Summary
The Program Applications Specialist provides continuous business oversight for a variety of software programs integral to the overall administration and operations of the business and effects programmatic changes at the facility level. The incumbent coordinates ongoing data collection and analysis and uses knowledge of System Redesign principles to determine organization performance.
Duties
This job opportunity announcement (JOA) will be used to fill one (1) full-time, permanent Program Applications Specialist, GS-0301-09 Target 11, vacancy with Business Office Service at the Louisville, KY VA Medical Center. 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. Knowledge can be gained and expanded on during the initial GS-9 period but will be expected to be fully gained prior to recommendation to GS-11. The Program Applications Specialist (PAS) serves as the integrator that coordinates the business process and software functions. The PAS provides continuous business oversight for a variety of software programs integral to the overall administration and operations of the business and effects programmatic changes at the facility level. The PAS coordinates ongoing data collection and analysis and uses knowledge of System Redesign principles to determine organization performance. The PAS conducts business process modeling, projects and studies that will impact on the overall functions of the services in such areas as, policy development and implementation, work methodology, processes, streamlining, etc. Major duties include but are not limited to: Skill with MUMPS/File Manager Applications Sufficient to Develop and Create Data Extract Templates, Rules, and Printouts. Oversees the coordination, planning, implementation, and training for service and facility staff in business and functional areas for various information technology VISTA packages. Serves as the functional "expert" for matters relating to the Patient Information Management System (PIMS) core package. Plans initiatives for hardware and software needs for the service. Assesses individual needs to determine appropriate level of menu access for staff, Regional Office employees, and employees from VISN VA facilities. Identifies system inefficiencies and develops studies or data collection techniques related to specific identified problems. Coordinates ongoing data collection and analysis and uses knowledge of System Redesign principles to determine organization performance. Conducts business process modeling, projects and studies that will impact on the overall functions of the services in such areas as, policy development and implementation, work methodology, processes, streamlining, etc. Performs a continuing evaluation and analysis to assess program effectiveness and to identify areas requiring management attention. Analyzes utilization trend data on a monthly/quarterly basis to verify the accuracy of the data, identify problem areas, provide objective assessments, prioritize identified problems, analyze variances, and recommend appropriate actions and/or alternatives. Establishes administrative qualitative standards; the objective of which is intended to improve programs, facilities, and operations. The incumbent develops and implements standards that affect the service. Develops initiatives which will enable the facility to provide quality health care to its population while operating in a more effective and efficient manner. Designs and develops dissemination and training materials, local standard operating procedure manuals, develops and utilizes monitoring tools, and provides for the implementation of BO programs through on-site education and training. Recommends and implements amendment of business office programs where necessary. Communicate in a clear, logical, and concise to explanation of information, both orally and in written format. Preforms the coordination, planning, implementation, and training for service and facility staff in business and functional areas for various information technology VISTA packages. Develops and presents both formal lectures and on-the-job sessions to those employees who will be entering, changing, and extracting data. Designs and develops dissemination and training materials, local standard operating procedure manuals, develops and utilizes monitoring tools, and provides for the implementation of BO programs through on-site education and training. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Telework: Adhoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Program Applications Specialist/PD403700 and PD5324 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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: Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork 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.