- Position Title
- Health Science Specialist - Crisis Hotline Responder
- Agency
- Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
- Announcement Number
- CARZ-10046052-17-LMP Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Tuesday, September 5, 2017 to Friday, September 22, 2017
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
2.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
- you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
- your grade at the time of displacement is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy AND
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
3.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the Department of Veterans Affairs?
If yes, confirm:
For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
If yes, confirm:
- you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy
- your grade at the time of displacement equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy and
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Resource Center.
Preferences
Please indicate either Yes or No for the following questions regarding the conditions of employment/working conditions of this position. Please note that failure to accept these conditions will result in being ineligible for further consideration.
1.
Crisis Hotline Responders are expected to work irregular hours including days, evening, nights, weekends and holidays. This type of working schedule may negatively affect or burden family responsibilities. Are you willing to accept these working conditions?
2.
Crisis Hotline Responders regularly encounter people experiencing extreme poverty, personal hardship, and those who are hostile or distressed. Would you be able to work in these conditions?
3.
Crisis Hotline Responders must complete 7 weeks of mandatory training. During this time employees will not be able to request any time off work. Some of this training may take place on holidays and may require several weeks of travel to Canandaigua, NY or Atlanta, GA. Are you willing to accept these working conditions?
Assessment 1
Select the appropriate answer to each of the following questions based on your current level of education and/or experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. When answering the questionnaire, remember that your experience and education are subject to verification by investigation. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation of experience or education as proof to support your answers, or you may be required to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability to perform a task.
In order to qualify for this position you must meet the Basic Requirement as well as the additional qualification requirements. Please indicate Yes or No for the following question:
1.
Basic Requirement: All qualified applicants must meet this Basic Requirement for the GS-601 series. Do you possess 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. Copies of transcripts are required at the time of application.
In addition to meeting the Basic Requirement above, you must also meet one of the following additional requirements. Select the statements below that best describes your experience and/or education to meet the specific qualification requirements for the Health Science Specialist - Crisis Hotline Responder at the GS-9 and GS-11 level. Please refer to the Qualifications and Duties sections of this vacancy announcement for detailed information.
2.
GS-9: Do you have at least one (1) 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.
3.
GS-9: Have you 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.
4.
GS-9: Do you 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.
5.
In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. Are you proficient in basic written and spoken English?
The following question is a Quality Ranking Factor. Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) are skills, knowledge, abilities, or other worker characteristics which could be expected to result in superior performance on the job. Quality ranking factors will not be used for screening, but may be used as ranking criteria. Applicants with higher proficiency levels may rank above those with lower proficiency levels on a quality ranking factor.
6.
Do you have experience providing supportive counseling to those actively experiencing mental health crisis situations?
7.
If you responded 'yes' to the QRF, in the box below please provide a brief example of where you gained experience providing supportive counseling to those actively experiencing mental health crisis situations. (If not applying online, you may fax this information on an additional piece of paper). This information must also be supported by your resume. (You will not receive credit for your response if you fail to supply supporting information in your resume.)
The following statements pertain to Interpersonal Skills (Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations; is sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences).
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
8.
Communicates empathically with those who have faced trauma and isolation
9.
Quickly builds rapport with callers
10.
Counsels family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, and supporting loves ones in crisis
11.
Manages interactions with clients to ensure appropriate level of support is provided in an efficient manner
12.
Effectively deals with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed
The following statements pertain to Oral Communication (Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately).
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
13.
Communicates treatment plans to medical and/or psychiatric providers
14.
Recognizes individual differences and adapts communication style accordingly
15.
Conducts telephone interviews utilizing the Crisis Intervention Models
16.
Obtains necessary information to formulate and implement a plan of care based on current needs and health status
17.
Electronically reviews assessments completed by others and obtains missing information from providers, patients and medical records
The following statements pertain to Psychology (Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of human behavior and performance in various contexts, mental processes, or the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders).
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
18.
Assesses lethality and triages patients in mental health crisis
19.
Provides instruction and direct advice regarding suicide/mental health crisis
20.
Provides brief supportive counseling to clients who are in emotional distress and/or seeking information on available mental health services
21.
Conducts assessments to determine emotional, functional, and psychological conditions
22.
Utilizes a variety of techniques to address issues such as depression, anxiety, suicidal impulses, stress, trauma, self-esteem, grief, addiction and substance abuse
The following statements pertain to Stress Tolerance (Deals calmly and effectively with high stress situations - for example, tight deadlines, hostile individuals, emergency situations, dangerous situations).
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
23.
Maintains composure during periods of intense stress or during emergencies
24.
Provides supportive counseling to help people with extremely stressful or overwhelming situations
25.
Uses critical decision making skills to quickly, logically, and accurately prioritize needs and potential crisis situations
26.
Simultaneously talks, types data into an electronic medical record, and looks at various screens to locate client information quickly and accurately
27.
Deals calming and effectively in managing dangerous situations.
The following statements pertain to Influencing/Negotiating (Persuades others to accept recommendations, cooperate, or change their behavior; works with others towards an agreement; negotiates to find mutually acceptable solutions).
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
28.
Persuades others to change their minds or behavior
29.
Develops a safety plan for those at risk during a crisis call
30.
Maintains therapeutic contact with patients, families/significant others, and staff to arrive at an evaluation and recommendation for treatment
31.
Engages clients/callers in order to understand their unique needs and provide appropriate individualized service and referral options
32.
Explains the purpose and benefits of various programs and encourages the use of agency and community resources
The following statements pertain to Technology Application (Uses machines, tools, instruments, or equipment effectively; uses computers and computer applications to analyze and communicate information in the appropriate format).
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided.
33.
Enters call information into a computerized record system
34.
Completes patient notes and enters them into the electronic medical record
35.
Utilizes Microsoft Office to include Excel, Outlook and Word in completing work assignments
36.
Uses texting software to communicate
37.
Uses online chat software to communicate
Veteran's Preference Documentation Reminder - In order to receive appropriate preference consideration, you should submit proper documentation if you are claiming eligibility for veteran's preference, which includes a copy of your DD-214 (member copy 4 or earlier version that shows character of service). Applicant's claiming 10-Point preference should also submit an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference along with the required documentation listed on the SF-15 form (such as verification of service-connected disability percentage).
Transcript Reminder- Due to the positive education requirement, copies of all pertinent transcripts must be submitted with your application. Applications will not be considered without appropriate transcripts.
RESUME REMINDER- Your resume must include the following information each job listed: Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible) Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008) Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week) Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.