Law Enforcement Specialist - Infrastructure Protection Program Management

Veterans Health Administration • El Paso, TX

27d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Security and Preparedness (OSP), Field Operations Division, VA Police Service. The mission of the VA Police Service is to provide law enforcement, protective services, and investigative services to the VA Community, which includes Veterans, federal employees, affiliates, contractors, visitors, and others who receive services, work, or visit VA (VHA, VBA, & NCA) facilities nationwide.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply.
• Must complete all required steps in the process, including application, questionnaire, and an online assessment.
• Selected applicants are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• 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.
• Driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment effective May 7, 2025.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period.
• 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 by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-9.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-9 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include Subject Matter Expert in terms of Physical Security programs. Mastery knowledge of the criteria, equipment, and techniques of security administration and programs to resolve well-defined questions and conditions that uniquely arise during program activities. Knowledge of the interrelationship of personnel, information, industrial, automation, counterterrorism, and VIP visit security programs. Detailed knowledge of State and Federal laws and the ability to apply them both without needing to reference written sources. Knowledge of building construction blueprints and contracts to provide physical security input on all planned projects concerning security engineering and electronic security systems. Knowledge of time management skills to add, monitor, track, and complete daily tasks and assignments.
• Incumbent must meet the established experience, basic training, and inservice training requirements established for the enforcement of police powers.
• Incumbent must successfully complete the designated, required training, which includes the basic VA Police Officer Standardized Training (POST) and required Physical Security and Infrastructure training.
• The selectee must successfully complete the Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP) conducted at the selectee's assigned duty location or a different geographic area, and other in-service requirements and weapons qualifications for the enforcement of arrest authority as conferred under 902 authority.
• This position may be designated as essential personnel.
• This position will possess law enforcement authority under Title 38 of the United States Code, Sections 901 & 902.
• Prior to appointment, the person selected for this position must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment medical examination (which includes, but is not limited to, vision, hearing, cardiovascular, physical, psychological exam, and mobility of extremities) given by an authorized government physician.
• Persons convicted of a misdemeanor or felony crime of domestic violence are not eligible for this position.
• The incumbent will be required to carry a firearm or firearms while performing the duties of this position. Maintaining firearm proficiency is also mandatory.
• Must possess and maintain a valid automobile driver's license and be available for frequent travel.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
• Combination of specialized experience and education beyond a master's degree.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the physical security program across the Health Care System's catchment area (VA-owned and leased properties) by coordinating efforts or functions that impact multiple Medical Centers and sites of care.
• Participates and leads in the Community of Practice (COP) across Medical Centers.
• Develops and leads the implementation of initiatives on behalf of the Police Services and OSP Leadership.
• Acts on behalf of Police Services leadership to coordinate and manage a multi-Medical Center physical security program.
• As required, conduct audits and provide oversight of Physical Security functions conducted by Law Enforcement Specialists for the department.
• Serves as a physical security Subject Matter Expert (SME) to Medical Center Leadership and Police Services as needed.
• Serves as the Infrastructure Protection Program Manager (IPPM) managing all aspects of the Security Program for the Medical Center/Health Care System, which ensures that individuals requiring access have been vetted.
• Provides physical security support for Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, and National Cemetery Administration (VHA/VBA/NCA).
• Assist in evaluating risk and developing procedures and physical security measures designed to safeguard personnel, property, and operations from unauthorized access, espionage, terrorism, sabotage, damage, and theft.
• Performs a wide variety of duties encompassing the enforcement and compliance of laws relating to the protection of life, property, and federal assets.
• Enforces all federal, state, and local laws pertaining to violations on government property and federally controlled assets.
• Preserves the peace, prevents crimes, arrests offenders, and provides police assistance during emergency and/or life-threatening situations.
• Pursues and apprehends persons fleeing a crime scene or attempting to resist arrest.
• Engages in the hot pursuit of a fleeing felon and may leave jurisdictional boundaries to conduct investigations.
• Apprehends wanted persons who are accused of crimes in other jurisdictions; stops, questions, and detains such persons and notifies the appropriate law enforcement or judicial agencies.
• Conducts investigations; requires and receives information relating to criminal offenses; serves and executes search and arrest warrants; serves subpoenas and summonses; administers oaths; makes arrests without warrant; takes actions to preserve the peace while protecting the federal government facilities and personnel; bears firearms and performs other activities in accordance with Title 38, United States Code, Sections 901 and 902.
• Serves as a member of a Crisis Intervention Team, responding to and recognizing Veterans experiencing mental health crisis, utilizing advanced de-escalation strategies and knowledge of VA resources to ensure the best possible outcome for our nation's Veterans.
• Liaisons with other federal, state, and local public safety agencies to conduct training and communication networks to increase the effectiveness of Veteran Centric Policing models.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree