Protecting Those Who Served: The Law Enforcement Specialist (IPPM) Role at the VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a highly motivated and skilled professional for the position of Law Enforcement Specialist (IPPM) in Marion, Illinois. This role is not just a job; it is a commitment to the safety and well-being of the Veterans, staff, and visitors who rely on the VA healthcare system. As an Infrastructure Protection Program Manager (IPPM), you will play a critical role in maintaining the security infrastructure that allows the VA to continue its mission.

Job Responsibilities

The IPPM is a multifaceted role requiring expertise in security, investigations, and leadership. Key duties include:

Infrastructure Protection: Coordinating physical security across multiple sites, managing security programs, and vetting individuals for access.
Law Enforcement: Enforcing federal, state, and local laws; conducting investigations; and providing rapid response during emergency situations.
Leadership & Strategy: Serving as a subject matter expert (SME) to facility leadership and coordinating with various public safety agencies.
Crisis Intervention: Actively participating in Crisis Intervention Teams to de-escalate mental health crises involving Veterans.

Core Competencies Comparison

Competency	Focus Area
Physical Security	Systems, Audit, and Infrastructure
Law Enforcement	Enforcement, Arrest, and Investigation
Interpersonal Skills	Conflict De-escalation and Stakeholder Liaison

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet several specific criteria, including:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Time-in-Grade: 52 weeks at the GS-09 level (for current or former federal employees).
Physical Fitness: Passing a comprehensive medical examination is mandatory.
Integrity: Compliance with the Lautenberg Amendment (no domestic violence convictions).
Training: Successful completion of VA POST and the Field Training and Evaluation Program.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this position ranges from $74,678 to $97,087 per year, reflecting the high level of responsibility and the specialized skills required for the role.

Benefits

VA employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Federal health and life insurance.
Generous retirement planning through FERS and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Paid annual and sick leave.
Opportunities for federal career progression.

Application Tips

Be Concise: Since September 2025, resumes are limited to two pages. Focus on high-impact, results-oriented language.
Document Everything: Ensure your resume clearly states the month/year of employment and hours worked per week for all previous roles.
Prepare for Assessment: You will likely need to complete a competency-based assessment. Review the practice materials available on the USA Hire portal.

This position at the Marion VA Medical Center offers a unique blend of law enforcement, security management, and service to Veterans. If you are prepared to lead physical security initiatives and ensure the safety of our healthcare facilities, we encourage you to apply by the November 4, 2026, deadline.

Why This Law Enforcement Specialist (Ippm) Job Matters

Protect those who served: Advance your career in federal law enforcement as a critical Infrastructure Protection Program Manager at the Marion VA Medical Center.

Law Enforcement Specialist (Ippm) Job Overview

The Marion VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Law Enforcement Specialist to serve as an Infrastructure Protection Program Manager (IPPM). In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for overseeing the physical security and law enforcement initiatives across the healthcare system's catchment area. You will act as a subject matter expert, ensuring the safety of Veterans, staff, and visitors while maintaining the integrity of federally controlled assets through strategic planning, investigative work, and crisis intervention.

Requirements for Law Enforcement Specialist (Ippm)

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must pass a pre-employment medical examination and physical fitness assessment.
Subject to mandatory drug testing and random drug screenings.
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
Completion of a one-year probationary or two-year trial period.
Must be able to successfully complete the VA Police Officer Standardized Training (POST) and Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP).
Must meet Lautenberg Amendment requirements (no convictions of domestic violence).
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must satisfy Time-In-Grade requirements (52 weeks at the GS-09 level for current/former federal employees).
Must obtain annual seasonal influenza vaccinations or approved exemptions.

Preferred Qualifications for Law Enforcement Specialist (Ippm)

Professional certification in Physical Security.
Demonstrated experience coordinating multi-site physical security programs.
Expertise in investigative techniques and federal law enforcement compliance.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary schedule.
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Accrual of annual and sick leave.
✓Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
✓Opportunities for professional development and specialized training.
✓Supportive work environment dedicated to Veteran care.

💡 How to Apply Law Enforcement Specialist (Ippm) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Law Enforcement Specialist (Ippm) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that specifically highlights your relevant experience, including job titles, duties, and hours worked per week.
Complete the online application and mandatory questionnaire.
Attach all required documentation, including SF-50s and relevant certifications.
Submit your application package by the closing date of November 4, 2026.
Complete any required online assessments promptly upon notification.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; it must not exceed two pages per recent federal guidelines.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder for formatting assistance.
Clearly list your month and year for employment dates and specify hours worked per week to ensure your experience is counted correctly.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Be specific in your descriptions; the hiring agency will not make assumptions about your experience level.
Review your application status frequently via your USAJOBS dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the IPPM role involve?

The Infrastructure Protection Program Manager coordinates physical security across VA-owned and leased properties, leads initiatives for Police Services, conducts security audits, and acts as a subject matter expert for leadership.

Is travel required for this position?

Yes, this position may require travel away from the office, estimated at 25% or more.

Are there physical requirements for this job?

Yes, duties involve prolonged walking, standing, bending, crawling in confined spaces, and exposure to various weather conditions. You must pass a medical exam to confirm fitness for these tasks.

Is a security clearance required?

This position requires successful adjudication of suitability and fitness requirements.

Can I telework?

Telework is available on an ad-hoc basis only; it is not a virtual or full-time remote position.

Is there an education substitution?

No, there is no educational substitution at this specific grade level.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Marion VA Medical Center is part of the Veterans Health Administration, the largest integrated health care system in the United States. The agency is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military. Working here means joining a team that prioritizes compassionate care and the absolute safety of the community.