Lead Police Officer

Lead Police OfficerYou will serve as the Lead Police Officer with the Police Service of the VA Puget Sound Health Care System located in Seattle, Washington. The incumbent provides security and assistance to Veterans, patients, employees, contractors, volunteers, affiliates, visitors, and others who frequent VA facilities daily. Responsibilities include:Serving as a federal police officer with full law enforcement and investigative authorityLeading on investigations and personally conducting investigations, apprehensions, or detentionsConducting investigations with a nexus to VA, prisoner transport, patient search and recovery, life-saving efforts, disaster response and recovery, asset protection during transit, training, and other mattersReceiving and reviewing reports from staff, making revisions as needed before forwarding to the supervisor for final reviewPreparing and maintaining reports and recordsIdentifying and preserving evidence, writing comprehensive incident reports, preparing case files, and testifying in court as it pertains to enforcing laws and regulationsProviding patrol in vehicles, by foot, and/or on a bicycleDetecting and intervening in criminal activityResponding to calls for police assistance, irregularities, and unusual or suspicious circumstancesInvestigating incidents and taking steps to mitigate further risk and resolve situationsProviding emergency response coordination as neededPerforming drug and contraband intervention techniques and providing training to those areas where contraband identification and knowledge is imperativeLeading a team of police officers and other administrative staffDirecting day-to-day lead policing operations and non-lead policing assignmentsWorking in collaboration with the police supervisor carrying out PSs overall missionProviding input on performance rating and any disciplinary action of PS employeesResolving simple, informal complaints of employees and referring others to the supervisorSupporting the goals of equal employment opportunityProviding guidance to employees regarding specific assignments and ensuring available written instructions, reference materials, and supplies are presentCoaching and mentoring current and new employees to ensure employees obtain the necessary training to be productiveProviding on-the-job training to new employees in accordance with established procedures and practicesOther duties may be assignedWork Schedule: 12 hour shifts, based on needs of the serviceVirtual: This is not a virtual positionRequirementsConditions of Employment:You must be a U.S. CitizenAll applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointmentApplicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VASelective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959Subject to background/security investigationSelected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding processAcceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirementsEffective May 7, 2025, drivers licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employmentParticipation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Dept. of VA Health Care Personnel (HCP)Pass an initial pre-employment medical examination and an annual medical examination to include psychological assessmentMust be proficient in the English languagePass Police Officer Standardized Training (POST) at the Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC)Pass the POST/R (refresher) training course on a recurring basis as defined by VAMust be eligible for Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential and must maintain PIV credential eligibility during their services with the agencyMust meet the standards as outlined in the Lautenberg AmendmentAs a condition of employment, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which you will be evaluatedQualifications:To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement, 11/13/2025. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-6 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.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.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.You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:ArrestCriminal LawLeadershipManages Human ResourcesSecurityTeaching OthersExperience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs and other organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Physical Requirements: The work requires, on a regular and recurring basis, considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as running, climbing of multiple flights of stairs, and occasionally carrying items weighing over 50 pounds. The work requires stamina, physical agility, dexterity, and the strength to pursue, apprehend, or detain persons who are often uncooperative, assaultive, and/or armed.Additional Information:Receiving Service Credit or 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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.