The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for a Visual Information Specialist. The Visual Information Specialist will function in Communications & External Affairs Service.

Duties

The Visual Information Specialist duties include, but are not limited to: Independently make decisions, designs, executes, and produces computer-generated graphics for various types of media support material which require knowledge and understanding of proper format and targeted audiences. Design and execute printed material for signage, manuals, newsletters, pamphlets, handbooks, and similar types of publication which require knowledge and understanding of the targeted audiences. Determine the most appropriate format and medium based on final reproduction, deadlines, requestor's use, available time and resources. Select a variety of visual materials to be incorporated into visual aids, which communicate information to selective audiences. Produce displays using effective typography, layout, color, graphic elements and design theory to quickly and competently meet deadlines. Research reference sources and consults with subject matter experts to ensure accuracy of visual aids produced. Prepare "draft" layouts that convey an effective visual design of typography, graphics, and space to maximize visual impact and to emphasize visual elements for the requestor and the audience. Drafts are to be used before final production of the project begins to minimize time and financial waste. Create word text, complex graphics and assembled written conceptual material using software including, but not limited to, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint. Coordinate layout, design, and execution of printed material for photo-mechanical reproduction such as reproduction on-station within the copy center, as well as off-station offset printing or color separation through the General Printing Office (GPO) and GPO Express. Design, execute, and produce photographically enhanced media for targeted audiences. Responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of equipment, tools and space utilized in performing duties. This includes, but is not limited to, computers and operating systems, computer peripherals, printers, color copiers, paper cutters, paper folders, and work areas. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: Ad-hoc Telework Schedule Available (1-2 days per pay period) Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Visual Information Specialist/PD930050 and PD92438A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the following requirements within 15 calendar days of the closing date listed on the announcement: 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-9 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-7. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-9. 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. Applicants must be eligible under the VA Interchange Agreement, having served continuously for at least one year in the other merit system under this interchange agreement. For more information regarding the VA Interchange Agreement please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-authorities/competitive-hiring/. All Title 38 Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) employees must have served in their Excepted Service position for at least 90 days in order to be eligible for a position within the Competitive Service. Applicants who were previously selected under a Competitive Delegating Examining Office (DEO) announcement must have served in their position for at least 90 days prior to being eligible for other positions within the Competitive Service. This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR). An IOR is part of the minimum qualifications for this occupational series. In order to meet the IOR you must have: Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position. Some positions may also require subject-matter knowledge of medicine, science, or technical equipment. Advanced training in a vocational school, technical institute, or art institute above the high school level in one of the fields listed above is creditable as general experience on a month-for-month basis., OR Specialized Experience: Experience in the actual type of work for which application is made. Unpaid experience is creditable, provided the work done was of a quality level and demonstrated the ability required for the position. This includes planning the preparation and use of photographs, illustrations, drawings, and other art work, charts, diagrams, dioramas, maps, slides, overlays, and other kinds of visual material for use in communicating information through visual means. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: GS-9 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 include but are not limited to: ability to perform a variety of audiovisual, print and photographic duties; broad knowledge of the principles, regulations and security controls and techniques for visual media development and management; ability to apply skills and knowledge to routine and non-routine assignments; adhere to basic policy and instructions. OR Education: Applicants must possess a master's or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.B. or J.D., if related to the work of this position. (Transcripts must be submitted). OR Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have combination of specialized experience and education as described above. GS-11 Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-9 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to: Use software, hardware and practices to design, execute, and produce computer-generated graphic material in communications, online training, advertisement; create word text, complex graphics and assembled written conceptual material using creative suite software; ability to demonstrate working knowledge of computer and graphic illustration and incorporate work between mediums; provide technical assistance, consultation, and guidance to management and staff regarding the development, extension, and improvement of educational studies, programs, systems, strategies, and services. OR Education: Applicants must possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related to the work of the position. (Transcripts must be submitted). OR Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have combination of specialized experience and education as described above. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Multimedia Technologies Communication and Media Creative Thinking Manages and Organizes Information Technology Application Writing 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 involves some standing and sitting for extended periods of time at a desk or computer terminal, as well as at a large-format printer and cutting station. Work at cutting station includes standing, cutting using sharp instruments, installation of printed products into sign holders. Employee is regularly required to carry printed signage and other material to location for installation or to client for delivery and is required to use a cart or hand-truck for transporting heavier loads. The work requires manual dexterity, hand and eye coordination, and the ability to accurately perceive and sense color hues and chroma. 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/.

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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System 10701 East Boulevard Cleveland, OH 44106 US
• Name: Karrie Kole
• Phone: (269)873-3563
• Email: [email protected]