Summary
The incumbent serves as an Administrative Specialist in the Chief of Staff's Office within the Wilmington Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. This position reports to the Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff (COS), this position performs duties which are administrative in nature for one or more assigned services.
Duties
This position serves as an administrative advisor to the Chief(s) of the assigned service(s). As such, the Administrative Specialist provides a key role in assisting the Service Chief(s) in the development and implementation of policies and procedures, both long and short-range planning, budget, guidelines, and proposals for efficient and effective utilization of resources and the operation of the division. The policies and procedures concern all aspects of the organization including budget and fiscal management, supply, service and equipment procurement, human resources and workforce utilization, contract negotiations, initiation and oversight, construction and renovation, and space utilization. The Administrative Specialist performs and/or directs special studies and projects as directed by the Executive Assistant or the Chief, some highly confidential and complex in nature. Duties include, but may not be limited to the following: Skilled in Performance Improvement, including mastery of requirements of the VA Central Office (VACO) and The Joint Commission (JC), as they relate to the assigned services. Responds expeditiously to unannounced demands for surveys and statistical reports and ensures all reporting is completed timely and accurately. Assists in developing strategic plans for the collection and analysis of data related to service operations and actively participates as a full member of the healthcare delivery team, involved in policy making, process execution, and works to provide administrative oversight to the assigned service(s). Analyzes proposals and provides the Service Chief(s) and/or Executive Assistant with an objective opinion before a final decision is made. Recommends courses of action and conducts executive review of correspondence which requires the concurrence, or signature of the Service Chief(s) or higher-level officials. Resolves significant problems relating to such correspondence through negotiations with the originating or concurring offices. When designated, the Administrative Specialist represents the Chief(s) at meetings, presents information, and takes positions which are consistent with the Service Chief(s) policies and thinking. Acts as the focal point for all communication flow for the assigned service(s). Facilitates communication with individuals at all levels inside or outside the agency. Ensuring that diverse functions are interfaced and duplicative efforts streamlined or eliminated. Executing operations plans which are based on effective controls and realistic projections. Utilizing and communicating various measures of efficiency. Evaluates and plans sufficient space utilization based on constantly changing and ever-increasing program demands, inclusive of the assigned service(s)'s staff and patients, adhering to VA guidelines. Responsible for planning for revised space assignments and request allocation of space through the medical center's space designee. Contributes to the overall management of the medical center by participating as team member on special task forces, conducting special studies, and providing leadership. Work Schedule: 8am- 4:30pm, Monday - Friday Telework: Telework will be on an Ad-hoc basis based on management approval Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Administrative Specialist/PD02102A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Education
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/.
How you will be evaluated
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position: Administration and Management Attention to Detail Budget Administration Contracting/Procurement Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Planning and Evaluating Reading Comprehension Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Technical Competence Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. 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. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. 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. 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. Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.