SummaryThe Program Specialist is in the Education department and is responsible for a wide range of supportive and administrative tasks for program within the department.
This job is open to - Internal to an agencyCurrent federal employees of this agency.
- Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)Federal employees who meet the definition of a surplus or displaced employee.
Clarification from the agencyThis vacancy announcement is open to VHA employees and CTAP eligibles. with first consideration being given to current Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center and CBOC employees; second consideration given to current VISN 15 employees; and third consideration given to VHA Employees
VideosDutiesRobert J Dole VAMC is committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working and learning environment that promotes professional growth and teamwork. We offer an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where we celebrate our individual differences and unite as a team toward a common goal of providing outstanding service to our Nation's Veterans.Program Support: Provides support to programmatic matters related to the daily successful operation of Education services in the Medical Center. Participates collaboratively in developing strategies for the service to meet its goals and mandates in efficient and effective ways, ensuring alignment with Medical Center strategic initiatives.Primary responsibility for the functioning of the Voice Activated Mannequins (VAMs), ensuring maintenance/preventive maintenance occurs as required. Monitors, analyzes, and ensures first line measures are used to maintain, troubleshoot, and prevent disruptions to staff compliance with CPR certification. Performs simple remedies, as allowed by Resuscitation Education Initiative (REdI) program. Supports and educates staff at the medical center and five Community Based Outpatient Clinic on the appropriate use and maintenance of, the VAMs. Maintains Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor certification to assist staff with successful, quarterly BLS certification. Conducts BLS classes and assists or leads mock codes, twice each month, in various departments throughout the medical center
Training Affiliation Agreements:Facility expert in all facets of negotiating, initiating, developing, coordinating, reviewing and follows to completion, all inter-service and intra-service federal and nonfederal Training Affiliation Agreements/Memorandum of Understanding (TAA/MOU). Negotiates, initiates, develops and follows to completion, renewals of these agreements and develops amendments thereto as needed. Manages the process from the Education Department perspective for scholarships and tuition reimbursement, which includes completion of appropriate documentation requesting payment; ensuring presence of appropriate supporting documents from requesting staff; submitting for leadership approval and signature; submission to Finance Department for payment; and recording/tracking amount paid and impact on the budget; and providing process education to the applicants each semester.
Administrative Management:Manages the proficiency process for the registered nurses in the department. Tracks proficiency due dates, notifies staff of pending due date, provides appropriate forms for staff utilization, and ensures data is correct (Grade/Step). Provides communication reminders to staff to ensure leadership has adequate time to contribute/approve before the due date. Creates end of year performance award tracking for reporting to Human Resources. Creates and maintains tracking/reporting system for other human resource utilization reports.
Resource Management:Serves as the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for programs within the Education Department. Serves as the technical liaison between contractors and the Contracting Officer. Monitors, reviews, and determines whether the contractor's performance follows terms and conditions of the contract specifications and inspects all work for full compliance with contract requirements. Notifies the Contracting Officer of violations of labor standard provisions, work that does not comply with contract requirements, and if contractor fails to remove, correct, or replace rejected work. Assists the contracting officer and Education Chief in matters related to contract requirements and contract administration (i.e., coordinates with the contracting officer on proposals for contractor work not specified in the basic request for negotiations) and provides cost estimates for breakdown to determine the most economical methods to provide services. Resolves disputes, implements changes and interprets regulations and contract specifications.Promotion Potential: 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, 8:00-4:30Telework: 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/PD#: Program Specialist/PD094450
Requirements Conditions of Employment- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- You may be required to serve a probationary period
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See Additional Information below for details.
QualificationsTo qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 01/13/2025.
Current Title 38 Hybrid employees: To qualify for a Title 5 position based on the Interchange agreement, you must meet the following:1. Be currently serving under a permanent appointment.2. Served continuously for at least 1 year in the other merit system prior to appointment under the interchange agreement.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-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09. 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. 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 your experience and/or education as described below:
GS-09Specialized Experience: You must possess one-year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Your resume must clearly reflect your experience. No assumptions can be made.Specialized experience includes, providing day-to-day operational support to a department. This includes but not limited to supporting Program Managers within the department to ensure compliance with directives and regulatory agencies; maintaining affiliation agreements with schools and universities; managing inventory and simulation resources; maintaining budget with four control points that support the department and the facility.OR
Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. A transcript must be uploaded to support your answer.To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a master's or equivalent graduate degree OR Two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.B. or J.D.OR
Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level.
GS-11Specialized Experience: You must possess one-year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. Your resume must clearly reflect your experience. No assumptions can be made.Specialized experience includes, providing day-to-day operational support to a department. This includes but not limited to supporting Program Managers within the department to ensure compliance with directives and regulatory agencies; maintaining affiliation agreements with schools and universities; managing inventory and simulation resources; maintaining budget with four control points that support the department and the facility.OR
Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. A transcript must be uploaded to support your answer.To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.M if relatedOR
Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level.
Education Information: One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study. If that information cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours should be considered as satisfying the 1 year of full-time study requirement.You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
- Attention to Detail
- Financial Management
- Manages Resources
- Oral Communication
- Problem Solving
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 primarily sedentary, but occasional standing, walking, stooping, bending and carrying items weighing 25 pounds maybe required. Assignments may occasionally involve longer periods of standing, bending and stooping to observe and facilitate group projects or activities.For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at
EducationA 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: 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:
Additional informationVA 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.Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
- BenefitsA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.For more information on the Who may apply eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
- BenefitsA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
- Required DocumentsAs a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume (required) - Resume must include the following information for each job listed: job title, duties, start and end dates to include day-month-year, full time or part time status (include hours worked per week). Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.
- Current Federal Employees: MOST CURRENT SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action (required, if using for eligibility determination) - Must show your current title, series, grade, step, salary, and tenure. (This is used to determine you meet an area of consideration for internal to agency employee or a federal employee. VA employees can obtain a copy from your Electronic Official Personnel File (eOPF) at which can only be accessed from a VA networked computer.)
- Transcript - Transcripts are required if you are using education as a substitution for experience. The transcript must include your name, the school name, degree and the date it was conferred if applicable, and a list of the courses taken.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):- Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
- An SF-50 showing 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
- Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
- Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
- Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
- Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
- SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference with required proof as stated on the form.Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.- How to ApplyAll applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 01/13/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.Agency contact informationSamuel MorrowPhone 316-###-#### X58034 Email [email protected] J Dole VA Medical and Regional Office Center 5500 East Kellogg Drive Wichita, KS 67218 USNext stepsOnce your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.- Fair and TransparentThe Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Criminal history inquiries
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Financial suitability
- New employee probationary period
- Privacy Act
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Selective Service
- Signature and false statements
- Social security number request
Required DocumentsTo apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume (required) - Resume must include the following information for each job listed: job title, duties, start and end dates to include day-month-year, full time or part time status (include hours worked per week). Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.Current Federal Employees: MOST CURRENT SF-50 Notification of Personnel Action (required, if using for eligibility determination) - Must show your current title, series, grade, step, salary, and tenure. (This is used to determine you meet an area of consideration for internal to agency employee or a federal employee. VA employees can obtain a copy from your Electronic Official Personnel File (eOPF) at which can only be accessed from a VA networked computer.)Transcript - Transcripts are required if you are using education as a substitution for experience. The transcript must include your name, the school name, degree and the date it was conferred if applicable, and a list of the courses taken.The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):
- Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
- An SF-50 showing 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
- Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
- Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
- Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
- Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
- SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.