Health System Specialist

Summary

This position is located in Simulation, Learning, Evaluation, Assessment and Research Network (SimLEARN), Veterans Health Administration (VHA). SimLEARN's goal is to promote collaboration and coordination with facility-based educators, researchers and clinicians to drive ongoing improvement and innovation in education, training and advancements in scientific research.

Duties

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Performs high level executive work to the Executive Director of SimLEARN, operating under broad and general supervision while exercising significant independence and authority. The incumbent has direct responsibility for supporting the Executive Director in all management and operational matters across the Simulation Learning, Evaluation, Assessment, and Research Network.

Lead or conduct studies which provide findings, analysis, and recommendations to leadership of the agency.

Serves as the principal advisor to the Executive Director on all internal SimLEARN program office administrative operations, including human resources, finance, budget, training, organizational management, logistics, procurement and contracting, and facilities oversight.

Advises on a wide range of substantive, procedural, and policy matters pertaining to human resources, including recruitment, classification, compensation, performance management, employee and labor relations, and training.

Designs and conducts studies to improve organizational efficiency, including preparing or developing alternative structures, functional realignments, and optimized staffing levels.

Manages procurement and property functions for SimLEARN, including acquisition of equipment, furniture, and supplies, as well as inventory processes, storage, issuance, and disposal.

Develops practical and effective plans and recommendations for space management within SimLEARN, ensuring the efficient use and assignment of allocated office space.

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 8:00 AM to 4:30PM

Compressed/Flexible: May be authorized at leadership discretion

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#: Health System Specialist/PD864800

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• 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 or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/06/2026.

You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:

Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-13 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:

• Serving as principal advisor to a senior executive on management and operations of a health care organization or program office.
• Analyzing and evaluating an organization's mission, programs and operations to find ways to improve productivity, effectiveness and use of resources.
• Interpreting and evaluating regulations, legislative proposals, policies and directives that affect resources, budget, programs or operations.
• Advising on internal administrative operations, including human resources, finance and budget, logistics, procurement and contracting, or facilities.
• Planning and leading complex studies with multi-functional or multi-organizational teams. Examples include proposing organizational structures, functional realignments or staffing levels.
• Formulating multiyear budgets, forecasting, and monitoring budget execution.
• Using quantitative and qualitative analysis, performance metrics or dashboards, and program evaluation methods to assess options and support decisions.
• Preparing executive-level briefings, correspondence, decision papers and presentations for senior leadership.

OR,

Education: There is no educational substitute for this grade level at this time.

You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:

• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Decision Making
• Flexibility
• Influencing/Negotiating
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Reasoning
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

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.

Note: 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.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.