The move follows several months of comprehensive analysis of the department's law enforcement procedures and serves as a critical step forward in implementing the recommendations made by the Office of Inspector General and Government Accountability Office. The realignment will be the most extensive since the creation of the police force and will fundamentally change standardization and oversight across the enterprise.

Duties

Serves as a Police Officer carrying out responsibilities where most work is performed on Veterans Affairs Departmental properties, which includes any properties owned, leased, or licensed to VA. Provides policing services in a variety of jurisdictional environments where each type of jurisdiction (Exclusive, Concurrent and Proprietorial) has different enforcement rules and requires Police Officers to understand the complexities and legally apply the correct set of laws, regulations, and processes. Provides services routinely at all segments of VA facilities located over large geographical areas, some of which may be in different states, counties, municipalities, or townships. Performs certain elements of the work away from Departmental properties when consistent with Federal law, regulation, VA policy and operational guidance. Protects Veterans, volunteers, and others on Departmental property, U.S. officials, other individuals, and him or herself during any given situation against threats to personal safety when force becomes necessary to enforce laws and regulations. Protects Veterans, employees and visitors sensitive and protected medical information from unauthorized release or unauthorized use where prohibited by law and or policy as guided by the privacy officer, FOIA, HIPPA, etc. Carries firearms and other VA approved weapons, intervenes when necessary to deescalate situations and determines when and how much force must be applied. Advises individuals of their (Miranda, Weingarten, Garrity, etc.) rights, and protects the constitutional and civil rights of persons. Conducts investigations with a nexus to VA, prisoner transports, patient search and recovery, life-saving efforts, disaster response and recovery, asset protection during transit, training, and other matters. Identifies and preserves evidence, writes comprehensive incident reports, prepares case files and testifies in court as it pertains to enforcing laws and regulations. Provides patrol in vehicles, by foot and/or on a bicycle. Detects and intervenes in criminal activity; responds to calls for police assistance, irregularities, and unusual or suspicious circumstances. Investigates incidents and takes steps to mitigate further risk and resolve situations. Provides emergency response coordination as needed. Performs drug and contraband intervention techniques and provides training to those areas where contraband identification and knowledge is imperative for the staff. Participates in the suicide prevention program and intervenes when needed to deescalate active suicidal behavior and/or prevents suicides. Operates specialized vehicles and equipment in support of law enforcement and security operations. Determines whether situations are criminal or civil and takes appropriate [legal] steps for each. Determines the level of crime committed (petty offense, misdemeanor, or felony, Federal or State statute); and takes applicable enforcement action. Enforces traffic rules and regulations, including those related to speeding and reckless operation of vehicles while impaired or intoxicated. Obtains assistance from a more senior Police Officer or supervisor in cases where policy is not clear. Participates in investigative contacts/stops, exercises search and arrest authority, detains witnesses, and apprehends suspects. Seeks, detects, seizes, and protects evidence and witnesses at the scene of an incident. Detains witnesses and suspects, makes arrests and performs booking procedures. Interviews witnesses and other persons involved and determines whether facts warrant an arrest or lesser action. Executes arrest warrants issued by federal and local courts. Coordinates or transports arrested parties to holding facilities and courts as required. Controls facility access via Entry Control Point (ECP) and Traffic Control Points (TCP) during emergency operations. Identifies persons requiring assistance or medical aid while on-patrol, performs on-scene assessments and determines the level of aid or emergency response required. Provides Basic Life Support (BLS) to injured personnel and coordinates additional emergency response when needed. Other duties as assigned. Driver's License Required. Work Schedule: Monday thru Fridays, Weekends, Holidays, Days, & Nights Position Description Title/PD#: Police Officer/PD99925A Physical Requirements: The work requires, on a regular and recurring basis, considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as running, frequent climbing of multiple flights of stairs, and carrying items weighing over 50 pounds. It requires stamina, physical agility, dexterity, and the strength to pursue, apprehend or detain persons who are often uncooperative, assaultive, and/or armed.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc
• Selected applicants will 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. GS-06 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: Experience that provided knowledge of a body of basic laws and regulations, law enforcement operations, practices, and techniques and involved responsibility for maintaining order and protecting life and property. Creditable specialized experience may have been gained in work on a police force; through service as a military police officer; in work providing visitor protection and law enforcement in parks, forests, or other natural resource or recreational environments; in performing criminal investigative duties; or in other work that provided the required knowledge and skills. There is no educational substitution for the GS-06 level. 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.

Contacts

• Address Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center 1111 East End Boulevard Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 US
• Name: Shala Johnson
• Phone: (412) 822-2186
• Email: [email protected]