Become a Security Assistant at the Hershel 'Woody' Williams VA Medical Center

Are you looking for a career that combines public service with operational responsibility? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Security Assistant to join the Police Services team in Huntington, West Virginia. This role is essential for maintaining the safety of our facilities and providing a secure environment for the Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country.

Job Responsibilities

As a Security Assistant, you will perform a variety of duties centered on facility safety and communications:

Alarm & Access Monitoring: Manage physical security equipment, monitor alarm systems, and control facility access.
Emergency Response: Serve as the primary contact for emergency communications, including fire, medical, and security-related incidents.
Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed logs of all security communications and generate accurate reports for management.
Customer Support: Issue identification credentials and assist visitors and staff with security-related inquiries.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Experience/Education: Possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-04 level or higher, or complete four years of education beyond high school.
Assessment: Successful completion of the online USA Hire assessment.
Standards: Ability to pass a background security investigation.

Qualification Comparison

Basis of Qualification	Requirement	Documentation Needed
Experience	1 Year at GS-04 level	Resume detailing hours/week
Education	4 years post-high school	Official Transcripts
Combination	Partial exp + Partial educ	Both of the above

Salary & Benefits

The salary for this GS-05 position ranges from $40,736 to $52,957 per year. In addition to a stable income, you will have access to a robust benefits package that includes:

Federal Health Insurance options
Retirement and Thrift Savings Plans
Generous annual leave and sick time accrual
Professional training and career growth opportunities

Application Tips

Resume Length: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less. Longer resumes may result in disqualification.
Be Specific: List your hours worked per week for every position listed on your resume to verify full-time or part-time status.
Use PDFs: Save your documents as PDFs to maintain formatting when you upload them to the portal.
Practice: Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to familiarize yourself with the assessment environment.

This position is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the safety and well-being of our nation’s heroes. If you possess strong interpersonal skills, a high level of integrity, and the ability to handle critical security tasks, we encourage you to apply. Join the Hershel 'Woody' Williams VA Medical Center team today and make a meaningful impact.

Why This Security Assistant Job Matters

Join the team at the Hershel 'Woody' Williams VA Medical Center and play a vital role in protecting those who have served our nation. As a Security Assistant, you will be the eyes and ears of our facility, ensuring a safe and secure environment for our Veterans and staff.

Security Assistant Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a diligent and detail-oriented professional to join the Police Services team in Huntington, West Virginia. In this role, you will monitor essential physical security systems, manage access control, and respond to emergency communications. This is a critical position that requires a high degree of alertness and the ability to maintain composure during stressful situations. You will work across rotating shifts to ensure 24/7 facility safety while providing excellent customer service to visitors, patients, and employees.

Requirements for Security Assistant

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Completion of a mandatory online assessment.
Must meet time-in-grade requirements if currently or previously employed in the federal sector.
Must pass a background and security investigation.
Must adhere to the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
Completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Must possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-04 level or equivalent, or four years of education above high school, or a combination of both.

Preferred Qualifications for Security Assistant

Experience in security, dispatching, or law enforcement communications.
Proficiency in monitoring alarm systems and physical access control software.
Demonstrated ability to handle emergency calls and radio dispatches efficiently.
Strong skills in data entry, record keeping, and report generation.
Proven capability in de-escalation and professional interpersonal communication.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Competitive retirement planning options.
✓Accrual of paid vacation and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Supportive and inclusive work environment.
✓Participation in the Whole Health employee well-being program.

💡 How to Apply Security Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Security Assistant Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is no longer than two pages and is focused on relevant, recent experience.
Gather necessary documentation, including SF-50 forms and academic transcripts.
Submit your application and complete the online questionnaire before the closing date of August 25, 2026.
Complete the required USA Hire Assessments if prompted via email.
Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to comply with current federal hiring policies.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your format meets agency standards.
Be specific about your hours worked per week; the agency will not make assumptions.
Upload all documents in PDF format to preserve formatting and pagination.
Set aside at least 3 hours to complete the USA Hire assessment in a quiet, distraction-free environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I qualify with education alone?

Yes, you can qualify with four years of education beyond high school from an accredited institution. Transcripts are required for verification.

Is travel required for this position?

No, this is a stationary position located at the Hershel 'Woody' Williams VA Medical Center in Huntington, WV.

What happens if I miss the application deadline?

The system will automatically close at 11:59 PM (ET) on August 25, 2026. Late applications are not accepted.

Is this a remote position?

*A: No, this role requires on-site attendance at the Huntington facility.*

Can I update my resume after applying?

*A: You may edit your application until the announcement closes on August 25, 2026.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center is part of the Veterans Health Administration. We are dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare to Veterans across southwestern West Virginia, southeastern Ohio, and eastern Kentucky. Our team is committed to the "Whole Health" approach, prioritizing the well-being of both our patients and our employees.