This position serves as the Chief of Communication Services Office and the Director of Public Affairs at the James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center (JJPVAMC) in Bronx, NY. The Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist - Chief Communication Services Officer holds delegated authority for making local JJPVAMC determinations regarding Public Affairs and Communication activities within the framework of established laws, regulations and local policies of VA and the JJPVAMC.

Duties

***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** The major duties include but are not limited to: Develops and executes written and in person information in order to encourage groups and individuals to adopt/utilize agency and facility programs; Assesses effectiveness of internal and external communications and develops programs to address changing needs; Has a cursory understanding of both Veterans Benefits Administration and the National Cemetery Administration; Utilizes all aspects of traditional communication such as written, press coverage, video, participation in community events, hosting events at the facility, congressional town halls, etc.; Functions as the official spokesperson for the JJPVAMC; Manages and executes the facility's Crisis Communication plan in the event of an emergency which may include situations of natural disaster, man-made disaster or other threat with potential to impact daily operations; Responds to media inquiries in a timely manner with allowable, accurate, transparent information which may be in the form of an official written statement, a live response or preparing Subject Matter Experts to provide comments; Engages the press with local, regional and/or national programs and initiatives via press as well as being proactive in looking for opportunities to pitch stories of interest to VA stakeholders; Works with staff or members of the New York congressional delegation or other elected officials by providing updates; Leads, executes and briefs the facility's leadership team on all aspects of event planning or high-level visits and understands appropriate protocols; Engages in and with the community as well as with VA stakeholders in order to advise the Leadership Team on topics that may impact JJP VAMC's mission; Attends or speaks at events in the community, coordination of Veteran Town Halls, visits local military facilities or provides subject matter experts to take part in community events; Oversees the daily operation of the unit, ensures that agency policies and priorities are being followed; develops performance standards; evaluates work performance of subordinates; gives advice, counsel and instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters; hears and resolves minor complaints from employees; interviews candidates for positions in the unit; recommends appointments, promotions and reassignments to unit positions; identifies and provides for training needs; etc.; and, Performs all other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Telework (Ad hoc): 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 ad hoc telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position at the GS-13 level, you must meet the following: Experience: You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the Federal Service that has given you the particular knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the duties of a Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist - Chief Communication Services Officer, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience includes lead/supervisory experience such as directing the work of subordinates, managing performance, handling employee complaints, reviewing training needs, etc.; conducting the public affairs program for an organization; applying advanced communication and analytical practices, methods and techniques to the solution of complex public affairs problems; planning, developing and producing a variety of materials and publications (print, visual, Web-based, multimedia, and video materials) to promote understanding of various points of view or ideas; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with media representatives and organization program officials; and coordinating and implementing special events, ceremonies, outreach campaigns and other activities to generate public awareness of organization's mission. NOTE: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: ANALYTICAL REASONING COMMUNICATION COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA INTERPERSONAL SKILLS ORGANIZATIONAL AWARENESS TECHNICAL COMPETENCE IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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: The work of this position is generally sedentary with walking required during visits and tours within and outside the Medical Center. Flexibility is required to accommodate events and activities occurring in other than normal duty hours. Mobility is required in terms of staging and assisting staff with equipment and other required materials. 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; religious; 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. 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 at this grade level.

Contacts

• Address Bronx VA Medical Center 130 West Kingsbridge Rd. Bronx, NY 10468 US
• Name: VHA National Recruitment Center
• Phone: (844)456-5208
• Email: [email protected]