Launch Your Career: Security Assistant with the Veterans Health Administration

Are you seeking a career that combines public service with technical skill? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the James H. Quillen VA Health Care System is currently looking for a motivated individual to serve as a Security Assistant in Mountain Home, Tennessee. This role is critical to maintaining a safe, secure, and compassionate environment for our Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

The Security Assistant operates within the Police Service, serving as the central nervous system for facility protection. Key duties include:

System Monitoring: Watching physical security equipment, programming user permissions, and responding to alarms.
Emergency Coordination: Receiving emergency calls and coordinating with local, state, and federal law enforcement.
Operational Support: Performing system checks, inventorying equipment, and maintaining accurate logs of all security communications.
Administrative Tasks: Entering data into national databases and preparing official reports related to security events.

Comparison of Potential Work Environments

Feature	Standard Office Role	Security Assistant Role
Primary Focus	Administrative tasks	Security & Emergency Response
Work Hours	9-to-5, Monday-Friday	Rotating shifts, weekends, nights
Environment	Predictable/Quiet	Dynamic/High Alert

Requirements

To be considered for this federal role, you must meet the following criteria:

Be a U.S. citizen.
Submit to a federal background investigation.
Provide a resume (maximum of two pages).
Complete the required online assessment.
Meet the specialized experience requirement (or equivalent education).

Salary Overview

The starting salary for this position is competitive, ranging from $40,736 to $52,957 per year, commensurate with your qualifications and experience.

Benefits

The VA provides an extensive benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, federal retirement programs, paid leave, and job security that is hard to find in the private sector. Employees are empowered to prioritize their own health and well-being through the VA's Whole Health model.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your specific experience in security, dispatch, or administrative systems.
Mind the Page Limit: The VA now enforces a strict two-page limit for resumes. Excess pages will lead to disqualification.
Quantify Your Experience: Be sure to list hours worked per week for every job entry so your experience can be correctly credited.

Working as a Security Assistant for the VA is more than just a job; it is a way to serve the people who have given so much for our country. If you are detail-oriented, reliable, and looking for a meaningful career, we encourage you to apply by October 12, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the probation period? A: New hires must complete a one-year probationary period to evaluate their fitness and performance.

Q: Are there physical requirements for this job? A: The work is primarily sedentary, though some walking and light lifting may be required. No extreme physical demands are expected.

Q: How do I handle the influenza vaccination requirement? A: All Health Care Personnel must receive the annual flu shot as a condition of employment, or obtain a medical/religious exemption.

Why This Security Assistant Job Matters

Join a dedicated team at the James H. Quillen VA Health Care System and play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of our nation's heroes.

Security Assistant Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a detail-oriented Security Assistant to join our Police Service team in Mountain Home, Tennessee. In this role, you will act as a critical hub for physical security operations, monitoring systems and coordinating emergency responses to provide a safe environment for Veterans and staff.

Requirements for Security Assistant

U.S. Citizenship
Ability to undergo and pass a background/suitability investigation
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
Must be able to complete an online onboarding process
Completion of a 1-year probationary period
Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements

Preferred Qualifications for Security Assistant

One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-4
Proficiency in data entry, database management, and report generation
Strong interpersonal skills for interacting with diverse groups of people
Experience with security monitoring or alarm systems
Post-high school education (up to 4 years or a combination of experience and education)

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health, vision, and dental insurance programs
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Competitive federal retirement pension plan
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style savings)
✓Paid federal holidays
✓Accrued annual and sick leave
✓Opportunities for professional growth and training

💡 How to Apply Security Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Security Assistant Job

Create or update your USAJOBS profile, ensuring your resume is 2 pages or less.
Click 'Apply Online' via the official portal to begin your application.
Upload required documents, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
Complete the online questionnaire as prompted.
If directed, complete the USA Hire Assessments within the required timeframe.
Submit your application before 11:59 PM (ET) on October 12, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to meet current federal requirements.
Clearly list hours worked per week for each position to ensure accurate credit for experience.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Check your USAJOBS account status regularly for updates or assessment notifications.
Use the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to practice before taking assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of schedule should I expect?

This position requires flexibility. You may be assigned to various shifts, including 6:30am-6:30pm or 6:30pm-6:30am, and may be required to work weekends or compressed tours.

Is this position eligible for telework?

Telework eligibility varies and will be discussed during the interview process if applicable.

What happens if I don't have a college degree?

You can qualify through a combination of specialized experience and education, or by having one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to honoring those who have served our nation. Our mission is to provide world-class healthcare to our Veterans and their families. When you work for the VHA, you join a community that values integrity, commitment, and excellence. Johnson City offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities, including beautiful outdoor recreation and a high quality of life.