Supervisory Social Science Specialist (Crisis Responder)

About the role

The employee will serve as the Supervisory Social Science Specialist (Crisis Responder), located in the Crisis Operations Department, Veteran's Crisis Line (VCL), Veteran's Affair (VA). The VCL is a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year service aimed at connecting callers worldwide to a caring, qualified Veterans Administration employee. The VCL's mission is to provide 24/7, world-class suicide prevention and crisis intervention services to Veterans, Service Members and their family members. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. NOTE: This applies to past, current, and upcoming VA Health Professions Trainees (HPT) only. VA HPT is an individual appointed to temporary positions in one or more VHA medical facilities performing clinical or research training experiences to satisfy program or degree requirements or admitted to the VA Health Professional Scholarship Program. HPTs can be either VA-paid or Without Compensation (WOC). Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education and Experience: Successful completion of a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. The degree must be in a behavioral health or social science related field appropriate to the work of the position (e.g., psychology, social work, sociology, family counseling, mental health counseling, nursing, ministry and criminal justice); OR, Two years of specialized experience as a first responder (e.g., Police, Medic, Emergency Medical Technician, Emergency Dispatch, etc.) or in a social science related field that included behavioral health crisis response, and two years of higher education (i.e., above the high school level) from an accredited college or university in a behavioral health or social science related field appropriate to the work of the position (e.g., psychology, social work, sociology, family counseling, mental health counseling, nursing, ministry and criminal justice); OR, Successful completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in any field and, one year of specialized experience that included behavioral health crisis response or mental health counseling. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with application. Education cannot be credited without documentation. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade level. Supervisory Social Science Specialist, GS-12 Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, one year of experience comparable to the GS-11 grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Knowledge and skill in management/administration, which includes supervision, consultation, negotiations, and monitoring. Ability to write policies, procedures, and or/practice guidelines. Ability to effectively interact with individuals and groups with cultural differences to problem-solve and negotiate complex issues and obtain cooperation. Ability to provide training, orientation, consultation, and guidance within clinical specialization of practice. Skill in developing interpersonal relationships including the ability to address the unique needs of Crisis Responders. This includes the provision of postvention as professionally indicated. Ability to evaluate program effectiveness and make recommendations for change, as appropriate. Note: Relevant experience and KSAs must be demonstrated and represented within your resume. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: The work is performed in an office setting. The position requires some standing, bending and carrying items such as training materials. The incumbent will be supplied with and required to wear an officially approved uniform during all VCL special events.

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