Supervisory Law Enforcement Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Philadelphia, PA

14h • Onsite

About The Position

This position is within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Security and Preparedness, Field Operations Division, VA Police Service. The VA Police Service provides law enforcement, protective, and investigative services to Veterans, federal employees, affiliates, contractors, visitors, and others who receive services, work, or visit VA facilities nationwide.

The position serves as the alter ego and second-in-command for the Field Chief, sharing the Field Chief’s authorities and responsibilities. It provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for multiple organizational units, guiding subordinate managers and supervisors and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, policies, and performance standards. The role oversees workforce planning, performance management, employee relations, training and development, leave administration, organizational structure, and resource allocation.

The position also provides executive oversight and strategic direction for law enforcement, compliance, physical security, and investigative operations. It advises on security policy and compliance risk; helps resolve complex contracting issues; directs research into security devices and equipment; and collaborates across VA administrations on security requirements and contracts. The role ensures that operations comply with federal, state, and local laws and applicable VA policies, and that investigations, warrant service, evidence management, crime prevention, emergency response, and apprehension activities meet legal and procedural standards.

The position is not virtual. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, either 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The position requires a valid, unrestricted state driver’s license, a safe driving record, medical qualification to operate a government vehicle, and the ability to possess and qualify with agency-approved firearms. A one-year probationary period or two-year trial period is required. Relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized; permanent change of station is authorized.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Complete all required application steps, including the application, assessment, and questionnaire.
• Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Successful background/security investigation and completion of online onboarding requirements.
• Participation in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Complete a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• For current or former federal employees subject to time-in-grade requirements: 52 weeks at GS-11 for a GS-12 position, with supporting SF-50 documentation.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11 in the normal line of progression, such as planning and assigning work; solving work-quality or operational problems; directing facility law enforcement and security operations; evaluating security surveys or assessments; advising leadership on security policies and procedures; directing crime prevention and investigations; responding to emergencies and criminal threats; and implementing enterprise risk-management strategies.
• Possess a valid, unrestricted state driver's license, a safe driving record, and medical qualification to operate the appropriate government motor vehicle safely; pass the agency Government Vehicle Drivers physical examination.
• Be able to possess firearms under the terms of the Gun Control Act of 1968, as amended, and achieve and maintain qualification or certification with agency-approved firearms.
• Complete the Supervisory Situational Judgment Test and answer every assessment item.
• Competencies assessed include conflict management, influencing/negotiating, managing resources, partnering, planning and evaluating, and supervisory situational judgment.
• There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Field Chief’s alter ego and second-in-command, sharing the Chief’s authorities and responsibilities.
• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for multiple organizational units and ensure alignment with enterprise objectives and senior leadership directives.
• Guide subordinate managers and supervisors in implementing policies, procedures, and performance standards.
• Evaluate management practices for consistency, equity, and compliance with regulatory and organizational requirements.
• Review and approve staffing recommendations, including selections, promotions, details, and reassignments, in support of workforce planning and succession strategies.
• Establish service line performance benchmarks and oversee communication of expectations, progress monitoring, feedback, and performance management for subordinate managers.
• Approve or recommend awards, pay actions, and recognition programs within delegated authority.
• Provide guidance on complex employee relations issues and review proposed disciplinary measures; collaborate with senior leadership on unresolved matters.
• Identify service line training and development needs and oversee leave administration and staffing plans to maintain operational coverage, including during peak periods and holidays.
• Review organizational structure, position descriptions, and resource allocation to improve efficiency and support mission objectives.
• Use data-driven decision-making and collaborate with senior leadership to advance continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Collaborate to resolve complex contracting issues that may affect VA’s security posture across Medical Centers, VBA Regional Offices, and National Cemeteries.
• Direct research into innovative security devices to meet national security directives and policies.
• Collaborate across VA administrations to identify law enforcement and security equipment and service requirements.
• Facilitate or advise on contracts of varying dollar values to promote economies of scale, uniformity, and cost reductions.
• Provide executive oversight and strategic direction for law enforcement and compliance operations.
• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local laws governing protection of life, property, and government assets.
• Interpret and implement policies, regulations, and directives to maintain security and enforce applicable statutes.
• Oversee investigations and enforcement activities, including crime prevention, emergency response, and offender apprehension under Title 38, U.S.C., Sections 901 and 902.
• Establish standards for investigations, warrant service, and evidence management that comply with legal and procedural requirements.
• Promote continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence in physical security programs.
• Coordinate training initiatives to support workforce competency in security protocols and emerging technologies.
• Advise on physical security policy, compliance risk, and strategic planning to safeguard VA facilities, personnel, and assets.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on the position and eligibility.
• Eligible selected applicants may request prior-service credit toward annual leave accrual, subject to approval before appointment and not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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