Summary This Lead Police Officer (Sergeant) position within the VA VHA Police Service ensures safety across all VA facilities nationwide, including medical centers, clinics, domiciliaries, and administrative sites. Responsibilities Included but are not limited to: Leads police and administrative staff, overseeing daily operations and assignments. Assigns, reviews, and approves staff tasks, ensuring balanced workload. Seeks supervisor guidance on complex issues and performance standards. Provides instructions, resources, and training to staff. Coordinates staff selection, training, and performance evaluations. Prepares work estimates, maintains records, and generates reports. Mentors employees to ensure proper training and productivity. Approves limited leave; resolves minor employee complaints, escalating complex issues. Coordinates services across VA facilities nationwide. Provides leadership during threats, enforcing laws and protecting personnel. Conducts and oversees investigations, apprehensions, and detention of suspects. Reviews staff reports, making necessary revisions before final submission. Patrols via vehicle, foot, or bicycle to ensure safety and security. Disclosure Statement: The Veterans Health Administration is currently participating in an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) classification consistency review. As a result of this review, there is the potential that the grade level of this position may be lowered or downgraded. Please be aware that any such changes would be determined and implemented in accordance with applicable federal classification standards and regulations. Work Schedule: Full-time, Rotating Shifts, Weekends, and Holidays Compressed/Flexible: This position does not have a compressed/flexible schedule. Telework: This position is not authorized for telework. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Lead Police Officer (Sergeant)/PD14829LS Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the 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 dentification 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 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 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, 05/26/2026. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: 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. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Attention to Detail Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Reading Comprehension Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork 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. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR POLICE OFFICER POSITION: Driver's License Requirement: Applicants must possess a valid, unrestricted State driver's license, have a safe driving record, and demonstrate that he or she is medically qualified to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely. Applicants are required to pass agency Government Vehicle Drivers physical examination. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your driver's license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your valid state-issued driver's license. Firearm Requirement: VA Police Officers are required to carry agency-approved firearms while on duty on VA property. Officers must achieve and maintain qualification/certification with the agency-approved firearms as condition of gaining and continuing employment as a Police Officer. Applicants must be able to possess firearms under the terms of the Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended (18 U.S.C. 922(g)(9). Academy Training Requirement: New VA Police Officers are required to undergo and successfully complete ten (10) weeks of police academy training at the VA Law Enforcement Training Center in Little Rock, Arkansas within 90 days of entrance on duty. Psychological Assessment: Selected candidate will be required to take an initial and annual psychological assessment of their emotional and mental stability by a psychiatrist or psychologist. Any emotional or mental condition which could cause the applicant/officer to be a hazard to others or self during stressful situations and physical altercations will disqualify. The initial psychological assessment will consist of a structured interview and standardized, objective written psychological testing by a psychologist or psychiatrist. The annual psychological assessment will consist of a structured interview, which may lead to further testing as determined by the examining psychologist of psychiatrist. Medical Examination Requirement: A medical examination is required by all selected candidates. The duties of positions require moderate to arduous physical exertion and/or duties of a hazardous nature. The following medical requirements apply to all applicants: good near and distant vision, ability to distinguish basic colors, and ability to hear the conversational voice. Security Clearance Requirements: This position is a public trust position and requires an extensive background investigation. All selected candidates and current employees must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of position without risk to themselves or others. Selected candidates and employees must possess emotional and mental stability. A psychological examination is required. In most instances, a specific medical condition or impairment will not automatically disqualify a selected candidate or employee. A medical condition or impairment is disqualifying only if condition, for good medical reason, precludes assignment to or warrants restriction from the duties of the specific position. For some positions, the loss or impairment of a specific function may be compensated for by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid. Reasonable accommodation shall also be considered in determining an applicant's ability to perform the duties of a position. Officers must successfully meet the requirements prior to entering on duty and annually thereafter as a condition of continued employment. Work Environment: Work in varying and diverse working conditions. Indoors, outdoors, day or night, all climates, in a safe environment or in one with potential for imminent danger. Will be required to work overtime, and different shifts that include weekends and holidays. Will wear a firearm and the required police uniform and equipment, including a protective vest which may be uncomfortable. Will spend time at crime scenes, which may be very unpleasant at times. May be required to work in a biohazard environment and be required to wear protective equipment. The work environment will fluctuate and selectee must be flexible to adapt to the changing conditions. 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. Additional Requirements: Applicants must be at least 21 years old as of the closing date of this vacancy announcement Applicants must have the capacity to perform essential functions of the position safely Applicants must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted State driver's license, have a safe driving record, and demonstrate medical qualification to operate the appropriate motor vehicle safely LAUTENBERG AMENDMENT: Applicants convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are ineligible for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Police Officer positions 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/. Education There is no educational substitution at this grade level (GS-06 and above). Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
