The Program Specialist is responsible for developing a variety of systems and data integration support tools and any technology requirements not supported by OIT, through work with internal and external entities. They should have expert knowledge and skills to develop solutions using a variety of web-based platforms and PC-based software programs such as Microsoft Office/365, Microsoft Power Platform, Microsoft SQL Server, Visual Studio, Power BI, SSRS, WordPress/web design, etc.

Duties

This announcement is open to current, permanent VHA Human Capital Management (HCM) employees, including, Institute for Learning, Education and Development (ILEAD), National Center for Organizational Development (NCOD) and Workforce Management and Consulting (WMC), Station 131, and CTAP (Career Transition Assistance Plan for surplus/displaced employees) eligible employees only. All other candidates will not be considered. The major duties of this position include but are not limited to: Develops or supports development of a variety of systems and data integration support tools through work with internal and external (e.g., VHA program offices, centralized IT staff, contracting firms, other Federal agencies) entities. Examples of such tools include submission trackers, project management systems, action item workflow trackers, internal process workload controls, automation of educational system process measures, improvements to action item tracking methods, and custom data collection and reporting dashboards to support VHA educational initiatives. Conducts projects that involve coordinating, analyzing, modeling, and consolidating project data as required to develop a wide variety of outputs (e.g., final proposals, reports, executive briefs/summaries, presentations, interactive data visualizations, dashboards, and data stories). Establishes and develops methods, tools, and other resources to obtain requested or required data and other information for use by executive and other management and staff (e.g., to solve widespread problems, resolve persistent issues, clarify management lines of authority). Performs ad hoc, unique, and/or other assignments involving sensitive/internal management information as directed by the supervisor or other management officials in support of program management operations. Creates and edits no- and low-code apps and workflows using VA standard tools such as SharePoint and Power Apps. Promotion Potential: This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed above represent the full performance level of GS-13. At the GS-12 grade level, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-13. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher-level work, and availability of funds. 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. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: May be available *Telework: This position is authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. *Virtual/Remote: This is NOT a virtual or remote position. You must live within or be willing to relocate within a commutable distance of the duty location. Position Description/PD#: Program Specialist/PD20805A and PD27867A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/02/2024. 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-12 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11 level. For a GS-13 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-12 level. 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. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Specialized Experience: You must have one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position. Specialized experience is experience that included all or most of the following: Developing and supporting development of a variety of systems and data integration support tools through work with internal and external entities. Examples of such tools include submission trackers, project management systems, action item workflow trackers, internal process workload controls, automation of educational system process measures, improvements to action item tracking methods, and custom data collection and reporting dashboards to support VHA educational initiatives. Conducting projects that involve coordinating, analyzing, modeling, and consolidating project data as required to develop a wide variety of outputs (e.g., final proposals, reports, executive briefs/summaries, presentations, interactive data visualizations, dashboards, and data stories). Serving as an information technology (IT) administrative liaison establishing and maintaining mutual understanding and cooperation with Office of Information Technology and other related external offices. Leading integrated project teams consisting of subject matter experts (SME), contract IT staff, field users, and management officials in the development of operational requirements for IT systems. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Applies Technology to Tasks- Selects and understands procedures, machines, or tools that will produce the desired results; identifies or solves problems in machines, computers, or other technologies as they are related to performing tasks. Customer Service- Works with clients and customers to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services. Data Management- Knowledge of the principles, procedures, and tools of data management, such as modeling techniques, data backup, data recovery, data dictionaries, data warehousing, data mining, data disposal, and data standardization processes. Systems Thinking- Performs analysis that focuses on the way that a system's constituent parts interrelate and how systems work over time and within the context of larger systems; considers the whole system and recognizes links between everything from the complex network of global to departmental priorities. Technology Management- Integrates technology into the workplace; develops strategies using new technology to manage and improve program effectiveness; understands the impact of technological changes on the organization. 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. Physical Requirements: The work is mostly sedentary and involves the use of typical office equipment telephones, copiers, personal computers and fax machines. However, the work requires nationwide travel to attend meetings, coordinate actions and, at times, to present briefings to large and small audiences. Some standing and lifting would be required or accommodated. The incumbent is a virtual member of a team and performs independently with limited face-to-face interaction with teammates, customers and others. This requires the exercise of sound time management, frequent written and telephonic communications, and a disciplined approach to project planning and execution. 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.

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 VHA Central Office - Human Capital Management 810 Vermont Avenue NW Washington, DC 20420 US
• Name: VHA National Recruitment Center
• Phone: (844)456-5208
• Email: [email protected]