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 2 years during which they are trained, coached, and supervised by a preceptor.

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. This position is assigned to the Integrity and Compliance (OIC ) Program as a trainee in the VA Technical Career Field (TCF) Master's Program. The incumbent contributes to the fulfillment of the elements of an effective compliance program to include compliance program committee oversight, training and education, auditing and monitoring, risk assessment, open lines of communication, enforcement, recognition, investigation, and response. The Integrity and Compliance Officer (ICO) TCF Trainee assists in the planning, development, and implementation of compliance initiatives within the Medical Center and Community Based Outpatient Centers (CBOC)s. The ICO TCF Trainee functions under the direction of a designated Preceptor as an independent and objective person who reviews and evaluates compliance issues and concerns (as delineated under Major Duties and Responsibilities below) within the organization with limited guidance from the Veterans Affairs Central Office (VACO) OIC Program Office, the Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) OIC Officer and facility Director. During the training program, the ICO TCF Trainee works closely in collaboration with the Preceptor to conduct the primary duties/responsibilities. As time progresses in the training program, the ICO TCF Trainee conducts work more independently to prepare them for placement as a permanent ICO. Compliance Program elements will include, but not be limited to, preventing illegal and/or unethical conduct; responding to alleged violations of law, rule or regulation; and reporting alleged violations to appropriate existing channels for investigations and resolution; planning program objectives; developing risk management solutions and associated mitigation plans, such as, monitoring and auditing, and creating training and education plans for the employees within the facility. The ICO TCF Trainee assists in planning, developing, and implementing programs to effectively identify, plan, assess, respond, and monitor areas of high risk, and coordinate efforts to improve performance as deemed necessary; develops expertise to serve as an advisor on compliance regulations, references, and program initiation and implementation throughout the facility. The ICO TCF Trainee uses access and authority to review all documents, patient records, and other information relevant to compliance activities, including, but not limited to claim submissions, financial reports, external review reports, purchased care reports, communication from first and third-party payers, quality reports, privacy records, reports of investigations, and arrangements with other parties. Some access may be on an "as needed" basis in order to conduct specific audits or investigations. At the end of the ICO TCF Trainee's two-year program, the trainee should be capable of developing, implementing, and maintaining an effective Facility compliance program in accordance with Compliance Program and Industry Standards as outlined in VHA Handbook 1030.02, the U.S. Sentencing Guidance, and the Health and Human Services Guidance for Compliance Programs. The trainee will undergo a rigorous training program that will provide him/her with the skills to competently demonstrate the requisite standards. Work schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure: Not Required 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#: Health System Specialist (Integrity & Compliance Officer (ICO) TCF Trainee)/PD99535S and PD99534S

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement, 08/28/2024. You may qualify based on education and/or experience as described below: Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Applicants who have the 1 year of appropriate specialized experience, as indicated in the table, are not required by this standard to have general experience, education above the high school level, or any additional specialized experience to meet the minimum qualification requirements. GS-09: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-07 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: assist in planning, developing, and implementing programs to effectively identify, plan, assess, respond, and monitor areas of high risk, and coordinate efforts to improve performance as deemed necessary; develop expertise to serve as an advisor on compliance regulations, references, and program initiation and implementation throughout the facility; review all documents, patient records, and other information relevant to compliance activities, including but not limited to claim submissions, financial reports, external review reports, purchased care reports, communication from first and third-party payers, quality reports, privacy records, reports of investigations, and arrangements with other parties. OR; Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree or, 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M., if related GS-11: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-09 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: review and evaluate compliance issues and concerns within an organization; responding to alleged violations of law, rule, or regulation; reporting alleged violations to appropriate channels for investigations and resolution; planning program objectives; developing risk management objectives; developing risk management solutions and associated mitigation plans, such as, monitoring and auditing, and creating training and education plans for employees within the facility OR; Education: Ph.D, or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.M., if related. NOTE: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for all grade levels for which both education and experience are acceptable. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: CommunicationComplianceRisk Management 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: There are no unusual physical demands. The work is performed in an office setting. Travel to the VISN and various trainee and external meetings or training is required. Work Environment: Most work is performed in an office setting; however, travel away from the normal duty station may occur as necessary.

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 Jonathan M Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center 77 Wainwright Drive Walla Walla, WA 99362 US
• Name: Tami Sweet
• Phone: 916-213-9783
• Email: [email protected]