Security Assistant

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Detroit seeks a Security Assistant to monitor physical security equipment and systems at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center.

The role involves alarm and access monitoring, reporting, and coordinating responses to incidents to protect staff, patients, and property. The position requires experience with security systems, databases, and communication with internal and external stakeholders, with a schedule covering 24/7 operations including weekends and

Qualifications

• Specialized experience using computer automation systems and data entry.
• Ability to prepare and submit reports and maintain databases.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with internal and external customers.

Responsibilities

• Performs alarm and access monitoring and manages user permissions.
• Assesses and responds to incidents; determines dispatch of law enforcement or personnel.
• Maintains records of alarms, communications, and completed reports.
• Operates security and communications equipment and manages keys/ID issuance.

Skills

Alarm monitoring

Access control systems

Customer service

Education

Four years of college education above high school

Tools

Database maintenance

Reports generation

Computer skills / databases

Job description

Summary

The primary purpose of the position is to monitor physical security equipment and systems at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 10/01/2026. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS04 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include - but are not limited to: the use of various computer - automation systems; computer skills in terms of data entry - compiling information - preparing and submitting reports - and database maintenance and management; maintaining confidentiality of information - both electronic and print; and communication and interpersonal relation skills sufficient to appropriately and courteously relate to internal and external customers both verbally and in writing. 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 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. OR - Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond post-high school education (beyond the second year). 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/.

Duties

• Performs alarm and access monitoring - tracing access patterns - programming - assigning or removing user permissions - updating databases - remotely opening and securing doors during routine and emergency operations and generating a variety of reports as needed
• Assesses on-scene behavior and determines when it is appropriate to dispatch law enforcement or other personnel to investigate
• Responsible for responding to alarm systems monitoring fire - access - intrusion - duress/panic - medical emergencies - psychiatric emergencies - medical assist teams - etc.
• and emergency digital paging system
• Monitors emergency weather alerts and transmits warnings system wide when appropriate
• Maintains radio/alarm activity records/logs to include dates - times - and results of communications and activities and prepares completed reports
• Performs and documents emergency callbacks 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
• Operates an established vehicle registration and visitor management program and parking registration and/or photo identification equipment
• Issues and retrieves government issued keys and/or identification cards
• Reviews requests for and issues passes and identification documents
• Maintains accurate key inventory and accountability database
• Maintains accountability of Police Officer badges issued and all associated logs
• Performs administrative (non-criminal) investigations of lost keys - passes - and PIV cards for rapid assessment and documentation of any compromised access to VA property and termination of off access permissions
• 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
• prioritizes events and commits 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 Officers and coordinates communication between agencies as needed
• Answers nonemergency calls for assistance
• Monitors and directs responses to security and life safety communications - radio dispatches - telephone calls - and other emergency communication circuits
• 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/or modifies responsible personnel depending on the type of incident or request
• Coordinates with various federal - state and 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
• Operates a variety of communications and security equipment - such as computers - multi-frequency radios - multi-line telephone system - and other related peripherals
• Operates a variety of communications equipment - telephones and computer systems to support both routine and emergency operations
• 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
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Position Description/PD#: Security Assistant/PD00220A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized