Criminal Investigator

Summary Location: Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, IL. The Criminal Investigator is responsible for the complete investigation of all offenses against the criminal laws of the United States on all property owned or controlled by the FHCC VA Medical Center. Qualifications Moderate to arduous physical exertion, including walking, standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with free motion of fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, and knees. Arms, hands, legs, and feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning. Good vision in each eye, with or without correction, sufficient near vision to read printed material. Hearing loss must not exceed 35 dB at 1000–3000 Hz. Emotional and mental stability; any physical condition that poses a hazard to self or others is disqualifying. Time‑in‑grade: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must meet time‑in‑grade requirements by the closing date of the announcement. For a GS‑9 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS‑7 level. SF‑50 evidence of time‑in‑grade eligibility must be submitted with the application. Specialized experience: One full year of experience equivalent to at least GS‑7 level in Federal service. Experience must be related to law enforcement procedures, criminal investigations, and courtroom evidence handling. Education: Master’s degree or equivalent graduate degree; or two full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education; or LL.B / J.D. related to Criminal Investigation. Combination of specialized experience and education may satisfy the requirements. Volunteer experience counts if it meets the same criteria. Medical examination required; must pass physical and psychological assessment. Ability to perform essential functions without risk to self or others. Emotional and mental stability required. Psychological examination required. Character investigation conducted on selected applicants. Firearm qualification required; semi‑annually with assigned firearm and annually with expandable straight baton. Must hold a valid driver’s license. Duties The investigator reports to the Chief of Police. Investigates crimes that cannot be resolved by preliminary investigations or fall beyond a detective’s scope. Researches, interviews, observes, conducts stakeout operations, and executes investigative techniques. Coordinates and conducts joint investigations with federal and state agencies such as FBI, U.S. Marshals, etc. Participates in surveillance activities coordinated by OIG and other federal agencies. Collects sufficient evidence to support a court case and explains its significance to the jury. Confers with U.S. Attorney’s Office, VA Region Counsel Office, or other law‑enforcement agencies to dispose of or proceed with a case. Leads or assists in administrative investigations of alleged misconduct, patient abuse, and other improprieties. Coordinates or participates in task forces conducting complex criminal, civil, or administrative investigations. Collects and compiles data on criminal trends, performance metrics, and quality assurance; creates graphs and analyses to reduce crime and improve performance. Conducts and oversees Internal Affairs investigations under the direction of the Chief of Police or VHA leadership. Performs other related duties as assigned. If selected for a drug‑testing position, applicant must undergo urinalysis before appointment; refusal or positive result leads to denial. Work schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 3:00 pm. No compressed/flexible or telework options available. Driver’s license: Must possess a valid, unrestricted state driver’s license with a safe driving record. Firearm requirement: Must be qualified and maintain proficiency with agency‑approved firearms. Physical requirements: Must be physically, emotionally, and mentally fit; able to run, climb stairs or ladders, lift individuals, crawl or crouch during crime‑scene processing, and use physical ability to restrain violent persons. Will undergo annual physical and psychological exams per VA Handbook 0730. Will receive a cell phone and be subject to 24‑hour recall. Environment: Exposed to heat, cold, rain, ice, smoke, toxic fumes, biological hazards, and chemical contaminants. May encounter persons with unauthorized weapons and must confront to mitigate risk. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs