The Technical Career Field (TCF) is a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions.

Duties

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. Knowledge of the production, communication and dissemination of information and ideas to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media. Knowledge of public relations, community relations, advertising, and journalism including media technical requirements and practices. Knowledge of the practices and techniques of oral communications in developing and presenting briefings to print and broadcast media. Assist in writing news releases and feature articles for dissemination through print, radio, broadcast, and social media. Assist in the organization and coordination of print and broadcast media interviews and news conferences with subject matter expert. Knowledge of grammar, writing, and editing practices, and the style requirements of the media and the publications used. Knowledge of the practices and techniques in planning and developing news stories and feature articles in laying out a publication. Skill developing programs tailored to audiences and realistic conditions to improve public understanding. Evaluates the news value or communication potential of visual material including photographs and illustrations. Interviews a variety of people and gathering information from many different sources. Performs supervised work related to public affairs and communication activities such as responding to media queries, and generating media interest. Skill in utilizing social media programs such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter in order to generate media and the public interest while improving public understanding. Work schedule: Monday - Friday / 0800 - 1630 Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available Telework: AdHoc may be Available Position Description Title/PD#: Public Affairs Specialist (TCF Trainee)/PD00944A

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/19/2024. 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: You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Experience. I possess three years of experience, one year of general experience, equivalent to at least the GS-(04) level in the Federal service, that equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA?s) needed to successfully perform the duties of this position and that is typically in or related to the position being filled. General experience includes knowledge of public relations, community relations, advertising, and journalism, including media technical requirements and practices. Knowledge of the practices and techniques of oral communications in developing and presenting briefings to print and broadcast media. Knowledge of broadcast media production. Skill in writing news releases and feature articles for dissemination through print media. Skill in effectively interacting with news media representatives. Skill in gathering and evaluating the appropriateness of information communicated through media. OR, Education. I possess 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree Note: Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED) 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 bachelors degree. You will be rated on the following competencies: Communication Technical Competence Communications and Media 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 work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.

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 Audie L Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard San Antonio, TX 78229 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]