Security Assistant (OA)
Portland, OR - USA
Job Summary
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.
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.
- 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
- You must maintain a valid state issued Drivers License. Driving physical may be 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 drivers 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 during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public 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.
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.
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 Managements website at License Requirement: Applicants must possess a valid unrestricted State drivers 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 drivers license with your application package. If an interview is requested you may be required to provide a copy of your valid state-issued drivers 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.
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicants criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations Security and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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: 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. For further information visit: information
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e. physical or mental) covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position after notification of the adjudication of your request you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice your most recent performance rating and your most recent SF-50 noting current position grade level and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPMs Career Transition Resources website at should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Required Experience:
Junior IC