Summary
The United States Capitol Police (USCP) safeguards the Congress, Members of Congress, employees, visitors, and Congressional buildings and grounds from crime, disruption, and terrorism. We protect and secure Congress so it can fulfill its constitutional and legislative responsibilities in a safe, secure and open environment.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Only current USCP Sergeants and Lieutenants. Navigate to the following URL to apply to this job: USCP Careers
Duties
The Peer Support Program (PSP) is comprised of various trained Department employees. The purpose of the program is serving others in their various times of need. It is part of The Howard C. Liebengood Center for Wellness (LCW), which is a USCP office that offers wellness resources, peer support, chaplaincy, and the USCP Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to all USCP employees and their families.
A Peer Support Commander (PSC) reports directly to the Director of the LCW and is responsible for designing and coordinating the PSP response for Department employees. This may include high stress events, critical incidents, death/serious injury of an employee, and other life stressors an employee may be experiencing.
The PSC ensures the PSP unit members receive training (including formal training in the Critical Incident Stress Management model as well as advanced training to enhance skills) and information required to work with employees (in a one-on-one or group capacity) to offer support and resources in collaboration with the services offered through the LCW. This includes developing the PSP quarterly training plan, conference attendance considerations, personnel development plans, and collaborating with the LCW Director on the budget to fund PSP training and associated travel. The PSC will also identify needed supplies and work with the LCW on budget considerations for the program.
The PSC is responsible for notifying Department entities (including the LCW Director, Employee Assistance Program, Wellness Specialists, and command staff), as appropriate, of support and response efforts, especially for critical incidents and when recalled by the Watch Commander. The PSC works with LCW staff to ensure referrals for follow-up care are accomplished.
The PSC facilitates needs for mutual support to external law enforcement agencies. The PSC provides assistance to the Family Liaisons as designated by the Chief of Police pursuant to USCP Directive 2052.005, “Death or Serious Injury of an Employee.” This includes providing guidance and facilitation of any needs survivor families may bring to their designated liaison. The PSC participates in the
planning and execution of National Police Week as it pertains to the USCP
Survivor Families.
The PSC ensures program activities are confidential and is responsible
for ensuring that all PSP Specialists adhere to program confidentiality and
conduct standards. The PSC will take immediate action to address prohibited behavior or any other issue that may be considered detrimental to PSP. The PSC is responsible for the development and update of the Directive, Standard Operating Procedures and forms pertaining to the PSP.
The PSC provides oversight of the PSP.
The PSC meets routinely with the LCW Director and LCW Program Leads to provide appropriate collaborative care for all USCP employees.
One vacancy exists. This is a two year assignment for the individual selected.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Must be a current sworn USCP Sergeant or Lieutenant. Must have strong interpersonal communication skills. Must be able to keep strict confidentiality at all times. Must successfully complete all the training required, to include the Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention Course, certification by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc., and the Advanced Peer Support Training Program (APSTP). Must be able to remain on call and subject to immediate recall to duty. Must be able to maintain composure and have the ability to overcome stressful and challenging circumstances. Must be able to communicate effectively, work well with others, and follow directions.
Qualifications
All applicants must meet the following eligibility factors in order to be considered for the position of PSC:
1. Must be a current USCP Sergeant or Lieutenant by the closing date of the announcement.
2. Must not be in a leave restriction status as of the selection date.
Education
There is no education substitution for experience in this series and/or grade.
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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The following selection process will be used to further assess candidates who have met the initial eligibility factors. Candidates must qualify under each phase to be considered in subsequent phases. Phase I: Initial Qualification - The Office of Human Resources (OHR) will conduct an eligibility factor review to ensure the candidate has the aforementioned qualifications. Phase II: KSA Assessment - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities will be evaluated by an appointed assessment panel including resume review. Candidates will be assessed on experience gathering information to help analyze the current situation an employee may be facing; experience providing leadership, direction, supervision, planning, coordination, and expertise related to supervising programs; and experience working in stressful situations while maintaining a confidential and safe environment for employees to express concerns. Phase III: Structured Interview - An interview of applicants with questions specific to the PSC position for which they have applied. Results of this selection process will be used to recommend candidates to the hiring manager who is the final selecting official. The OHR will conduct a disciplinary action review to determine if there are pending investigatory and/or disciplinary matters, which will be made known to the selecting official. Prior to making their selection, the selecting official will review any available Department documents, to include application documents and each candidate's complete career disciplinary record, results of selection process phases, and may, at their discretion, conduct interviews with all recommended candidates, if necessary. The selecting official may, at their discretion, not select a recommended candidate for reasons such as: 1. Substandard performance; 2. Serious sustained misconduct; and/or 3. Pending investigatory and/or disciplinary matters as identified by the Office of Professional Responsibility. All aspects of the process are subject to the Department's legal review. All final recommendations are subject to final approval of the Chief of Police.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit a copy of the following documents by uploading and attaching the documents with their on-line application. 1. Resume. Ensure that your resume reflects your relevant USCP and prior work history and any training or education. 2. Valid REAL ID driver's license. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and required documentation are submitted prior to the closing date of this announcement. If you do not attach the required documentation, you will be ineligible for this announcement.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Navigate to the following URL to apply to this job: USCP Careers 1. Follow the prompts to upload your resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. 2. Click the Submit Application button to submit your application package. 3. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date. 4. To verify that your application is complete, log into your account and select the job posting for this position. The page will display the status of your application, the documentation received, and any correspondence the Department has sent related to this application. 5. Failure to provide all required documents and information requested by the closing date of this announcement may result in your application not being considered. The complete application package must be submitted by 7:59 PM (ET) on the closing date to receive consideration.
Next steps
After a review of your application materials is made, you will be notified of your eligibility status. If you are referred to the hiring official, you will receive further notification. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.