Security Assistant (OA)
What you'd do
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 assists 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.
Major duties
The major duties 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 work force. 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 (HIPPA), 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 - Friday; 6:00am - 2:30pm (PST) Compressed/Flexible: Candidates must be willing to work on off-tours, rotating shifts or regular overtime if determined by the needs of the service. Position Description/PD#: Security Assistant (OA)/PD21427A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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. Working on off-tours, rotating shifts or regular overtime may be required. 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.
What you need to qualify
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet specialized experience requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement 07/24/2026. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Minimum Qualifications; GS-05 grade level: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-04 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of this Security Assistant position. Specialized experience includes: Receive and assess the nature of emergency calls; data entry from retrieving of a variety of information from multiple sources; operate a variety of communication and security equipment such as multi-line telephone, computer, and multi-frequency radio; knowledge of specific security or law enforcement objectives, programs, methods, and procedures and skills in carrying out support tasks related to law enforcement and security administration; knowledge to execute administrative tasks that support police security related responsibilities i.e. maintain records, parking registration, and track issued badges on associated logs, create reports and memos; triage and process requests for documentation - requires knowledge of laws surrounding a system of records and authorization to release information. 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, 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. One year of full-time undergraduate 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. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. 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. This education must have been obtained at an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university. NOTE: Transcript Required. Please Note: In addition to meeting experience requirements, applicants for this position must show possession of the following proficiency: 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. Applicants may meet this requirement by passing the appropriate performance test, presenting a certificate of proficiency from a school or other organization authorized to issue such certificates by the Office of Personnel Management local office, or by self-certifying their proficiency. Performance test results and certificates of proficiency are acceptable for 3 years. 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/. 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. Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-05 level. 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. Note: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hour worked per week. You must provide detailed information of your experience performed. Experience must be fully documented in your resume and must include job title, duties, month & year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.
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