The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Protective Medical Specialist (MSPLNA) limited non-career positions. Learn more about Foreign Service careers at https://careers.state.gov.
There is more to joining the Foreign Service than just salary. Refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation.
Summary
The U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Protective Medical Specialist (MSPLNA) limited non-career positions. Learn more about Foreign Service careers at https://careers.state.gov.
There is more to joining the Foreign Service than just salary. Refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation.
Yes—This is a Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA), which is restricted by statute to a maximum of five years. This LNA is initially for 18 months and may be extended to a maximum of five years based on satisfactory performance and the needs of the Service. The Department may terminate the appointment at any time with 30 days' notice. A MSPLNA is assigned to a specific U.S. embassy or consulate with the expectation that the MSPLNA's appointment will permit completion of a 12-month tour of duty.
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - LNAs serve in the country specified and may be assigned to or perform Temporary Duty Travel overseas and, at times, live away from family and/or in difficult or isolated conditions.
Foreign Service Specialists generally spend the majority of their careers assigned to overseas posts and may, at times, live away from family and/or in difficult or isolated conditions.
Appointment type
Temporary - Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA), which is restricted by statute to a maximum of five years.
Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants should read the entire announcement to ensure they meet all requirements and understand a Foreign Service Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA).
Applicants may not reapply for one year after their previous application for the same position.
If a State Department Suitability Review Panel denied suitability in the last two years, you may not apply (except denials for Diplomatic Security Special Agent (SA) candidates based solely on the SA requirements.)
The Bureau of Medical Services (MED) maintains and promotes the health of employees and their eligible family members (EFM) who represent U.S. government (USG) agencies abroad. The Department assigns Foreign Service Medical Specialists, Limited Non-Career Appointment Medical Specialists (Protective) (MSPLNA) to select posts overseas. Many of these posts have significant health risks and local medical facilities are often inadequate to cope with them. This position is for a Protective Medical Specialist (MSPLNA).
A Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA) does not lead to onward employment in the State Department or conversion to another form of employment.
The incumbent serves as the Medical Specialist (Protective) at assigned U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. The position reports to the post Regional Security Officer and receives clinical supervision from the Managing Director of Operational Medicine and the Foreign Service Medical Provider or the Regional Medical Officer. The position is an integral part of medical, security, and protective details, and is responsible for providing detailed patient assessment and advanced life support assistance to Chief of Mission personnel. Incumbents are armed in accordance with host nation laws and the Mission Firearms Policy and will be required to carry and use a firearm in the performance of their duty.
The position selects and implements an appropriate medical treatment protocol, often requiring independent synthesis of a complex treatment plan from multiple treatment options, to optimize and sustain a critically ill patient from the point of injury through the medical evacuation process. The position coordinates with other medical professionals to determine treatment methods and solutions.
MSPLNAs must collaborate with other medical professionals to develop detailed medical support plans for the assigned post that account for available local resources and incorporate contingency planning for medical support in isolation or in conjunction with interagency and international partners.
MSPLNAs work with the medical personnel at post to conduct mock emergency response simulations, coordinate medical evacuations, and maintain post emergency medical equipment. The position provides professional advice to the leadership of the Directorate of Operational Medicine (MED/DMD/OM) regarding the medical preparedness of post personnel and mass casualty teams.
MSPLNAs provide medical support as part of a protective detail under the operational control of the Regional Security Officer. As such, the incumbent is required to complete high-threat tactical training and must maintain weapons qualifications to maintain their position.
Serving in support of the employees of the United States Government and their eligible family members, a MSPLNA will work in conjunction with other Foreign Service medical personnel. The Department evaluates education, work experience, and other qualifications for evidence of the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and other requirements that have been identified as important to successful job performance as a Limited Non-Career Protective Medical Specialist (MSPLNA).
The position will carry a weapon while deployed in accordance with the Mission Firearm Policy approved by the Chief of Mission. While deployed, the incumbent is expected to exercise independent judgment in assessing, diagnosing, and treating USG personnel according to previously established treatment protocols provided by the Managing Director of MED/DMD/OM.
This position requires travel to overseas locations that are austere, including medically, at extremes of temperature and altitude, under conditions of political instability, with limited or no host nation resources. The position requires the ability to lift and carry approximately 70 pounds and potentially more for significant distances, and to withstand extremely long periods of sitting and standing, as well as frequent stooping, climbing, crawling, and sitting within confined spaces.
Much of the work is performed under severe time constraints with externally generated stressors.
Pre-deployment training will include field exercises which may require 40 lbs or more of equipment, running, jumping, crawling, and transporting patients. When operationally deployed OCONUS, incumbents may workdays in excess of 12 hours for as many as six days per week in a hot, dusty environment where the threat of terrorist attack is ever-present. The high-threat environment limits activities during off-duty hours.
Candidates must be skilled and experienced NREMT-Paramedics with excellent interpersonal skills, able to function well within a complex organization, and have experience working in a high-stress environment.
Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the FS.*
Be able to obtain a Top Secret - SCI Security Clearance.
Meet the minimum medical qualification standard.
Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.**
Be at least 20 years old and at least 21 years old to be appointed.
Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).***
Possess and maintain a valid and current U.S. Driver's License.
All Medical Specialists working with the Bureau of Medical Services must be willing to provide primary care services and counseling to all patients regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, language, disease, disability, or religion.
All LNAs are members of the Foreign Service and have the same obligations and standard of conduct expectations as all Foreign Service employees.
MSPLNAs are considered essential personnel and are on call to provide services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
MSPLNA duties include but are not limited to:
Responsibilities
Provides a range of medical services including establishing IV access and providing trauma care for injured patients.
Triages and manages care of injured persons in any location following an accident, natural disaster, or attack.
Provides emergency care in any location following an accident, natural disaster, or attack in potentially hostile or physically challenging environments, such as in buildings without elevators or in areas with irregular spaces that require kneeling, bending, stooping, lifting, walking, and running over uneven terrain.
Transports patients via small aircraft, ambulances, helicopters, or other non-standard modes of transportation with small entrances and high floors, such as high-axle armored vehicles.
Assists with evacuation via land, sea, or air in the event of political unrest.
Provides patient care that may include heavy lifting, pulling, stooping, and twisting in adverse settings.
Travels independently to posts utilizing commercial air carriers, military aircraft, or other transportation types that may not offer special access or accommodations.
Operates and provides leadership and medical support in austere, high-threat environments overseas.
Cares for and stabilize multiple trauma patients prior to medical evacuation.
Provides long-distance triage and care via electronic communication such as telephone, radio, telemedicine, and email.
Establishes emergency preparedness for crises such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters by establishing guidelines and procedures and conducting direct training.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The Department has conducted extensive job analysis research to determine Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and other attributes conducive to successful performance in this position. A candidate's education level, work experience, and other qualifications will be considered as part of the hiring decision-making process based on these KSA criteria.
Proficiency in writing and analytical skills necessary for completing administrative medical tasks, writing paramedic assessments, and completing reporting requirements. Demonstration of excellent verbal communication and presentation skills to facilitate communication with patients and other medical professionals.
Experience and skill in providing Advanced Life Support medical care, and in managing emergency service personnel and subordinate medical support professionals during crisis situations in high-threat environments.
Physical ability to operate and provide leadership and medical support in austere, high-threat environments overseas.
Proficiency with relevant computer software applications, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and Google Earth.
Must be willing to drive USG vehicles.
Level IV English ability (fluent) is required. Candidates must consistently meet a high standard for English, both written (overall structure as well as grammar, spelling, and punctuation) and spoken (overall structure as well as delivery, clarity, and succinctness).
Openness to an international career: accepting assignments based on the needs of the Foreign Service and experiencing frequent global travel.
Education
At the time of application, the candidate must possess:
A high school diploma or equivalent.
Diploma from a DoD Special Operations Medical Training Program is preferred.
Education from a program or institution within the United States must be accredited at the time of program completion by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Foreign Education
Foreign education acquired outside of any state of the U.S., the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or any territory or possession of the U.S. must be evaluated by a member organization of one of the two national associations of credential evaluation services (NACES or AICE) to be given credit towards qualification.
The accredited interpretation must include the summary and the foreign education transcripts.
The Department of State will not accept foreign education transcripts that have not been evaluated by a credential evaluation service and will terminate the candidacy.
For further information on the evaluation of foreign education, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management, Foreign Education section, and the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of State neither endorses nor recommends any individual evaluation service.
Please refer to the Required Documents section on how to submit the required educational documentation for this position.
Licensure and Certification
Current certification at the Paramedic level through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Must maintain the certification as a condition of continued employment.
Active and current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Active and current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification.
Specialized Experience
At the time of application, candidates must possess:
Two (2) years of documented experience as a Paramedic through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
Prior emergency and/or critical care experience with Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
Prior military experience working abroad is desirable but not required.
Medical Credentialing and Indemnification
Candidates are subject to a credential verification process conducted by the Quality Management Staff Unit of the Bureau of Medical Services. This process includes query of the National Practitioner Data Bank and independent verification of state licenses and national certifications. Once hired, medical personnel are indemnified for official duties only through the U.S. Federal Tort Claims Act, so long as they are acting within their scope of work.
Active Bureau of Medical Services clinical privileges, specific to the position, are a condition of employment for all Foreign Service Medical Specialists.
Required Training
Must complete appropriate Diplomatic Security high-threat training within six months of employment and demonstrate continued proficiency as a condition of employment.
Must complete the seven-week Cooper Hospital Trauma training program and meet the Bureau's requirements for credentialing upon completion of training.
Additional information
*EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) – Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required.
U.S. law requires companies to employ only individuals who may legally work in the U.S. – either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This agency utilizes E-Verify to compare information from the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) records to confirm employment eligibility. If the employee's information does not match DHS and/or SSA records, the employee is given an opportunity to resolve the problem. If eligibility cannot be verified, employment will be terminated.
**The U.S. Department of State Suitability Review Panel and standards are defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more information, please visit: https://fam.state.gov/
No candidate will be considered who has previously been separated from the Foreign Service under §607, §608, §610, or §612 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions. In addition, no candidate will be considered who has previously been separated for failure to receive a career appointment under §306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu thereof.
A Foreign Service Specialist separated pursuant to §306, 607, 608, 610, or 612 may not reapply to be in the same skill code but may apply for another skill code or to be a Foreign Service Generalist. A Foreign Service Generalist separated pursuant to §306, 607, 608, 610, or 612 may not reapply as a Generalist but may apply to a Foreign Service Specialist vacancy.
Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 U.S. Code §3303, as amended, from accepting or considering prohibited political recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 U.S. Code §3110, relatives of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.
It is the policy of the federal government to treat all employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination and retaliation, in accordance with the standards set forth by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The Department of State provides reasonable accommodation to qualified candidates with disabilities. Procedures vary by test type, and all candidates must request reasonable accommodations in advance. For information on requesting reasonable accommodations, please visit: https://careers.state.gov/requesting-reasonable-accommodations/
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, and paid leave. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing and a tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K–12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.
Not all benefits are available to LNA positions. Student Loan Repayment and Language Incentive Pay (if language is a hiring prerequisite) programs are not included under the LNA program.
The salary range listed is extracted from the Foreign Service Overseas pay scales. The starting step is determined in part by the highest education level achieved and specialized experience beyond minimum qualifications. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on their highest previous rate as a federal employee.
Continuing Medical Education (CME)
The Department of State provides expenses for obtaining CME credit hours.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The Department of State will evaluate candidates on their total background including experience, education, awards, training, and self-development as it relates to the position. The Department of State will select only from among candidates possessing the best qualifications for this position. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
The Department of State prohibits candidates from plagiarizing any portion of their employment application materials, including responses to questions in which candidates must provide a narrative response. Candidates must create their own responses originally and not copy or adapt them from other sources. The Department analyzes candidate submissions for plagiarism and will discontinue any individual's candidacy if found to have violated this plagiarism policy.
While the Department of State encourages candidates to create their narratives with great care, including correct use of grammar and style, candidates are prohibited from using any artificial intelligence (AI) tool, including but not limited to ChatGPT, to aid in their written responses. The Department will discontinue any individual's candidacy if found to have violated this prohibition on use of AI tools in the application process.
The Department of State reserves the right to cancel and/or disqualify any application or to withhold test results when, in its judgment, a testing irregularity occurs. Testing irregularities include, but are not limited to, candidate misconduct, plagiarism as mentioned above, and/or misrepresentation of material fact, including in narrative descriptions of accomplishments. The Department may verify content provided by candidates by contacting references. It also conducts extensive background checks of work and education history of candidates offered employment.
Benefits include health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, and paid leave. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing and a tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K–12 overseas, and an unrivaled opportunity to see the world and experience different cultures.
Not all benefits are available to LNA positions. Student Loan Repayment and Language Incentive Pay (if language is a hiring prerequisite) programs are not included under the LNA program.
The salary range listed is extracted from the Foreign Service Overseas pay scales. The starting step is determined in part by the highest education level achieved and specialized experience beyond minimum qualifications. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on their highest previous rate as a federal employee.
Continuing Medical Education (CME)
The Department of State provides expenses for obtaining CME credit hours.
The candidate must ensure required documents are uploaded and the application is complete before the announcement closing deadline.
PDF documents are required. The Department of State will terminate the candidacy if the required documents do not meet the requirements below or if the application is incomplete.
1 - Resume from USAJobs Resume Builder, the only resume format accepted. Candidates must answer all self-assessment questions and include 10 years of work history in the online application. The Department will terminate applications missing any responses.
2 - Education and Other Documents: Candidates must submit the documentation below to demonstrate they possess the educational level required, or the Department will terminate the candidacy. Official/unofficial transcripts are accepted. University diplomas are not accepted in lieu of or in addition to transcripts.
A high school diploma/transcript.
Proof of graduation from a DoD Special Operations Medical Training Program, if applicable.
3 - Certifications and Licenses must adhere to the same requirements as transcripts.
Attach the required certifications listed in the Qualifications: Licensure and Certification section.
Current certification at the Paramedic level through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
Active and current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification.
All documents must comply with the following requirements to be accepted:
Be in PDF format. The Department will reject other formats.
Be an attachment. The Department will reject documents sent via link, secured message, or in any other non-attachment format, or sent directly from credential evaluation services.
Be complete with no missing pages.
Be legible.
Diploma/transcripts must include the candidate's full name, the school's name, and the degree and date awarded/conferred. Candidates with a name change should submit an official document reflecting the change.
All foreign education transcripts must adhere to additional requirements. See Foreign Education Information in the Education Requirements section.
4 - Veterans' Preference Documentation for candidates aged 60 to 64. If claiming Veterans' Preference, a copy of the candidate's DD-214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" — which must include the candidate's Character of Service — must be submitted with the application. If claiming a 10-point Veterans' Preference, the candidate's VA letter and SF-15 must be submitted in addition to the DD-214. A certification from the armed forces is required only if a veteran has not yet received their DD-214. It must confirm that the service member is expected to be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days and include service dates, expected discharge date, character of service, and any applicable disability rating.
The application submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement.
It is the candidate's responsibility to complete and submit the application and all required documents before the closing deadline. There are no exceptions.
From this vacancy announcement, click "Apply." Go to the USAJobs login screen and log in to your USAJobs account, or follow the link and instructions to create an account.
Follow the USAJobs application process and provide your required USAJobs federal online resume.
USAJobs will transfer you to the U.S. Department of State agency online application site, Monster Government Service (MGS). Follow the instructions to answer the online questions. Candidates must answer all questions and include 10 years of work history. The Department will terminate applications missing any responses. Candidates may save their work and return to the application from USAJobs at any time prior to the deadline.
Submit required documentation using one of the methods the application system allows:
a. Transfer documents from a USAJobs portfolio;
b. Upload documents from your computer; or
c. Resubmit documents from a previous application.
After attaching all required supporting documentation, answering all required application questions, and completing the application steps, review the entire application packet, including the submitted documents. Multiple transcript documents can be scanned into one PDF document.
Confirm and submit your application package, which will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
Candidates experiencing technical difficulties with the application must contact the Monster Help Desk by calling 1-866-656-6830 or by emailing mgshelp@monster.com. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
U.S. Department of State
2401 E Street, NW
SA-1 - Room L-216
Attn: MED PERSONNEL
Washington DC, District of Columbia 20522
United States
Next steps
After the close of the announcement, the application status in USAJobs will say "Reviewing Applications." This status on USAJobs will not be updated further. You can click "Track This Application" for more information.
Candidates should use a personal email address to which they will have regular, long-term access throughout the hiring process. Candidates who are current U.S. government employees may not use their U.S. government email addresses for the Foreign Service application, testing, and assessment process.
Candidates will be notified by email from the U.S. Department of State about the outcome of the initial application review and whether they will be further considered for this Foreign Service position. Candidates should add the U.S. Department of State domain (@state.gov) and @e.pearson.com as trusted senders. Check the spam/junk mail folder to ensure receipt of email messages regarding candidacy status.
Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all candidates to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before candidates are informed of the application results.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The candidate must ensure required documents are uploaded and the application is complete before the announcement closing deadline.
PDF documents are required. The Department of State will terminate the candidacy if the required documents do not meet the requirements below or if the application is incomplete.
1 - Resume from USAJobs Resume Builder, the only resume format accepted. Candidates must answer all self-assessment questions and include 10 years of work history in the online application. The Department will terminate applications missing any responses.
2 - Education and Other Documents: Candidates must submit the documentation below to demonstrate they possess the educational level required, or the Department will terminate the candidacy. Official/unofficial transcripts are accepted. University diplomas are not accepted in lieu of or in addition to transcripts.
A high school diploma/transcript.
Proof of graduation from a DoD Special Operations Medical Training Program, if applicable.
3 - Certifications and Licenses must adhere to the same requirements as transcripts.
Attach the required certifications listed in the Qualifications: Licensure and Certification section.
Current certification at the Paramedic level through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
Active and current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Advanced Life Support (ALS) certification.
All documents must comply with the following requirements to be accepted:
Be in PDF format. The Department will reject other formats.
Be an attachment. The Department will reject documents sent via link, secured message, or in any other non-attachment format, or sent directly from credential evaluation services.
Be complete with no missing pages.
Be legible.
Diploma/transcripts must include the candidate's full name, the school's name, and the degree and date awarded/conferred. Candidates with a name change should submit an official document reflecting the change.
All foreign education transcripts must adhere to additional requirements. See Foreign Education Information in the Education Requirements section.
4 - Veterans' Preference Documentation for candidates aged 60 to 64. If claiming Veterans' Preference, a copy of the candidate's DD-214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" — which must include the candidate's Character of Service — must be submitted with the application. If claiming a 10-point Veterans' Preference, the candidate's VA letter and SF-15 must be submitted in addition to the DD-214. A certification from the armed forces is required only if a veteran has not yet received their DD-214. It must confirm that the service member is expected to be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days and include service dates, expected discharge date, character of service, and any applicable disability rating.
The application submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement.
It is the candidate's responsibility to complete and submit the application and all required documents before the closing deadline. There are no exceptions.
From this vacancy announcement, click "Apply." Go to the USAJobs login screen and log in to your USAJobs account, or follow the link and instructions to create an account.
Follow the USAJobs application process and provide your required USAJobs federal online resume.
USAJobs will transfer you to the U.S. Department of State agency online application site, Monster Government Service (MGS). Follow the instructions to answer the online questions. Candidates must answer all questions and include 10 years of work history. The Department will terminate applications missing any responses. Candidates may save their work and return to the application from USAJobs at any time prior to the deadline.
Submit required documentation using one of the methods the application system allows:
a. Transfer documents from a USAJobs portfolio;
b. Upload documents from your computer; or
c. Resubmit documents from a previous application.
After attaching all required supporting documentation, answering all required application questions, and completing the application steps, review the entire application packet, including the submitted documents. Multiple transcript documents can be scanned into one PDF document.
Confirm and submit your application package, which will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.
Candidates experiencing technical difficulties with the application must contact the Monster Help Desk by calling 1-866-656-6830 or by emailing mgshelp@monster.com. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
U.S. Department of State
2401 E Street, NW
SA-1 - Room L-216
Attn: MED PERSONNEL
Washington DC, District of Columbia 20522
United States
Next steps
After the close of the announcement, the application status in USAJobs will say "Reviewing Applications." This status on USAJobs will not be updated further. You can click "Track This Application" for more information.
Candidates should use a personal email address to which they will have regular, long-term access throughout the hiring process. Candidates who are current U.S. government employees may not use their U.S. government email addresses for the Foreign Service application, testing, and assessment process.
Candidates will be notified by email from the U.S. Department of State about the outcome of the initial application review and whether they will be further considered for this Foreign Service position. Candidates should add the U.S. Department of State domain (@state.gov) and @e.pearson.com as trusted senders. Check the spam/junk mail folder to ensure receipt of email messages regarding candidacy status.
Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all candidates to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before candidates are informed of the application results.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
