This position is located in Public Affairs in the Executive office at the VA Maine Medical Center, Togus Maine. This is an entry level position toward a target full performance level of a GS-11, Public Affairs Specialist, applying the appropriate rules/regulations used in conducting Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) business as well as the Technical Career Field program guidelines.

Duties

***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION. YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION.*** TCF is a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. The TCF career fields represent those technical fields where VA-specific knowledge and experience is desirable for success in the field. Individuals selected follow a formal training plan for two years during which they are trained, coached, and supervised by a preceptor. Preceptors are selected annually, through an extensive application process, for their technical expertise, their commitment to training and the suitability of their facility as a training location. *Selectees will be required to sign Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements. This is a developmental position leading to a full performance level GS-11, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Major Duties: Performs supervised work related to public affairs and communication activities such as responding to media inquiries, generating media interest, and coordinating agency information and outreach programs, etc. Uses a variety of communication techniques and methods including print, broadcast, and electronic media to convey the VA mission and its role in the community to various stakeholders Assists in the organization and coordination of print and broadcast media interviews and news conferences with subject matter experts. Assist in writing and/or writes news releases, features stories, speeches, information packets, media kits, and fact sheets and produces various graphic materials such as newsletters, flyers, and brochures. Under supervision working toward Independently plans, coordinates, executes, and evaluates special events for various audiences. Reviews news coverage on VA-related topics to keep staff apprised of relevant issues. Provides news clippings to the Regional and VISN Public Affairs Offices, and other key VHA and VA officials in a timely manner Archives news clip files for use by the agency historians' office and staff. Organizes and coordinates print and broadcast media interviews and news conferences with subject matter experts. Establishes, maintains, and updates a facility events calendar. Incumbent also has significant responsibilities for supporting media, legislative, community, and staff relations. Work schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available Telework: 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 Title/PD#: Public Affairs Specialist - Technical Career Field (TCF)/PD00944A and PD00943A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station(PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required NOTIFICATIONS: This position is in the Competitive Service. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees. Interchange Agreements with Other Merit System: Employees who occupy medical or medical-related positions and were appointed under 38 U.S.C. 4701(1) or (3) [formerly 38 U.S.C. 4104 (1) and (3)] must be serving in a full-time position without time limit and have served continuously for at least one year in this other merit system to be eligible to convert to the Title 5 System. Some exceptions to this rule may apply if you have previously acquired tenure under a Title 5 appointment. Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held. This position is not a Bargaining Unit position. This position is covered by locality-based comparability pay. Selectee may be required to work at any VA MaineHealthcare System campus, as needed. The incumbent may be required to travel to other VA campuses and CBOC's.

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/07/2023. 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. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. (This is separate from your experience and is mandated by statutory and regulatory requirements.) For a GS-05 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-04. For a GS-07 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-05. 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 education and/or experience as described below: GS-05 Requirements: General Experience: You must have 3 years of general experience, one year of which was equivalent to at least GS-4 in the normal line of progression for the occupation series in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include but are not limited to: knowledge of public relations, community relations, advertising, and journalism including media technical requirements and practices. Knowledge of grammar, spelling, capitalization and punctuation. Knowledge of the practices and techniques of oral communications in developing and presenting briefings to print and broadcast media. Ability to develop cooperative, working relationships with VA staff members at all levels, members of the news media, members of the public, Veterans and Veterans groups, and officials from other agencies. Skill in gathering and evaluating the appropriateness of information communicated through media. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the experience required. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree. Degree must be relevant to the position to be filled. (Transcripts must be provided.) OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify for a GS-05 level. combination of specialized experience and education in excess of the first 60 semester hours (i.e., beyond the second year) is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement. One full academic year of study (30 semester hours) beyond the second year is equivalent to 6 months of specialized experience. The education and experience must be directly related to the work of the position to be filled. (Transcripts must be provided.) GS-07 Requirements: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. In this particular position, examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to knowledge of public relations, community relations, advertising, and journalism including media technical requirements and practices. Knowledge of grammar, spelling, capitalization and punctuation. Knowledge of the practices and techniques of oral communications in developing and presenting briefings to print and broadcast media. Ability to develop cooperative, working relationships with VA staff members at all levels, members of the news media, members of the public, Veterans and Veterans groups, and officials from other agencies. Skill in gathering and evaluating the appropriateness of information communicated through media OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the experience required. One (1) full year of graduate education is required to qualify based on education completion. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position (i.e. public relations, community relations, advertising, and journalism). Education at the graduate level must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. OR, *Superior Academic Achievement. See Education Below Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify for a GS-07 level. A combination of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience, as described above, to meet the total requirements. The education portion must include graduate courses that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do to the work of this position (i.e. public relations, community relations, advertising, and journalism). Only education beyond a bachelors degree may be used to qualify applicants for the GS-07 level. This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. Experience must be clearly indicated in your resume. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Communications and MediaCustomer Service (Clerical/Technical)External Awareness 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. 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/. Physical Requirements: Assignments regularly involve extended periods of walking, standing, bending, and stooping to execute logistics for special events or to accompany media crews or other special groups. Incumbent is also required to regularly pick up loads of 15 pounds such as boxes of newspapers and other literature and to push carts of supplies.

Education

* Superior Academic Achievement: (SAA) at the baccalaureate level in the coursework detailed below is fully qualifying. Applicants who wish to apply under this provision must submit proof from their educational institution that they meet one of the criteria listed below. To qualify for SAA, applicants must have completed all the requirements for a bachelor's degree in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled and meet one of the following:
1. Rank in the upper one-third of your class in the college, university or major subdivision.
2. A grade-point average of "B" (a GPA of 2.95 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last two years of undergraduate study.
3. A grade point average of "B+" (a GPA of 3.45 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all courses in your major field of study, or those courses in your major completed in the last two years of undergraduate study.
4. Membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. For a list of recognized honor societies please visit http://www.achsnatl.org/quick_link.asp. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Togus VA Medical Center 1 VA Center Augusta, ME 04330 US
• Name: Melissa Kumar
• Phone: 802-295-9363 X6509
• Email: [email protected]