Program Specialist

Program Specialist

The GS-7 is a developmental position, composing a career ladder structure to the full performance level of Program Specialist. The incumbent at the GS-7 level will serve in a developmental assignment, to provide the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the full range of duties as described in the target position description. At the GS-9 level, Program Specialist position is pivotal in deriving and analyzing qualitative and quantitative information from which the most cost-effective, efficient, and highest quality healthcare services can be implemented. In this role, provides advice to service line leadership and implements improvements based on analysis. The Program Specialist is located at the Maine VAMC main campus and supports operations at the medical center location within the main campus as well as surrounding CBOCs in Maine. The duties and responsibilities of this position are predominantly analytical and directly related to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs in Mental Health. The position ensures that both productivity and efficiency are maximized while continually working towards improvement, requiring analytical ability as well as sound judgement and discretion. The position ensures that systems and processes are implemented consistently and accurately by supporting Mental Health operational functions. The position is responsible for specialized work encompassing such issues as workplace environment, resource needs assessment, analysis of operations and analysis of current systems/procedures. The position will also be tasked to monitor the Mental health fund control points and will assist with purchases and credit card transactions. The Program Specialist works independently, makes recommendations, and exercises judgment in support of the Mental Health Service Line. The administrative responsibilities intersect organizational boundaries at all levels of the hospital. Incumbent may help in internal review activities of the Mental Health Service Line to help ensure that both clinical and administrative functions are in compliance with VACO directives and standards issued by various accrediting and regulatory groups including the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, Office of the Inspector General, the General Accounting Office, Board Medical Examiners, etc. The position provides comprehensive customer service for employees travelling on VA business.

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 07:30am-4:00pm

Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized

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. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Program Specialist / PD033350 and PD033340

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Notifications: This position is in the Competitive Service. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees. Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held. This position is not a Bargaining Unit position. This position is covered by locality-based comparability pay. Time-in-Grade Restriction: 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. The grade may have been in any occupation but must have been held in the Federal service. The incumbent may be required to travel to other VA campuses and CBOC's. Narrative responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) may be required from the selectee in order to proceed with the appointment.