OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans?
Come join our team with VHA Member Services, where you will be providing critical support services to VHA employees dedicated to increased access to care for our Veterans and enhancing the Veteran experience!
Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.
Summary
OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans?
Come join our team with VHA Member Services, where you will be providing critical support services to VHA employees dedicated to increased access to care for our Veterans and enhancing the Veteran experience!
Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.
These positions are for a new satellite office of the Veterans Crisis Line in Topeka, KS, which is anticipated to open in October. Selectee start dates will be targeted between October and February. There will be up to 7 weeks of mandatory training where employees will not be able to request any time off work. These trainings may take place on holidays. Several weeks of training may require travel to an alternate site in Canandaigua, NY or Atlanta, GA.
The Health Science Specialist - Crisis Hotline Responder works within the National Veterans Crisis Line Program to assist in the delivery of evidenced based practice for Veterans who need assistance.
Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Implements suicide/mental health crisis prevention strategies
Provides support for the identification of Veterans at high risk and coordinates enhanced care
Conducts interviews and utilizes assessments tools to assess emotional, functional, and/or psychological conditions
Completes structured diagnostic and clinical assessments
Prepares and maintains records and reports in accordance with program guidelines
Creates and maintains forms, surveys, instruments, and materials for proper coordination of the different treatment modules
Provides psycho-education and directs advice regarding suicide/mental illness crisis
Works collaboratively with other members of the VA Crisis Hotline Program to identify appropriate services to Veterans in crisis
Assists Veterans and their family/friend/significant other with issues regarding the Veteran's mental health issues, referrals, benefits, support groups
Performs other duties as assigned
Work Schedule: Varied work schedule to include evenings, night shifts, weekends and holidays. Selectees will be expected to work all shifts.
Compressed/Flexible Schedule: not available Telework: not available Virtual: This not a virtual position. Position Description Title/PD#: Health Science Specialist - Crisis Hotline Responder/ #7891 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
You may be required to serve a probationary period
Subject to background/security investigation
GS employees must meet time-in-grade requirement
Physical Requirements: Work is primarily sedentary, but requires extreme patience and controlling ones emotions.
Selected applicants may be required to complete an online onboarding process.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/25/2017.
All applicants must meet the BASIC REQUIREMENT: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university in a major study in an academic field related to the health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of a Health Science Specialist - Crisis Hotline Responder. To be appropriate to the work of the position, the program and coursework must focus heavily on psychology, mental health, counseling, and/or the provision of social services. NOTE: You must submit copies of transcripts with your application. Education will not be credited without documentation showing degree completion/confer date.
In addition to the Basic Requirement you must also meet the Time-in-Grade and Specialized Experienced requirements:
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. 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.
Specialized Experience:
Experience: You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience (equivalent to at least the GS-7 level in the Federal service) that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of a Health Science Specialist - Crisis Hotline Responder, and that is typically in or related to the work of this position. Specialized experience includes: providing instructions and/or counseling to clients; utilizing questionnaires for interviewing patients; assessing and recognizing mental health disorders; following established procedures to conduct initial screenings of individuals by gathering social, drug, family, and military history, and reason for contact; documenting work. At this level, work may have been performed under direct supervision. OR,
Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you mut have successfully completed two (2) years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in a field related to the work of a Health Science Specialist - Crisis Hotline Responder. This education must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. Copies of transcripts are required at the time of application. OR,
Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an equivalent combination of related graduate level education and specialized experience, as described above. This education and experience must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to do the work of a Health Science Specialist - Crisis Hotline Responder. Copies of transcripts are required at the time of application.
You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
Influencing/Negotiating
Interpersonal Skills
Oral Communication
Psychology
Stress Tolerance
Technology Application
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. 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.
Education
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
PLEASE NOTE: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview.Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Resume: A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and must be in English. It should contain each position title, grade (if Federal), your duties, accomplishments, the dates you held each position in mm/yy format, the number of hours worked per week, and salary so we may best assess your qualifications. If more than one resume is received, only the last resume received and processed will be reviewed. 2. Transcripts: A copy of your transcripts showing degree and confer date. Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position. We accept unofficial transcripts, as long as they contain the applicant's name, name of the school, the date and degree that was awarded. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a "Certificate of Foreign Equivalency" with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
Cover Letter
DD-214
OF-306
Resume
SF-15
SF-50
Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/25/2017 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10045602.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
VHA Member Services
3401 SW 21st St Bldg 9
Topeka, KS 66604
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Resume: A resume describing your job-related qualifications is required and must be in English. It should contain each position title, grade (if Federal), your duties, accomplishments, the dates you held each position in mm/yy format, the number of hours worked per week, and salary so we may best assess your qualifications. If more than one resume is received, only the last resume received and processed will be reviewed. 2. Transcripts: A copy of your transcripts showing degree and confer date. Failure to provide transcripts will result in you being rated ineligible for this position. We accept unofficial transcripts, as long as they contain the applicant's name, name of the school, the date and degree that was awarded. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a "Certificate of Foreign Equivalency" with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
Cover Letter
DD-214
OF-306
Resume
SF-15
SF-50
Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/25/2017 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10045602.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
VHA Member Services
3401 SW 21st St Bldg 9
Topeka, KS 66604
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
