(Photo: U.S. VA)
The VA is lifting its hiring freeze on more than 100 additional positions within the Veterans Health Administration, VHA, including critical support roles at the Veterans Crisis Line, VCL, according to Federal News Network. This is the third update to the department’s exemption list since the federal hiring freeze began.
With this update, more than 300 VHA job descriptions have now been cleared for hiring. Among them are nine support positions at the VCL. While employees in these roles do not answer crisis calls directly, VCL staff say their contributions are vital to the hotline’s operations.
The newly exempted positions include silent monitors who provide coaching and feedback to responders, as well as social science assistants who contact emergency services when a crisis call requires outside help. Other positions include peer support specialists, social services assistants, and various analyst roles in program management and health sciences.
Erika Alexander, president of AFGE Local 518 and a longtime VCL employee, told Federal News Network that a shortage of support staff made it harder for frontline responders to focus on urgent calls.
“If I’m a crisis responder, and a Veteran calls me saying that he’s going to end his life… I reach out to the SSA for assistance with getting a welfare check completed,” she said.
VA Press Secretary Peter Kasperowicz said the expanded exemption list reflects the department’s progress in strengthening services for veterans. “This expanded list of hiring freeze exemptions is proof we’re on track, as is the growing list of VA successes over the last few months,” he told Federal News Network. He added that under President Trump and VA Secretary Collins, the department is focused on listening to its staff and providing high-quality care to veterans and their families.
The VCL receives roughly 60,000 calls each month. Responders often handle five to ten calls per shift, some lasting several hours. Veterans call in for help with suicidal thoughts, PTSD symptoms, homelessness, or to access VA services. One responder, who joined earlier this year, told Federal News Network he plans to leave the VA regardless of whether he is approved for the deferred resignation program. He said it is difficult to help Veterans without strong support throughout the agency.
In March, the VA gave VCL employees a full exemption from its return-to-office policy after learning many nearby facilities lacked space. Earlier in the year, the department rescinded and later reinstated job offers due to the same issue. The VA is also lifting hiring restrictions for roles in pharmacy services, enrollment and eligibility support, and customer service positions in the Office of Integrated Veteran Care. Social services representatives at the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans can now also be hired.
The governmentwide hiring freeze remains in place through July 15 and includes a policy limiting agencies to one hire for every four departures. More than 14,000 VA employees applied for early exit programs, though officials say only a small percentage qualify. Some staff have said they plan to leave the department regardless of eligibility.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
