Veterans Health Administration Logo
Position Title
Police Officer
Agency
Veterans Health Administration
Announcement Number
CBSX-11174304-21-DN Opens in new window
Open Period
Friday, July 16, 2021 to Friday, July 30, 2021
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans' Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you currently employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs?
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50).  Your SF-50 must include enough information to be able to determine that time-in-grade requirements have been met (if applicable) and include your position title, pay plan/series/grade, tenure and the type of appointment (i.e. Competitive or Excepted).  Please be aware that award SF-50's do not always include this pertinent information.
(limit characters)
3. Are you an employee of the facility indicated for this position?
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50).  Your SF-50 must include enough information to be able to determine that time-in-grade requirements have been met (if applicable) and include your position title, pay plan/series/grade, tenure and the type of appointment (i.e. Competitive or Excepted).  Please be aware that award SF-50's do not always include this pertinent information.
(limit characters)
4. Are you a National Cemetery Administration (NCA) employee?
This includes: Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. and meets interchange agreement requirements). This does not include temporary, term or temporary intermittent.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50).  Your SF-50 must include enough information to be able to determine that time-in-grade requirements have been met (if applicable) and include your position title, pay plan/series/grade, tenure and the type of appointment (i.e. Competitive or Excepted).  Please be aware that award SF-50's do not always include this pertinent information.
(limit characters)
5. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND you:
  • have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more; OR,
  • retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. You must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
(limit characters)
6. 1. Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces? (Includes all spouses of members of the armed forces on active duty. Spouses do not have to relocate with active duty service member) To verify your eligibility, submit: (1) Copy of your marriage license. (2) Proof of service members active duty status.
-OR-

2. Are you the spouse of a service member who:
  1. is retired, released, or discharged from the Armed Forces due to a service-connected injury; AND
  2. on the date on which the member retires, is released, or is discharged, has a disability rating of 100 percent under the standard schedule of rating disabilities in use by the Department of Veterans Affairs;
To verify your eligibility, submit: (1) a copy of your marriage license. (2)  DD-214, documenting retirement, release, or discharge due to disability. (3) Disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service, specifying 100% disability at the time of discharge, release or retirement from active duty service.

-OR-

3. Are you the spouse of a deceased service member who:
  1. was married to the service member on the date the service member died, while on active duty in the Armed Forces; AND
  2. has not remarried.

To verify your eligibility, submit: (1) a copy of your marriage license, documentation identifying marital status at the time of death and proof that you have not remarried. (2) DD-214 documenting the death of the service member while on active duty, the death certificate; or a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service, etc. specifying the service member's death while on active duty.
For more information, review USAJOBS Military Spouses resources

Note: The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (NDAA FY19), section 573(e) sunsets these statutory changes on August 12, 2023, after which time the provisions at 5 USC 3330(d) in effect prior to the date of enactment (i.e., August 12, 2018) will apply again.

(limit characters)
7. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • your grade 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 Help Center.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
(limit characters)
8. 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:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
(limit characters)
9. Are you a current Federal employee in the excepted service in an agency covered by an Interchange Agreement with at least one year of service in that position?  

For more information, review Interchange Agreements with Other Merit Systems

-OR-

Are you a current:
• Postal Career Service Employee;
• Postal Rate Commission Employee;
• Government Accountability Office (GAO) Employee; or,
• Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Employee?

For more information, review Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated By U.S. Office of Personnel Management

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form (SF-50) reflecting your status.
(limit characters)
10. Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for Schedule A Disability appointments?

For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.

To verify your eligibility, you must provide appropriate medical documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.
(limit characters)
11. Do you have prior Career or Career-Conditional Service with the Federal Government? If so, you may be eligible for reinstatement.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your separation Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your separation SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
  • career or career-conditional (Tenure field box 24. is 1 or 2); AND, 
  • your status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field box 34. is 1).
  • highest grade previously held (Grade or Level field box 18.)
(limit characters)
12. Are you currently employed as a civilian employee in the competitive service in a federal agency other than the Department of Veterans Affairs?
 
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting your permanent, competitive status. Your SF-50 (or equivalent personnel action form) must reflect:
  • career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND,
  • your status is in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).
(limit characters)
13. Are you a veteran whose latest discharge was under honorable conditions AND you:
  • served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (NOTE: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the eligibility); OR,
  • are entitled to veterans' preference?
For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character of service.  *Note current Federal employees must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements.
(limit characters)
14. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND you:
  • recently separated (within the past 3 years); OR,
  • are a disabled veteran; OR,
  • served on active duty during a war, campaign or expedition; OR,
  • received an Armed Forces Service Medal?
If eligible, submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If claiming disability preference, provide the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If claiming disability preference, you must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15.
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Which of the following items describes your current or recent (within the last five years) political appointee service?

If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.
(limit characters)
2. Selected applicants are required to successfully complete a comprehensive medical and psychological examination prior to entering on duty to determine fitness for duty as a Police Officer. Will you comply with this requirement? (limit characters)
3. Are you willing to undergo a background investigation, which may include the administration of a polygraph examination? (limit characters)
4. New VA Police Officers are required to attend an 8-week course at the VA Law Enforcement Training Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Satisfactory completion of this course is a condition of continued employment. Would you be willing to attend such training in a location that may be away from your current residence? (limit characters)
5. A Police Officer may be expected to continue irregular duty hours either at the Medical Center, local police offices, or at court especially during investigations of serious criminal incidents. This type of working schedule may negatively affect or burden family responsibilities. Are you willing to accept these working conditions? (limit characters)
6. Police Officers encounter people experiencing extreme poverty and personal hardship, such as separation from family who are difficult, hostile or distressed. Investigators also may witness drowning's, vehicle accidents, and other tragedies. Police Officers are occasionally exposed to people who carry infectious diseases. Would you be able to work in these conditions? (limit characters)
Resume Reminder- Your resume must include the following information for 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.
(limit characters)
Veterans' Preference Documentation Reminder: In order to receive appropriate consideration, you should submit proper documentation if you are claiming eligibility for Veterans' 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 Veterans' Preference along with the required documentation listed on the form (such as verification of service-connected disability percentage). (limit characters)
7. Driver's License: A current, valid state-issued Driver's License is required for this position. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid state-issued Driver's License.

Do you possess a current and valid state-issued driver's license?
(limit characters)
8. Please provide your driver's license number, issuing state and expiration date along with the class and any endorsements.. Reminder - Do no include a copy of your license; if referred for interview it may be requested at that time. (limit characters)
9. Are you willing to accept the working conditions for this position as detailed in the announcement? This includes:
  • Attendance at VA Law Enforcement Training Center in Little Rock, Arkansas
  • Random drug testing
  • Medical and psychological examination
  • Character investigation
(limit characters)
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. (limit characters)
All applicants must meet one of the following. 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. (limit characters)
1. GS-10: Carefully read the following descriptions below. Select the one response below that best describes your qualifications for this position at the GS-09 grade level. (Please ensure your resume/application supports the response that you select.) (limit characters)
Selective Placement Factors (SPF) are a prerequisite to appointment and represents minimum requirements for a position. Applicants who do not meet the SPF are ineligible for further consideration. (limit characters)
2. I possess a current, valid driver's license to operate a motor vehicle.
(limit characters)
For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Please note that your answers will be verified against the information you provided in your resume. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
3. Oversee i.e. investigation, detention and/or apprehension of individuals suspected or convicted of offenses against the criminal laws of the United States and the Rules and Regulations Governing Security, Law Enforcement, and/or Standards of Conduct on Veteran Affairs Property.
(limit characters)
4. Collaborate with the Police Operations Officer in the daily supervision and enforcement of federal, state, and local laws pertaining to i.e. the physical protection of patients, visitors, employees, personal property within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center and/or the protection of civil rights for all personnel on federally-owned property.
(limit characters)
5. Interpret/utilize prescribed Medical Center agreements with local law enforcement agencies with respect to e.g. exchanging information, serving of processes, assisting investigations of other jurisdiction, reporting the flight of criminals into outside jurisdictions or onto Medical Center property and fully cooperates in activities that ensures the public's welfare during life threatening emergencies.
(limit characters)
6. Assure subordinates are conducting vigorous, inquisitive patrol activities at the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, to include the CBOC's of the medical center, which i.e. assures random patrol patterns, meet special protective service requirements, and/or provide maximum visibility to deter against crime and provide a secure environment for the employees, patients and visitors.
(limit characters)
7. Determine on the spot temporary changes in patrol assignments and/or mission priorities to meet requirements of security and law enforcement for the Medical Center.
(limit characters)
8. Determine the need for searches to collect and secure contraband, which could cause bodily harm to Medical Center patients, employees, and visitors in the preservation of the peaceful environment requisite to the operation of the medical treatment programs.
(limit characters)
9. Assure that first line supervisors conduct personal equipment inspections of their subordinates to ensure the safety of the officer is not jeopardized by defective equipment (i.e., protective vest, radios, police vehicle, authorized weapons, etc.).
(limit characters)
10. Promote an environment in which employees are empowered to participate in and contribute to effective mission accomplishment.
(limit characters)
11. Ensure that work is distributed fairly among his/her subordinates while following station policy, police procedures and security directives.
(limit characters)
12. Plan/coordinate the daily duty schedules and monthly work schedules ensuring minimum coverage is met to provide 24-hour law enforcement coverage for the Medical center.
(limit characters)
13. Supervise a team of police lieutenants, sergeants, police officers, detectives and/or other law enforcement staff, who carry out day-to-day, routine crime suppression and investigative functions. (limit characters)
14. Inspect personnel, facilities, and tactics for safety and/or training needs.. (limit characters)
15. Provide supervision to the first line supervisors for the Medical Center Police Officers and/or actively participates in all police functions as needed.
(limit characters)
16. Assist the Police Operations Officer for the daily law enforcement operations involving VA Police Officers and/or fill the position of a first line Supervisory Police Officer during an extended absence as needed.
(limit characters)
17. Ensure the first line supervisors approve and/or disapprove annual/sick leave keeping in mind minimal manning requirements and limiting the use of overtime.
(limit characters)
18. Respond to highly dangerous and active crimes in progress and/or makes independent decisions to direct/coordinate immediate steps to preserve life and property. (limit characters)
19. Assure law enforcement/physical security standards are i.e. maintained, exercised with a high degree of efficiency, gives technical advice and assistance to subordinates when needed.
(limit characters)
20. Ensure his/her subordinates defuses stress associated with enforcing laws or regulations when the sensitivity in handling the situation is heightened more by the nature of the offender than the seriousness of the crime.
(limit characters)
21. Identify employees developmental needs to provide and/or arrange for training (formal and on-the-job) to improve job performance.
(limit characters)
22. Assign performance expectations to employees i.e. provide regular feedback on strengths and weaknesses, hold employees responsible for satisfactory completion of work assignments.
(limit characters)
Verification Statement (limit characters)
23. I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all the information included in this questionnaire is true, correct, and provided in good faith. I understand that if I make an intentional false statement, or commit deception or fraud in this application and its supporting materials, or in any document or interview associated with the examination process, I may be fined or imprisoned (18 U.S.C. 1001); my eligibilities may be cancelled; I may be denied an appointment; or I may be removed and debarred from Federal service (5 C.F.R. part 731). I understand that any information I give may be investigated and that responding "No" or providing no response to this item will result in my not being considered for this position.
(limit characters)