Supervisory Law Enforcement Specialist - Deputy Field Chief

Veterans Health Administration • Seattle, WA

4d • 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 for this job
• 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
• Effective May 7, 2025, 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.
• 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 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• 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. For a GS-12 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service.
• An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials.
• If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.
• Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-11 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Assisting with the operating, directing, and controlling law enforcement and physical security activities; assessing situations and determining appropriate responses; responding to active threat situations; delegating work and evaluating performance of police personnel; providing training on equipment and security systems; conducting arrests, investigating criminal activities, and protecting crime scenes; and ensuring the safety of staff and visitors while on facility property.
• 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.
• 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).
• New VA Police Officers are required to attend an 8 - 10-week course at the VA Law Enforcement Training Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Satisfactory completion of this course is a condition of continued employment.
• A medical examination is required.
• The duties of these 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.
• Applicants and employees must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of the position without risk to themselves or others.
• Applicants and employees must possess emotional and mental stability.
• A psychological examination is required.
• A character investigation will be conducted on applicants selected for employment.
• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Nice To Haves

• The position is primarily performed in an office-like setting. However, there is the potential for dangerous situations to occur at VA installations to include physical assaults, assaults involving various hidden and open weapons, including firearms, knives, clubs, etc.
• The position is responsible for physically interacting with aggressive persons.
• In addition, there can be exposure to moderate discomfort and unpleasantness during adverse weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the alter ego and second-in-command for the Field Chief and fully shares the authorities and responsibilities of the Field Chief.
• Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for multiple organizational units within the service line, ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives and directives from senior leadership.
• Guides subordinate managers and supervisors in implementing policies, procedures, and performance standards that support mission priorities and service delivery goals.
• Evaluates management practices across the service line to ensure consistency, equity, and compliance with regulatory and organizational requirements.
• Reviews and approves recommendations for staffing actions-including selections, promotions, details, and reassignments-ensuring decisions support workforce planning and succession strategies.
• Establishes service line performance benchmarks and ensures subordinate leaders effectively communicate expectations, monitor progress, and provide constructive feedback to their teams.
• Oversees performance management processes for subordinate managers, ensuring fair and consistent application of rating methodologies across the service line.
• Approves or recommends awards, pay actions, and recognition programs within delegated authority to reinforce high performance and employee engagement.
• Serves as the escalation point for complex employee relations issues, providing guidance on corrective actions and reviewing proposed disciplinary measures for compliance and appropriateness.
• Collaborates with senior leadership on unresolved matters requiring higher-level intervention.
• Identifies service line training and development needs, ensuring managers facilitate opportunities that enhance workforce capability and readiness.
• Oversees leave administration and staffing plans to maintain operational coverage during peak periods and holidays.
• Champions a positive, inclusive work environment that adheres to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) principles and fosters employee engagement.
• Monitors organizational climate, proactively addressing systemic issues and promoting workplace safety and well-being.
• Conducts periodic reviews of organizational structure, position descriptions, and resource allocation to optimize efficiency and ensure alignment with mission objectives.
• Demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence through data-driven decision-making and collaboration with senior leadership.
• Serves as a key VA official during emergencies for effective protective and recovery operations with local, state, and other Federal agencies.
• Manages operations during emergencies, due to natural or man-made causes, for facilities affected, and oversee plans and actions required to ensure law enforcement and security operations are maintained.
• Actions include planning, coordinating, and providing oversight of the allocation of law enforcement assets from facilities within the assigned area.
• Ensures the development of plans for the protection of VA facilities threatened by civil disturbances, mob demonstrations, riot, or other commotion across the area's catchment.
• 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.
• Review our benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed