Physical Security Specialist (Uniformed)

Full Job Description

This position is located within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Police Service (PS).

The mission of the Police Service (PS) is to serve and protect Veterans, patients, employees, contractors, volunteers, affiliates, visitors, and others who frequent VA facilities.

Safety and security are paramount to ensuring that the VA successfully serve and honor the men and women who are America's Veterans.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/13/2026.

Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service.

An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials.

If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement.

In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.

Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.

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 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: Knowledge of VA security administration and protection regulations, policies, procedures, and practices to serve as a participant in meetings and ad hoc committees developing local VA implementing plans and instructions.

Knowledge of the latest varied security equipment and devices on the market to plan and implement cost-effective protective methods and security procedures which are not a hindrance to productivity and accessibility to personnel.

Oral and written communication skills to communicate clearly and concisely to a broad audience of professional, technical and administrative personnel, diplomatically and tactfully.

Knowledge of building construction blueprints and contracts to provide physical security input on all planned VHA/VBA/NCA/VARO projects concerning security engineering and electronic security systems.

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 a master's or equivalent graduate degree, or two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, in a field related to Criminal Investigation 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. Education cannot be credited without documentation.

OR, Combination: Applicants may combine education and experience to qualify at this level.

You must have an combination of successfully completed graduate level education (in excess of the first year or 18 semester hours) and specialized experience to meet total experience requirements.

NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation.

Preferred Experience: Physical Security Certification Preferred 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.

Firearm Requirement: VA Police Officers/Security Specialist are required to carry agency-approved firearms while on duty on VA property.

Officers must achieve and maintain qualification/certification with the agency-approved firearms as condition of gaining and continuing employment as a Police Officer.

Applicants must be able to possess firearms under the terms of the Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended (18 U.S.C. 922(g)(9). CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT 1.

New VA Police Officers/Security Specialist are required to attend an 8-10 week course at the VA Law Enforcement Training Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Satisfactory completion of this course is a condition of continued employment. 2. A medical examination is required.

The duties of these positions require moderate to arduous physical exertion and/or duties of a hazardous nature.

The following medical requirements apply to all applicants: good near and distant vision, ability to distinguish basic colors, and ability to hear the conversational voice. 3.

Applicants and employees must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of the position without risk to themselves or others.

Applicants and employees must possess emotional and mental stability. A psychological examination is required.

In most instances, a specific medical condition or impairment will not automatically disqualify an applicant or employee.

A medical condition or impairment is disqualifying only if the condition, for good medical reason, precludes assignment to or warrants restriction from the duties of the specific position.

For some positions, the loss or impairment of a specific function may be compensated for by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid.

Reasonable accommodation shall also be considered in determining an applicant's ability to perform the duties of a position. 4.

A character investigation will be conducted on applicants selected for employment.

The purpose of such an investigation is to secure evidence of the candidate's honesty, integrity, general character, and loyalty to the U.S. Government.

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/.

Major Duties:

Duties Include, but are not limited to: 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.

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.

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. Conducts investigations when solutions cannot be achieved during a normal patrol shift.

Conducts full investigations over prolonged periods. Questions and takes statements from victims, witnesses, and complainants, and clarifies conflicting statements, and interrogates suspects.

Applies all correct rules for search and seizure and obtains search arrest warrants. Analyzes facts to identify suspects. Develops case information necessary to place charges and prosecute offenders.

Arrests, or directs the arrest of individuals who have violated Federal or State criminal codes. Pursues and arrests persons fleeing a crime scene or attempting to resist arrest.

Books and takes the accused before the appropriate U.S.

District Court or State Magistrate Enforces Federal, State, county, and municipal laws and ordinances, and agency rules and regulations pertaining to the physical protection of visitors and employees; the protection of property of the U.S.

government; the protection of the civil rights of all individuals while on federally owned property; and the preservation of the peaceful environment.

Maintains an awareness of violations of federal offenses, and individuals acting in a suspicious manner, which may result in theft, burglary, pilferage, assault, or other crime.

Responds to situations requiring immediate and courteous assistance when dealing with patients, visitors, and employees.

Initiates appropriate actions to pursue and apprehend offenders who are leaving the scene of a crime or who attempts to resist arrest. Subdues individuals causing disturbances.

Identifies and arrests violators based on eyewitness accounts. Takes charge at crime scenes restricting access to only those persons required to be present.

Work Schedule: Rotating Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Physical Security Specialist (Uniformed)/PD99826S Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized