This position serves in the Office of Public Affairs and is responsible for supporting the Public Affairs program for the VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center & Clinics. This position will provide web content, graphic design, video production, media relations and writing support for the office in an effort to improve access to care, enhance direct communication to Veterans, foster good media relations and public perceptions, promote good news stories, and enhance employee communication.

Duties

***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** Major duties and responsibilities include: Performs public affairs and communication activities such as responding to and staffing media inquiries, organizing and coordinating print and broadcast media interviews and news conferences, identifying subject matter experts to respond to media requests, and drafting news releases and features stories about health care, research and human interest activities. Assists with the preparation of news releases for special events, reviewing newspapers, clipping stories pertaining to facility activities, copying pages and distributing to facility/office chiefs. Supports special events and visits throughout the health care system, such as preparing agendas and information packages, coordinating and leading tours, corresponding with visiting officials to provide directions and guidance, and managing all internal logistics for special events and visits. Drafts, edits and maintains website content to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, services, accomplishments and point of view to improve access to VA health care. Creates design solutions that have a high visual impact, including listening to clients and understanding their needs before making design decisions. Assists in the coordination of video productions for internal and external audiences including script writing and editing, shot list preparation, logistical coordination, location assignment and preparation, selection of subject matter experts and testimonials, filming and editing, and uploading, promoting and distributing the final product. Assists in developing and composing documents on an entire spectrum of website materials intended for Veterans, Veterans' families, caregivers, medical personnel and VA leadership, as well as the general public. Writes news releases and features stories about health care, research and human-interest activities, writing speeches and talking points for management officials, and writing internal and external communications including newsletters, posters/flyers, online bulletins, announcements/messages for leadership officials, brochures/publications, and messages to employees, patients and stakeholders. Performing other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm 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. Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

Requirements

Qualifications

IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION AT THE GS-7 LEVEL YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING: DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIREMENT: This position requires a current, valid state driver's license. If an interview is requested, you may be required to provide a copy of your current, valid, and unrestricted state driver's license. ~AND~ TYPING PROFICIENCY: This position requires the skills of a qualified typist. In addition to meeting the experience and/or education requirements, you must be able to type at least 40 words per minute. In addition to meeting experience or education requirements, applicants for this positions must show possession of the following skills, as appropriate. Applicants may meet these requirements by passing the appropriate performance test, presenting a certificate of proficiency from a school or other organization authorized to issue such certificates by the Office of Personnel Management local office, or by self-certifying their proficiency. Performance test results and certificates of proficiency are acceptable for 3 years. Agencies may verify proficiency skills of self-certified applicants by administering the appropriate performance test. ~AND~ SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: You must possess 1 year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-6 level in the Federal service, that equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) needed to successfully perform the duties of the position and that is typically in or related to this Public Affairs Assistant position to be filled. Specialized experience for the position includes writing and editing news releases, feature stories, public service announcements, newsletters, brochures, video scripts, speeches, messages, and general correspondence; utilizing graphic design software and practices to design high quality publications, web pages, electronic bulletin boards, posters/flyers, etc.; utilizing video production and software to produce, film and edit high quality videos for internal and external audiences; knowledge of current Intranet/Internet technologies, standard Internet/Intranet protocols, usability concepts (i.e., navigational aids, site architecture), accessibility factors and standards and programming and scripting languages to provide guidance in determining the most appropriate methods for delivering information via the Internet/Intranet. (THIS EXPERIENCE MUST BE SUPPORTED BY YOUR RESUME TO BE CREDITABLE.) You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Administration and ManagementComputer SkillsOrganizational Stewardship 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. 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. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require walking and standing in conjunction with travel and to attendance at meetings and conferences away from the work site. The employee may carry light items such as papers, books, or small parts, or drive a motor vehicle. The work does not require any special physical effort. Travel may be 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/.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Contacts

• Address White City VA Medical Center 8495 Crater Lake Highway White City, OR 97503 US
• Name: VHA National Recruitment Center
• Phone: (844)456-5208
• Email: [email protected]