i.e. COVID-19, the incumbent is required to wear a face mask covering their nose and mouth.

Education

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

Transcripts must be official or unofficial college transcripts. A copy of your certificate/degree or screenshot of your current classes are not a replacement of your transcript and they will not be used in the qualifying process. Your transcript must include your name and the name and full address of the institution. If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying based on education, you need to list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study.

If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses in your resume.

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.