Program Specialist

Program Specialist

The position serves as the Program Specialist for the Dental Service Line, reporting directly to the Chief Dental Officer. It requires strong analytical, administrative, and organizational skills. The incumbent works closely with multiple MVAMC programs and service chiefs on matters involving budget, personnel, supplies, equipment, and the dental house staff training program. They manage day-to-day office operations, provide administrative guidance to dental assistants and hygienists, and ensure timely, accurate submission of all required administrative reports. The role oversees Dental Service Line quality standards, coordinates staff responses to maintain those standards, and ensures that all VA dental policies and procedures are properly implemented.

• Serves as the personnel management expert for the Dental Service Line.
• Advises the Chief on personnel policies and administrative staff issues.
• Coordinates activities and performs analytical trending and evaluative work (e.g., consults, authorizations, payments, VSSC data, dental contracts).
• Provides guidance to administrative employees and contributes to annual performance appraisals.
• Oversees day-to-day administrative operations of the Dental Service Line.
• Assists with staffing projections, job analyses, training requests, and disciplinary or adverse actions.
• Manages personnel costs to ensure efficient use of staffing and funding resources.
• Keeps the Chief informed of emerging issues and resolves problems before they escalate.
• Listens to administrative staff concerns, assists when possible, and consults Human Resources when needed.
• Collaborates with the Service Chief as the management representative/deciding official for the Dental Service Line.
• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets incoming requests; recommends actions or alternatives based on operational knowledge, personnel policies, budget constraints, and priorities.
• Develops systems and methods for tracking, managing, and reporting operational information.
• Oversees orientation for new Dental Service Line staff.
• Nominates staff for training and employee development programs.
• Monitors education tracking for all programs, ensuring timely data entry, employee notifications, and required administrative reporting.

Work Schedule: Full time-Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm.

Telework: 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 / PD608-041660

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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.