Supervisory Social Science Specialist (Crisis Responder)

Join our team to manage and enhance behavioral health crisis response programs. This role involves program oversight, policy development, and providing expert guidance to support crisis responders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and administer program operations, including supervision, consultation, and monitoring.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and practice guidelines.
• Provide training, orientation, consultation, and guidance within a clinical specialization.
• Effectively interact with diverse individuals and groups to problem-solve complex issues.
• Develop strong interpersonal relationships, addressing the unique needs of Crisis Responders, including postvention support.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements.

Qualifications:

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Education & Experience (One of the following):

• Successful completion of a bachelor's degree or higher in a behavioral health or social science-related field (e.g., psychology, social work, sociology, mental health counseling, nursing, criminal justice).
• or Two years of specialized experience as a first responder (e.g., Police, Medic, EMT, Emergency Dispatch) or in a social science field with behavioral health crisis response, and two years of higher education in a behavioral health or social science-related field.
• or Successful completion of a bachelor's degree in any field, and one year of specialized experience that included behavioral health crisis response or mental health counseling.

- Note: Transcripts documenting education must be submitted with your application.

Specialized Experience:

• One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, directly related to the position.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Strong management and administrative skills, including supervision and negotiation.
• Ability to write clear policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Adept at interacting with diverse groups to resolve issues and gain cooperation.
• Capacity to provide expert training, orientation, and consultation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a focus on supporting Crisis Responders.
• Skill in evaluating programs and proposing effective changes.

Physical Requirements:

• Work primarily in an office setting.
• Requires some standing, bending, and carrying light items (e.g., training materials).
• An approved uniform is required for all special events.

Additional Information:

• Relevant volunteer experience, including National Service programs, is credited equally to paid experience.
• Part-time experience is credited based on actual hours worked.
• Current VHA employees in this occupation may qualify under specific grandfathering provisions.