What does a security assistant do?
A security assistant is in charge of performing support tasks in a company or establishment's security department. Their responsibilities typically include monitoring alarm systems and surveillance cameras, organizing equipment such as radios and flashlights, keeping an eye on the inventory of supplies, and liaising with external and internal parties. They may also perform clerical tasks such as preparing and processing documentation, arranging requests, answering calls and correspondence, maintaining records of transactions, and handling paperwork. There are also instances where they must assist clients and employees, adhering to protocols as needed.
Security assistant responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real security assistant resumes:
- Manage the application for the FCL, maintain e-FCL and track clearance progress; provide CEO reports for require clearance actions.
- Review, approve and input daily patrol logs, inspection forms, incident reports, and correspondence into the appropriate file/system.
- Assist DHS on a contract with CBP.
- Track employee DHS suitability status.
- Request all supporting documents through DCII and the SMO need to properly determine access.
- Conduct quarterly boat patrol inspections and annotates/resolve discrepancies.
- Perform in-depth analysis of personnel security packages and security files that contain extremely sensitive and personally identifiable information (PII).
- Complete DWAC (deposit / withdrawal at custodian) to debit or credit shares to or from DTC book entry account.
- Help troubleshoot client issues and deliver timely solutions.
- Ensure settlement of deliveries through DTC electronically and manually.
- Perform personal escorts, VIP services, and experience in controlling and deescalating physical altercations and accidents among customers and personnel.
Security assistant skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Security Assistants are proficient in Customer Service, Security Clearance, and Patrol. They’re also known for soft skills such as Good judgment, Observation skills, and Patience.
We break down the percentage of Security Assistants that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 11%
Obtained several Manpower awards and letters of recommendation for exceptional customer service, outstanding work performance, and professionalism.
- Security Clearance, 8%
Verify industrial security clearances/investigations and provides information to visiting units/activities.
- Patrol, 7%
Write in the blotter book every hour on the hour when a co-worker or supervisor calls in a patrol.
- Patients, 6%
Participated and engaged patients in recreational activities and observed and reported patient's behavior.
- Security Procedures, 5%
Maintained continuous program development for security procedures in areas of personnel information, and security training.
- Background Checks, 4%
Performed administrative and secretarial duties in support of 5 Security Specialists performing background checks for Federal contractors and employees.
Common skills that a security assistant uses to do their job include "customer service," "security clearance," and "patrol." You can find details on the most important security assistant responsibilities below.
Observation skills. Another essential skill to perform security assistant duties is observation skills. Security assistants responsibilities require that "security guards and surveillance officers must be alert and aware of their surroundings, and be able to quickly recognize anything out of the ordinary." Security assistants also use observation skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "front desk greeter and visitor sign-in responsible for patrolling building and securing access doors camera monitoring and observation log entries"
Communication skills. For certain security assistant responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "communication skills." The day-to-day duties of a security assistant rely on this skill, as "security guards and surveillance officers must communicate effectively with others, even in stressful situations." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what security assistants do: "managed emergency call center for law enforcement through radio and telephone communications. "
Interpersonal skills. Lastly, "interpersonal skills" is an important element of what a security assistant does. Security assistant responsibilities require this skill because "security guards often regularly interact with the public; in addition, they must be able to handle and deescalate confrontational situations." This resume example highlights how security assistant duties rely on this skill: "certified in ocat and cpr excellent communication and interpersonal skills. "
The three companies that hire the most security assistants are:
- Boston University4 security assistants jobs
- Allied Universal
3 security assistants jobs
- Peraton3 security assistants jobs
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Compare different security assistants
Security assistant vs. Detective
A detective is responsible for conducting in-depth investigations for criminal activities, potential threats, and other law-violating incidents, coordinating closely with law-enforcement agencies and crime intelligence analysts. Detectives often work on the field, gathering data and related evidence to support claims and connect the timeline of events. They keep an organized record of their findings for further validation before reporting it to the authority. A detective must have excellent investigative and critical-thinking skills, especially on solving puzzles and security solutions.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between security assistants and detective. For instance, security assistant responsibilities require skills such as "customer service," "security clearance," "patients," and "security procedures." Whereas a detective is skilled in "physical evidence," "law enforcement agencies," "crime scenes," and "insurance fraud." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Detectives tend to reach similar levels of education than security assistants. In fact, detectives are 1.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Security assistant vs. Loss prevention specialist
A loss prevention specialist is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the store premises from shoplifters and even from employees' suspicious activities. Loss prevention specialists manage the installation of surveillance devices, monitor the daily store operations, and track business and financial transactions from the database. They also coordinate with law enforcement personnel for investigation on theft cases and other related retail complications. A loss prevention specialist must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills, especially on preparing incident reports and apprehending violators.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, security assistant responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "security clearance," "patrol," "patients," and "security procedures." Meanwhile, a loss prevention specialist has duties that require skills in areas such as "safety program," "store management," "ladders," and "pleasant shopping." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Loss prevention specialists earn a higher average salary than security assistants. But loss prevention specialists earn the highest pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $55,583. Additionally, security assistants earn the highest salaries in the government with average pay of $45,937 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Loss prevention specialists tend to reach similar levels of education than security assistants. In fact, they're 2.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Security assistant vs. Deputy
The duties of a deputy vary on their line of work or place of employment. In law enforcement, a deputy is primarily in charge of conducting investigations on crimes and arresting criminals, performing regular patrols on streets, responding to calls of distress, and assisting citizens in calamities, disasters, accidents, or any forms of threat. There are also instances when a deputy must serve court documents, transport detainees or suspected criminals, and monitor courtrooms. Furthermore, a deputy reports to higher-ranking officers such as a sheriff.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a security assistant is likely to be skilled in "customer service," "security clearance," "patients," and "security procedures," while a typical deputy is skilled in "public safety," "transport inmates," "federal laws," and "law enforcement agencies."
Deputies make a very good living in the manufacturing industry with an average annual salary of $53,877. On the other hand, security assistants are paid the highest salary in the government industry, with average annual pay of $45,937.Most deputies achieve a higher degree level compared to security assistants. For example, they're 5.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 3.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Security assistant vs. Loss prevention associate
A loss prevention associate is responsible for monitoring the organization's daily operations, maintaining the safety and security of all network systems to avoid data theft. Loss prevention associates take immediate actions on all related suspicious activities that would compromise the company's reputation and financial status. They regularly check surveillance technologies to maintain asset protection and operational stability at all times. A loss prevention associate should have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, especially on writing incident reports and escalating unusual activities to the management for immediate resolution.
Types of security assistant
Updated January 8, 2025
