About this role
Job SummaryThe U.S. Department of State is developing a rank-ordered list of eligible hires for a limited number of Protective Medical Specialist (MSPLNA) limited non-career positions. Learn more about Foreign Service careers at https://careers.state.gov. There is more to joining the Foreign Service than just salary. Refer to the Benefits section for more information on total compensation.
QualificationsKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities The Department has conducted extensive job analysis research to determine Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) and other attributes conducive to successful performance in this position. A candidate's education level, work experience, and other qualifications will be considered as part of the hiring decision-making process based on these KSA criteria. Proficiency in writing and analytical skills necessary for completing administrative medical tasks, writing paramedic assessments, and completing reporting requirements. Demonstration of excellent verbal communication and presentation skills to facilitate communication with patients and other medical professionals. Experience and skill in providing Advanced Life Support medical care, and in managing emergency service personnel and subordinate medical support professionals during crisis situations in high-threat environments. Physical ability to operate and provide leadership and medical support in austere, high-threat environments overseas. Proficiency with relevant computer software applications, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, and Google Earth. Must be willing to drive USG vehicles. Level IV English ability (fluent) is required. Candidates must consistently meet a high standard for English, both written (overall structure as well as grammar, spelling, and punctuation) and spoken (overall structure as well as delivery, clarity, and succinctness). Openness to an international career: accepting assignments based on the needs of the Foreign Service and experiencing frequent global travel.
Major DutiesThe Bureau of Medical Services (MED) maintains and promotes the health of employees and their eligible family members (EFM) who represent U.S. government (USG) agencies abroad. The Department assigns Foreign Service Medical Specialists, Limited Non-Career Appointment Medical Specialists (Protective) (MSPLNA) to select posts overseas. Many of these posts have significant health risks and local medical facilities are often inadequate to cope with them. This position is for a Protective Medical Specialist (MSPLNA). A Limited Non-Career Appointment (LNA) does not lead to onward employment in the State Department or conversion to another form of employment. The incumbent serves as the Medical Specialist (Protective) at assigned U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. The position reports to the post Regional Security Officer and receives clinical supervision from the Managing Director of Operational Medicine and the Foreign Service Medical Provider or the Regional Medical Officer. The position is an integral part of medical, security, and protective details, and is responsible for providing detailed patient assessment and advanced life support assistance to Chief of Mission personnel. Incumbents are armed in accordance with host nation laws and the Mission Firearms Policy and will be required to carry and use a firearm in the performance of their duty. The position selects and implements an appropriate medical treatment protocol, often requiring independent synthesis of a complex treatment plan from multiple treatment options, to optimize and sustain a critically ill patient from the point of injury through the medical evacuation process. The position coordinates with other medical professionals to determine treatment methods and solutions. MSPLNAs must collaborate with other medical professionals to develop detailed medical support plans for the assigned post that account for available local resources and incorporate contingency planning for medical support in isolation or in conjunction with interagency and international partners. MSPLNAs work with the medical personnel at post to conduct mock emergency response simulations, coordinate medical evacuations, and maintain post emergency medical equipment. The position provides professional advice to the leadership of the Directorate of Operational Medicine (MED/DMD/OM) regarding the medical preparedness of post personnel and mass casualty teams. MSPLNAs provide medical support as part of a protective detail under the operational control of the Regional Security Officer. As such, the incumbent is required to complete high-threat tactical training and must maintain weapons qualifications to maintain their position. Serving in support of the employees of the United States Government and their eligible family members, a MSPLNA will work in conjunction with other Foreign Service medical personnel. The Department evaluates education, work experience, and other qualifications for evidence of the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and other requirements that have been identified as important to successful job performance as a Limited Non-Career Protective Medical Specialist (MSPLNA). The position will carry a weapon while deployed in accordance with the Mission Firearm Policy approved by the Chief of Mission. While deployed, the incumbent is expected to exercise independent judgment in assessing, diagnosing, and treating USG personnel according to previously established treatment protocols provided by the Managing Director of MED/DMD/OM. This position requires travel to overseas locations that are austere, including medically, at extremes of temperature and altitude, under conditions of political instability, with limited or no host nation resources. The position requires the ability to lift and carry approximately 70 pounds and potentially more for significant distances, and to withstand extremely long periods of sitting and standing, as well as frequent stooping, climbing, crawling, and sitting within confined spaces. Much of the work is performed under severe time constraints with externally generated stressors. Pre-deployment training will include field exercises which may require 40 lbs or more of equipment, running, jumping, crawling, and transporting patients. When operationally deployed OCONUS, incumbents may workdays in excess of 12 hours for as many as six days per week in a hot, dusty environment where the threat of terrorist attack is ever-present. The high-threat environment limits activities during off-duty hours. Candidates must be skilled and experienced NREMT-Paramedics with excellent interpersonal skills, able to function well within a complex organization, and have experience working in a high-stress environment.RequirementsAll Medical Specialists working with the Bureau of Medical Services must be willing to provide primary care services and counseling to all patients regardless of age, sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, language, disease, disability, or religion. All LNAs are members of the Foreign Service and have the same obligations and standard of conduct expectations as all Foreign Service employees. MSPLNAs are considered essential personnel and are on call to provide services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. MSPLNA duties include but are not limited to: Responsibilities Provides a range of medical services including establishing IV access and providing trauma care for injured patients. Triages and manages care of injured persons in any location following an accident, natural disaster, or attack. Provides emergency care in any location following an accident, natural disaster, or attack in potentially hostile or physically challenging environments, such as in buildings without elevators or in areas with irregular spaces that require kneeling, bending, stooping, lifting, walking, and running over uneven terrain. Transports patients via small aircraft, ambulances, helicopters, or other non-standard modes of transportation with small entrances and high floors, such as high-axle armored vehicles. Assists with evacuation via land, sea, or air in the event of political unrest. Provides patient care that may include heavy lifting, pulling, stooping, and twisting in adverse settings. Travels independently to posts utilizing commercial air carriers, military aircraft, or other transportation types that may not offer special access or accommodations. Operates and provides leadership and medical support in austere, high-threat environments overseas. Cares for and stabilize multiple trauma patients prior to medical evacuation. Provides long-distance triage and care via electronic communication such as telephone, radio, telemedicine, and email. Establishes emergency preparedness for crises such as terrorist attacks or natural disasters by establishing guidelines and procedures and conducting direct training.