Clarification from the agency

This position is open to current Veterans Health Administration Employees & Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL) eligible employees ( Federal employees who met the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee).

Videos

Major Duties

Supervisory and Personnel Management
Serves as the alter ego and second-in-command for the Field Chief and fully shares the authorities and responsibilities of the Field Chief. Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for multiple organizational units within the service line, ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives and directives from senior leadership. Guides subordinate managers and supervisors in implementing policies, procedures, and performance standards that support mission priorities and service delivery goals. Evaluates management practices across the service line to ensure consistency, equity,
and compliance with regulatory and organizational requirements.

Serves as a key VA official during emergencies for effective protective and recovery operations with local, state, and other Federal agencies. Manages operations during emergencies, due to natural or man-made causes, for facilities affected, and oversee plans and actions required to ensure law enforcement and security operations are maintained. Actions include planning, coordinating, and providing oversight of the
allocation of law enforcement assets from facilities within the assigned area. Ensures the development of plans for the protection of VA facilities threatened by civil disturbances, mob demonstrations, riot, or other commotion across the area's catchment.

Enforcement and Investigations
Provides executive oversight and strategic direction for law enforcement and compliance operations within the service line, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local laws governing the protection of life, property, and government assets. Interprets and implements policies, regulations, and directives to maintain security and enforce applicable statutes across all organizational jurisdictions.

Oversees investigative and enforcement activities, ensuring subordinate managers and supervisors execute responsibilities related to crime prevention, emergency response, and apprehension of offenders in accordance with Title 38, U.S.C., Sections 901 and 902. Establishes standards for conducting investigations, serving warrants, and managing evidence to ensure compliance with legal and procedural requirements.

Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention
Provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for crisis intervention programs within the service line, ensuring effective multidisciplinary responses to Veterans experiencing mental health crises. Establishes policies and operational frameworks that guide subordinate managers and supervisors in implementing advanced de-escalation strategies and leveraging VA resources to achieve optimal outcomes for Veterans in crisis.

Develops and maintains interagency partnerships with federal, state, and local public safety organizations to strengthen Veteran-Centric Policing models. Oversees the design and delivery of joint training programs and communication networks that enhance collaboration and operational readiness across jurisdictions. Monitors program effectiveness through data-driven analysis and stakeholder feedback, recommending improvements to enhance service delivery and Veteran safety. Promotes a culture of compassion, accountability, and continuous improvement in crisis intervention practices across the service line.

Compliance & Inspections
Provides strategic leadership and oversight for physical security compliance programs across VA facilities within the service line. Establishes policies and operational standards for inspections, vulnerability assessments, and security surveys to ensure adherence to VA physical security requirements and federal regulations. Guides subordinate managers in implementing and monitoring physical security countermeasures, including electronic access control systems, CCTV systems, intrusion alarms, duress alarms, and related technologies.

Reviews and evaluates inspection findings and vulnerability assessments, ensuring timely identification and resolution of deficiencies. Approves corrective action plans and coordinates with Contracting Officer's Technical Representatives (COTRs), Contracting Officer's Representatives (CORs), and Physical Security Specialists to ensure compliance and accountability. Oversees the development of comprehensive reports detailing conclusions, recommendations, and systemic improvements to strengthen security posture and mitigate risks.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., excluding federal holidays (Note: Schedule may change based on the needs of the agency)
Telework: No.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Supervisory Law Enforcement Specialist (Deputy Field Chief-Small Station)/PD00252A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. This position requires the application, assessment, and questionnaire to be fully completed. The assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/08/2026.

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-12 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11. 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. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. 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.

You may qualify based on your experience as described below:

• Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-11 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Assisting with the operating, directing, and controlling law enforcement and physical security activities; Assessing situations and determining appropriate responses; Responding to active threat situations; Delegating work and evaluating performance of police personnel; Providing training on equipment and security systems; Conducting arrests, investigating criminal activities, and protecting crime scenes; And ensuring the safety of staff and visitors while on facility property.

You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:

• Conflict Management
• Influencing/Negotiating
• Manages Resources
• Partnering
• Planning and Evaluating

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.

Preferred Experience: EKHCS Institutional Knowledge and Mission Alignment
Demonstrated understanding of the Eastern Kansas Health Care System (EKHCS), including its mission, organizational structure, programs, services, operational environment, Veteran population, community partnerships, and relationship to VA, VISN, and regulatory priorities. Candidates will be evaluated on their ability to apply this knowledge-or comparable experience in a complex healthcare, government, military, or organizational setting-to make sound decisions, address local challenges, improve access, quality, safety, employee engagement, and operational effectiveness, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and advance EKHCS priorities while demonstrating accountability, equity, professionalism, and commitment to Veteran-centered care.

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.

Physical Demands: Much of the work involves on-site work requiring prolonged walking over flat and even surfaces, working in confined spaces, crouching, bending, crawling, standing, and climbing. The work requires outside exposure to all temperatures. Also requires moderate to arduous physical exertion and possible exposure to personal danger.

Work Environment: Some work is performed in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled office. The position requires exposure to varying climate and environmental conditions, including cold and warm weather conditions and/or exposure to high noise levels and dangerous substances. Appropriate safety practices will always be utilized.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Drug Test Requirement: Applicant selected for movement into positions covered by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Control and must pass urinalysis testing as required before the appointment and periodically after that. The position is subject to random drug testing.

Travel: The position may require 50% or more travel away from the office.

Training: Incumbent must meet the established experience, basic training, and in-service training requirements established for the enforcement of police powers. Incumbent must successfully complete the designated, required training, which includes the basic VA Police Officer Standardized Training (POST). Additionally, the selectee must successfully complete the Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP) conducted at the selectee's assigned duty location or a different geographic area, and other in-service requirements and weapons qualifications for the enforcement of arrest
authority as conferred under 902 authority.

Essential Personnel: This position may be designated as essential personnel. Essential personnel must be able to serve during continuity of operation events without regard to declarations of liberal leave or government closures due to weather, protests, acts of terrorism, or lack of funding. Failure to report for or remain in this position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations (5 U.S.C. § 7501-7533 and 5 CFR Part 752, as applicable).

Law Enforcement: This position will possess law enforcement authority under Title 38 of the United States Code, Sections 901 & 902, exercising such authority to provide investigative and law enforcement services to Veterans, Federal employees, and members of the general public located and/or conducting business in government owned or leased properties.

Pre-Employment Medical Requirement: Prior to appointment, the person selected for this position must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties, which may include protecting citizens, taking suspects into custody using reasonable physical force in the face of physical resistance, and responding to situations requiring physical agility and quick and legally sufficient decision making. Also successfully pass a pre-employment medical examination (which includes, but is not limited to, vision, hearing, cardiovascular, physical, psychological exam, and mobility of extremities) given by an authorized government physician. This position may be subject to periodic incumbent examinations in the future.

Lautenberg Amendment: This position is covered by the 1996 Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968. Persons convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence are not eligible for this position.

Firearms Requirement: The incumbent will be required to carry a firearm or firearms while performing the duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory.

Motor Vehicle Operation: The incumbent must possess and maintain a valid automobile driver's license and be available for frequent travel.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

- Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this
position:
o Conflict Management
o Influencing/Negotiating
o Manages Resources
o Partnering
o Planning and Evaluating

- Supervisory Situational Judgment Test. Applicants will be required to complete a Supervisory Situational Judgment Test (SSJT) as part of the assessment process for this position. The SSJT evaluates judgment and decision-making skills that align with relevant competencies, organizational
values, and best practices. Assessment results may be used as part of the evaluation, ranking and referral process. This is not a timed test, however, the assessment is expected to take approximately 45 minutes or less to complete. The assessment for this application does not include
a cut score for a minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. However, you must answer each item in the assessment.


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.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

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.

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.