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Position Title
Social Science Specialist (Crisis Responder)
Agency
Veterans Health Administration
Announcement Number
CBZY-12568989-25-VPM Opens in new window
Open Period
Thursday, October 17, 2024 to Thursday, October 24, 2024
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. Reasonable Accommodations for taking the online assessments are provided on a case-by-case basis only to qualified individuals with a disability covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

Do you have a disability (physical or mental) that you believe will interfere with completing the online assessments and require a Reasonable Accommodation?

(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)
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)
  • Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held
  • 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. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages or encrypted, and digitally signed documents linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.
(limit characters)
By submitting your application, you are certifying, to the best of your knowledge and belief, all the information submitted by you with your application for employment is true, complete, and made in good faith, and that you have truthfully and accurately represented your work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education (degrees, accomplishments, etc.). The information you provide as part of your application may be investigated. You are also certifying, and acknowledging, that misrepresenting your experience or education, or providing false or fraudulent information in, or with your application, may affect your eligibility for appointment and/or continued employment. False or fraudulent statements may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001). (limit characters)
2. 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? (limit characters)
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)
If you are basing your qualifications on education (or a combination of education and experience) or if the position requires a college education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
The following are requirements for appointment as a Social Science Specialist (Crisis Responder) within the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). The VCL connects Veterans and Service members in crisis, along with their families and others, with qualified Social Science Specialists (also known as Crisis Responders) through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Social Science Specialist (Crisis Responders) are trained to assist Veterans and Service members through various kinds of behavioral health crisis situations by providing support and referrals to VA and local services. 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)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
1. Citizenship: Are you a citizen of the United States? (limit characters)
2. English Language Proficiency: Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English.

Are you proficient in spoken and written English?
(limit characters)
3. Basic Requirements: Select the ONE statement below that best describes your education and experience to meet the basic requirements for this position. (limit characters)
4. GS-11 Experience/Education Requirement: Select the ONE statement below that best describes your education and/or experience for this position. (limit characters)
5. You must be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) for appointment at this grade level and assignment. Please choose a response below in regards to the following KSAs:

(a) Ability to provide an evidenced based crisis intervention through a variety of modalities (e.g., telephone interviews, chat/text services, or social media forums).
(b) Ability to carry out crisis management steps while withholding judgment on controversial behaviors and not imposing one's values during the contact.
(c) Ability to effectively prioritize complex problems quickly and respond appropriately in a crisis situation.
(limit characters)
6. Are you willing and able to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed to support the 24/7 operations of the Veterans Crisis Line? (limit characters)