Health System Specialist-Graduate Healthcare Administrative Program Trainee

Summary The GHATP Trainee functions as a Health System Specialist in the Office of the Director of the Medical Facility and is responsible for managing projects and assisting in the coordination of daily office activities. The GHATP program is a one‑year program designed so that the position acquires the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies to assume more complex responsibilities and assist the Office of the Medical Center Director in successfully meeting its mission and strategic goals. Qualifications To qualify for this position applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement – 07/10/2026. For GS‑9 applicants, a master’s degree completed within the last 2 years (6 years for preference‑eligible veterans) from an institution accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) or the U.S. Department of Education in hospital administration, public health administration (MHA, MHSA, MPH), or related fields such as business or public administration (MBA, MPA) with coursework in health‑care administration by program start date is required. Alternatively, two years of progressively higher‑level graduate education in a similar field is acceptable. For GS‑11 applicants, after successful completion of the Recent Graduate Program the selectee may be converted to a permanent career/ career‑conditional position up to the GS‑11 level contingent on successful job performance and funding availability. Physical requirements: The work is primarily sedentary with some slight physical effort possible. A full year of work is considered 35‑40 hours per week. Part‑time experience will be credited on the basis of the time actually spent in appropriate activities; applicants wishing to receive credit must clearly indicate the nature of their duties and hours in each position. Qualification standards are governed by the United States Office of Personnel Management. For more information, visit the OPM website. Duties The incumbent serves as a Health System Specialist (GHATP Trainee) within a one‑year formalized national training program. The GHATP training program is designed so that the incumbent acquires the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary to assume progressively more complex responsibilities and assist the Office of the Medical Center Director in successfully meeting its mission and strategic goals. The incumbent will develop an individual development plan (IDP) and receive recurring progress reviews by the supervisor. The Graduate Healthcare Administration Training Program (GHATP) is intended to build upon and enhance basic knowledge, skills and abilities previously obtained through higher education and experience related to the management of a VA Healthcare Delivery System. Major duties include but are not limited to: utilizing data and reporting tools to develop health‑planning strategies affecting the operations of medical centers, network offices and/or VHACO program offices. Analyzing data trends in budget and fiscal operations to support the preparation and execution of budget and committee meetings. Researching laws, regulations and policies related to budget and fiscal management and demonstrating knowledge of VA health‑care system operations. Participating on project teams in lead or support roles to identify and improve operational processes affecting services of the VA health‑care system. Demonstrating knowledge of VA priorities and mission statement to recommend improvement to policy and procedures related to budget and administrative operations. Observing, analyzing and reporting under professional service direction on areas such as discipline, rewards and recognition, reassignment, staff adjustments and realignments, labor/management relationships, affirmative employment and alternative dispute resolutions and grievances to understand processes for conducting projects and studies. Performing rotations and on‑site visits to make recommendations for the issues and opportunities at the Network and other VA/VHA facilities and program offices. Analyzing organization charts, policies, VERA and SAIL data to represent the service line of the facility or program office priorities during resource allocation committee meetings. Participating in disaster preparedness and emergency management planning meetings to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of policies and procedures at the service line level. Attending facility, network and VHACO program office strategic and succession planning meetings to observe techniques and methodologies in VHA personnel management. Gathering organizational data from reports and TRIP packs in preparation for media and community events either separately or in conjunction with the Public Affairs Office. Reviewing and exploring VHA relationships and processes with affiliated education programs. Participating in local hospital council, veteran organization and community organization meetings with VHA senior leader staff members. Managing, leading and administering project plans that include meeting objectives, assigning resources, giving briefings and presentations as the project representative, maintaining quality assurance processes, creating project documentation and completing after‑action review reports and follow‑up procedures in conduct of comprehensive project management. Reviewing and reporting on facility policies in preparation for surveys, audits and inspections in quality assurance, compliance and procedures governed by internal and external organizations. Developing and presenting an innovative project recommending improvements to policies, procedures and services provided by VHA at the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). Performing other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:30 am – 4:00 pm, Monday‑Friday. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs