Program Specialist

Summary The Program Specialist is considered a key staff member responsible for the organization and evaluation of administrative services essential in the effective operation of the Office of the Associate Director for Patient Care Services at the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System. The incumbent performs all administrative duties in support of the Executive Office. Responsibilities Plans and conducts special projects or studies to analyze, evaluate, and provide recommendations on administrative issues. Researches and analyzes straightforward problems, issues, or program requirements. Researches and analyzes unstable or uncommon administrative issues. Determine pertinent issues and collects relevant information from a variety of sources . Reviews information and applies standard analytical techniques, and develops recommendations to improve customer service. Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions Communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitor, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established polices and procedures. Researches and analyzes unstable or uncommon administrative issues Advises management officials, supervisors, and employees on the interpretation application of a variety of human resources polices and procedures including staffing, classification, employee relations related areas Knowledge and skill in applying analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to plan and conduct limited factual studies and analyses concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of Medial facility care operations. Oversees logistics planning and preparation for meeting, receipt of reports and data, mailing travel lodging arrangements and special events. Develop and present Nursing Standard of Procedure and policies training for Nursing administrative staff. Provide guidance with Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) paperwork for Nursing Employees, initiated employee action for new appointments, separation, etc. Uses MS word or comparable word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files. Uses MS excel or other comparable spreadsheet software to develop and change spreadsheet in order to graphically display data. Uses MS Powerpoint or other comparable software, create navigate presentation. Create supportive workplace relationships by treating others with respect, trust, and dignity. Use strategies to successfully overcome tense situations and restore confidence in relationships. Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm Telework: Regularly Teleworks 1 Day/Month VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Program Specialist/PD026750 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/25/2024. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. Quality Ranking Factor: Knowledge and ability to perform analytical, planning, evaluative and advisory work. Knowledge of administrative support programs. Knowledge of policies and procedures. High level of Customer Service skills. Skill in using office automation software You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-07 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: the ability to plan, conduct, and analyze administrative recommendations. Assess areas for improvement and develop plans to meet identified needs. Independently judge, analyze, fact-find, and recommend solutions to problems. Recommends improvements in office processes and procedures. Compose correspondence such as letters, memos, and similar documents. Advises managers on administrative support services such as correspondence, human resources, budget, and procurement. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a masters or equivalent graduate degree or2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grades GS-9 and GS-11. (When crediting education that requires specific course work, prorate the number of hours of related courses required as a proportion of the total education to be used.) You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Analysis and Problem Solving Communications Computer Skills Interpersonal Skills Learning Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: Work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate controlled office. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Managements website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Education A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicants criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.