It takes a certain type of person to succeed at VA. So when recruiting for open positions, we look for particular qualities in professionals who want to join our growing team. But what are those attributes? We asked one of our National Health Care Recruitment Consultants, Tim Blakney, to weigh in and he had some key insights to share.
Passionate About Service
As an Air Force Vet, Tim knows what service entails—and it starts with an unwavering passion for helping others. “The most appealing characteristic of a potential VA employee is a desire to serve Veterans,” he affirmed. “It’s a calling. And there’s no greater calling for healthcare professionals.”
Board Certified
“Residency-trained and board-certified physicians are our ideal candidates,” according to Tim. This should come as no surprise, especially when you consider that the majority of residency-trained physicians in the United States have completed training rotations with VA. It’s part of our organization’s commitment to providing training and education specific to understanding and addressing the unique aspects of Veteran Care, including its various challenges.
Willingness to Relocate
With locations throughout the country, VA can have job openings almost anywhere in the country at any time. In turn, “it’s very important for applicants to be willing to move to where they’re needed,” said Tim. Not only does this make staffing more efficient, it also gives you the chance to explore life in a new city or rural town. And if you relocate to a different state, you don’t have to worry about transferring your clinical licensure, since only one state license is required to practice at any VA facility in the nation.
To learn more about how you can join us in serving America’s Veterans, explore our available roles and apply today.
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I am a veteran and served both in the Marine and Army. I’m also a Marriage and Family Neuropsychotherapist in the Atlanta Metro area. I want to be a mental health clinician at the VA in Atlanta so that I can provide services to the many veterans I passed when I volunteered last year. I volunteered to call veterans for their appointments. The VA administration makes it so hard to be heard or gain access for employment purposes. I’ve written recruiters, put my resume online, applied to several job opportunities and nothing. As Don mentioned, who better to provide mental health services for our men and woman in uniform than someone who has walked in their shoes and has focused on treating our veterans as a graduate student. I really would like to provide treatment for our veterans if given the chance. Hope this happens! I can be reached at (404) 563-4241. Thanks, Lanier Swinson
The majority of civil servant that works for the VA really respect and honor our service then there is that few that don’t care and even disrespect us. Veterans should be given job opportunity at the VA because we can relate and do care for each other because of that oath and bond for fellow service member. Wake up Mr Secretary and do something good for vet we want to work not handout please.
Thanks,
Peter O.Owolabi.
I have been trying to find a federal job for a few years with no positive results.Now without a job since Dec.30th,I starting to ask myself,Why it is that difficult to find a job for some veterans.I’m still a very productive man at 50.What can I do next?
Hello,
My name is Don E. Carter (Colonel Retired, Army), I retired 1 June 2016 and have had no luck on getting employment. I have applied for jobs and meet all requirements, but never an interview and I know that not to many people have the experience that I have. This has taught me one thing, the Federal Government does not want to bring change to the VA system. I have been in executive positions for the past 10 years and love pulling teams together. When I visit or call VA, it’s very sad on how I see my fellow brothers and sisters being treated. I have been treated with so much disrespect, and especially over the phone.
Don’t worry, I don’t expect to get a response, I’m use to not getting answers. I can only laugh and continue with helping as best and I can.
Don E. Carter