The incumbent serves as a non-uniformed Physical Security Specialist ensuring a safe and secure environment across VHA within various settings, including a variety of jurisdictional environments, such as VHA Medical Centers and facilities, Inpatient Clinics, and Outpatient Clinics.

Duties

Duties include but not limited to: Serves as a non-uniformed Physical Security Specialist providing services on behalf of the VHA, PCS, including assisting in managing the Security Program for the Medical Center/Health Care System which ensures that individuals requiring access have been vetted. Provides physical security support for Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, National Cemetery Administration and Veterans Administration Regional Office (VHA/VBA/NCA/VARO). Assist in evaluating risk and developing procedures and physical security measures designed to safeguard personnel, property, and operations from unauthorized access, espionage, terrorism, sabotage, damage and theft. Participates with senior-level Physical Security Specialist and provides suggestions to the Chief of Police regarding matters pertaining to security systems and security of other VA/VHA/NCA/VARO assets. Serves on focused groups regarding physical security policy, doctrine, utility and implementation. Provides input in discussions and drafts changes for higher leadership's review and approval. Ensures security requirements, including appropriate safeguards, cameras, panic and intrusion alarms are implemented. Monitors and evaluates existing present and planned security projects to ensure timely and quality service conforms to statutory, contractual and technical requirements. Provides input during assigned phases of the design and construction of planned Veterans Health Administration (VHA) projects concerning security engineering and electronic security systems. Works closely with senior Physical Security Specialist to gain an understanding of requirements of contracting officers to ensure VA and contractor compliance with Federal/VA security protocols during construction. Collects information and prepares reports on the facilities compliance with VA operations, regulations Physical Security and Physical Access Control Systems (PACs). Level resources and knowledge of security program interrelationships. Identifies conflicts between VHA and OIT Security requirements/regulations during security surveys. Researches the requirements for each service and suggests courses of action to the Supervisor for a final decision. Receives training in conducting system audits and evaluates reports of alleged security violations. Analyzes facts and performs appropriate research and prepares detailed responses. Researches and recommends appropriate courses of action to correct physical and industrial security issues that impact an assigned area VHA/VBA/NCA/VARO facilities. Establishes, develops, and maintains effective working relationships with other staff offices. Meets with key customers and coordinates with officials to assess customer satisfaction, explain organization policy and procedures, and resolve problems that arise. Ensures that minutes of the meeting are taken; and reviews completed minutes for accuracy of recorded information. Completes formal training courses in the following areas: Conventional Physical Security, Electronic Security System Design Course, and Security Design Engineering Construction Course. Develops various physical security-related documents, spreadsheets, graphs, reports and presentations using various automated systems and software packages, including the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) System, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint to enter, access and retrieve information in the medical center computer system. Maintains a Physical Security Tracking report to ensure physical security surveys are followed up promptly. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm Critical Skills Incentive: Approved This occupation is currently approved for a Veterans Health Administration enterprise-wide Critical Skills Incentive through . 10/5/2024. Candidates may be eligible for a lump sum CSI for a pro-rated amount if onboard prior to the CSI expiration date. Eligible candidates will be required to sign a service agreement agreeing to an obligated service period and failure to complete the obligated service period may result in a debt for the unearned portion of the CSI. Position Description Title/PD#: Physical Security Specialist (Non-Uniformed)/PD99827

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
• General restriction on movement after competitive appointment 5 CFR 330.502

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For GS-09 grade level: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-7 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Providing physical security and assistance to patients, employees, contractors, volunteers, affiliates, visitors, and others entering a facility or campus; ensuring compliance with security procedures designed to safeguard personnel and property; applying knowledge of security and protection regulations, policies, procedures, and practices when implementing plans; utilizing various security equipment and devices; making/sharing recommendations to improve security processes. Applicants must possess excellent communication skills. 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. Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. OR, Education: See Education Tab. Combination: See Education tab Driver's License Requirement: Applicants must possess a valid, unrestricted State driver's license, have a safe driving record, and demonstrate that he or she is medically qualified to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely. Applicants are required to pass agency Government Vehicle Drivers physical examination. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your driver's license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your valid state-issued driver's license. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:Computer SkillsInterpersonal SkillsPersonnel Security and SafetyPublic Safety and 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: The work requires full use of extremities, normal hearing, and vision to conduct on-site security surveys, inspections, and assessments. The duties require prolonged standing, walking, crouching, bending, lifting, reaching, pushing, stooping, and climbing stairs and ladders indoors and outdoors. Work Environment: On-site surveys, inspections, and assessments require exposure to a wide variety of working elements, both indoors and outside, general and specialized office space. Clothing is subject to being soiled when checking basements, crawl space, attics and other similar areas. Wearing of safety clothing and equipment when in construction or industrial areas is required. 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/.

Education

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

• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., related to Physical Security that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. OR,
• Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience above and education beyond the first year (18 semester hours) in question to be creditable.

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.

Contacts

• Address Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 4815 North Assembly Street Spokane, WA 99205 US
• Name: Stephenie Merrill
• Phone: 509-525-5200 X26794
• Email: [email protected]