The Program Analyst (TCF) is a vital member of the Managerial Cost Accounting Program (MCAP) team, which is responsible for implementing, processing and ongoing management of the VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) cost accounting data. Position provides analysis of programs, business and financial data to support organizational decision making as well as other analytical functions and performs cost analysis using automated systems to retrieve data from various databases across VAPAHCS.

Duties

The VA Palo Alto Healthcare System (VAPAHCS) is part of VA Sierra Pacific Network (VISN 21), which includes facilities in California, Nevada and Hawaii. VAPAHCS is a teaching hospital, providing a full range of patient care services, with state-of-the-art technology as well as education and research, Comprehensive health care is provided through primary, tertiary and long-term care in areas of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics and extended care. The Research and Development Service excels as a leader in the Department of Veterans Affairs. The non-profit corporation, the Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR), has contributed to making VAPAHCS a leader in research. To learn more visit: http://www.paloalto.va.gov/about/ The Technical Career Field (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 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. The Decision Support System (DSS) has been designated as a major VA computer package and is the VA National Managerial Cost Accounting (MCA) System. DSS is used at all VA Medical Centers. DSS is an automated clinical and financial Decision Support System which will enable VA managers to improve the tracking and accountability of costs for supplies and services provided. The incumbent is involved in performing DSS processing activities and analysis work in support of the MCA program and apply qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques to support MCAP analysis, functions and processes. The incumbent uses knowledge and skill in applying analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to issues or studies concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of medical center operations. Responsible for analyzing cost, productivity and workload data to ensure data integrity in the MCA system. Major duties and responsibilities include, but not limited to: Analytical and evaluative responsibilities in the maintenance of the DSS database. Audits Account Level Budgeter (ALB), Department Cost Manager (DCM), Clinical Cost Manager (CCM), and Daily Cost Resource Profiler (DCR) on a monthly basis. Responsible for National Data Extract (NDE) audits that identify cost and volume issues. Identifies and corrects all issues relating to these reports. Reviews irregularities in DSS such as high cost products, high cost departments, departments with cost and no volume, departments with volume and no cost, and out of range productivity. Responsible for maintaining a high level of integrity of MCA data, which includes a record of all significant technical and administrative adjustments made to the DSS database. Performs standard cost review to develop comprehensive, case mix, retrospective, workload adjusted and productivity budgets based on actual volume and mix of departments. Reviews contracts for personal services, house staff, consultants, residents, etc. Performs system tests and validation processes to ensure that the system is properly functioning after each programming change. Understands and utilizes various electronic tools to prepare reports, set up files, collect data and audit information. Proficient in use and understanding of MCA program and the business theory upon which it is based. Analyzes cost and utilization trends to identify problem areas, provide objective assessment and prioritize and recommend appropriate actions and alternatives. Work schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm 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. Position Description Title/PD#: Program Analyst (TCF Trainee)/PD02367O

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/18/2024. 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-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. 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-07 Minimum Requirements: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-05 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Applying analytical and evaluative techniques to the identification, consideration and/or resolution of issues and problems; understanding of agency programs, policies, and objectives; understanding of contracts, budgets, and fiscal management principles; skill in written and oral communication. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the experience required. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have ???????successfully completed one (1) full year of graduate level education that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with application. Education cannot be credited without documentation. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond ???????a bachelor's degree may be used to qualify applicants for the GS-07 level. NOTE: If using education combined with specialized experience to qualify, a copy of your transcript is required. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Analytical ThinkingAttention to DetailAuditingCommunicationsDatabase Administration 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: ???????The incumbent's work is primarily sedentary but may involve some walking, standing, bending, and carrying small items such as books and papers.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Palo Alto VA Medical Center 3801 Miranda Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94304 US
• Name: Veronica Alvarado
• Phone: (415) 960-5758
• Email: [email protected]