Truman VA Medical Center is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment that promotes professional growth and teamwork. We offer an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where we celebrate our individual differences and unite as a team toward a common goal of providing outstanding service to our Nation's Veterans.

Duties

The VHA public information program involves the presentation of the Medical Center mission, services and activities to the staff, volunteers, members of the media, general public, veterans, local, state and federal officials and community groups in ways that most effectively achieve the VHA's goals while contributing to understanding and support of the Medical Center's caring for veterans. Major Duties Serves as the medical center's website, SharePoint and social media administrator. The incumbent also may serves as spokesperson for the Medical Center, and as such is the point of contact for local and national media; is the liaison for veterans' service organizations, congressional staffs, community groups, professional organizations, etc. He/she conducts the public affairs program for the Medical Center with responsibility for developing and providing staff direction involving all public information, internal communications, VSO liaison, and community relations activities. Often represents the Medical Center director, participating at public, civic or social events to improve perception of the Medical Center as a valued part of the medical profession, government and community. Additional Duties include but are not limited to: Localizes material prepared for general release to the media; works with the VHACO and VACO Public Affairs Program Offices in the development of unified action on news stories that may have significant impact; markets information items to appropriate local and regional print and electronic media, and utilizes general and specialized news media to disseminate consumer information to various publics. Provides expertise in planning and implementation of special events, ceremonies, open houses, tours and other activities conducted for the purpose of generating awareness of, and interest in the mission of the Medical Center and for public awareness. Sets up systematic programs for collecting information of news interest concerning Medical Center activities and personnel. Regularly prepares news releases and photos for submission to regional and local publications and electronic media. Analyzes internal communication needs and develops publications or other information materials for staff, patients, volunteers and others who contribute to the Medical Center effectiveness and responsiveness. The incumbent works with staff and service chiefs in identifying their information needs and assisting them with the development and dissemination of appropriate materials. Undertakes other assignments, such as coordination of special projects, at the direction of the Medical Center Director. Special assignments could include coordination, participation and/or chairing special committees as assigned to meet stated objectives within a specific time frame. Undertakes other assignments, such as speech writing or coordination of special events/projects at the direction of the Medical Center director. Coordinates photo coverage of programs and activities with medical media production service. Provides guidance in the area of photography for public information purposes. Acts as liaison between staff members holding joint appointments with the affiliated medical college to assure proper attribution of media stories involving both facilities. Coordinates the production and dissemination of information, material, and, where necessary, works with contractors who design, write or produce materials for the Medical Center. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc may be approved Virtual: This is not a virtual position Position Description/PD#: Public Affairs Specialist/PD096510 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/05/2023. 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. For a GS-12 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11. 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: For the GS-12, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: 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 serving as the point of contact for local and national media; is the liaison for veterans' service organizations, congressional staffs, community groups, professional organizations, etc. He/she conducts the public affairs program for the Medical Center with responsibility for developing and providing staff direction involving all public information, internal communications, VSO liaison, and community relations activities. Often represents the Medical Center director, participating at public, civic or social events to improve perception of the Medical Center as a valued part of the medical profession, government and community. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Project ManagementSelf ManagementTechnical CompetenceWeb Technology 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. Physical Requirements: Physical demands include walking, bending, stooping, and standing for extended periods of time. On occasion, lifting and transportation of moderately heavy equipment (40 lbs.) is required. Employee drives a vehicle to transport material to off-station programs. 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

There is no educational substitution for this position.

Contacts

• Address Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital 800 Hospital Drive Columbia, MO 65201 US
• Name: Joan Gerke
• Phone: 573-639-4112
• Email: [email protected]