Program Specialist

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/13/2026. 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. 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-7 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Computing technology and medical information, have in-depth understandings of the complexities of clinical set ups, and provide technical guidance as necessary; have a comprehensive knowledge of the VA and Data Management policies and procedures as they relate to the scheduling and delivery of healthcare, thorough knowledge of health administrative services computer software, as it relates to profiles and the scheduling systems, possess thorough knowledge of varied functions of computer spreadsheets, database computer applications, and organizational tools to produce and maintain a wide variety of documents.

OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must possess a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree OR 2 full years of progressively higher level education leading to such a degree OR an LL.B. or J.D., if related. (Transcript documentation required).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 1 full year of graduate level education. (Transcript documentation required). For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

30 Day Hiring Model The Department of Veterans Affairs is implementing a streamlined 30-Day Hiring Model designed to accelerate hiring while maintaining the highest standards of merit-based selection. This improved process reduces traditional hiring timelines by integrating early coordination, faster assessments, and efficient pre-employment actions. Applicants can expect a more transparent, predictable, and efficient hiring journey from announcement to entry on duty.

What Applicants Can Expect Expedited Candidate Review Once the announcement closes, Human Resources will quickly review applications, issue certificates of eligible candidates the day after the announcement closes and refer applicants for hiring manager consideration. Quick Interviews & References HR may arrange interviews and will request references within 3-5 days after being referred to the hiring manager.

Streamlined Pre-Employment Requirements: Following a tentative offer, applicants should be prepared to complete required steps, such as fingerprinting and background check, credentialing, and medical examination within 3 days of the offer. Clear and Timely Communication: Applicants will receive clear communication at key milestones, including referral, tentative offer, and onboarding instructions. After meeting pre-employment requirements, candidates will receive a final job offer and start date.

Onboarding tasks may continue after starting, with HR ensuring timely completion for a smooth transition into VA service. If selected, applicants should be prepared to come onboard within 30 days of the announcement closing.

Duties include but are not limited to the following: Works with members of the health care team, Point of Service Contacts, Patient Advocate, Customer Service Council, and patients and their families to ensure that services are easily obtained and meet customer requirements and short-term problems are resolved quickly. Conducts customer service rounds; identifies systemic difficulties; and corrects them. Prepares and completes required reports.

Studies, analyzes, and evaluates the needs of customers and devises specific solutions to meet those needs. Reviews data from feedback mechanisms, performs limited studies, summarizes information, identifies trends and proposes and implements solutions. Develops information materials for medical facility customers and staff, including fact sheets, brochures, booklets, etc., that increase communication with the target audience.

Conducts workshops, seminars, and other meetings with different levels of staff, etc. to explain and/or improve customer service. Implements mechanisms to evaluate the impact of informational materials. 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.

Determines 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. Perform other related duties as required. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Program Specialist/PD12136A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized