Program Specialist Program Applications Specialist SACRAMENTO, CA

Job Title:PROGRAM SPECIALIST (PROGRAM APPLICATIONS SPECIALIST)

Department:Department Of Veterans Affairs

Agency:Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration

Job Announcement Number:612-15-MS-1241818-BU

$62,065.00 to $80,685.00 / Per YearTuesday, October 21, 2014 to Wednesday, November 12, 20141 vacancy in the following location:
Sacramento, CA
Status Candidates (Merit Promotion and VEOA Eligibles) Public Trust - Background Investigation

 Vacancy Identification Number (VIN) 1241818

Our Mission: To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise – “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” – by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans?

As a VA professional, your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you will have a wide range of opportunities and leadership positions at your fingertips. Not only is it the largest, most technologically advanced integrated health care system in the Nation, but we also provide many other services to Veterans through the Benefits Administration and National Cemeteries. VA professionals feel good about their careers and their ability to balance work and home life. VA offers generous paid time off and a variety of predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities. For more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to http://www.vacareers.va.gov//”]

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.312(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 on the last page of the JOA for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.

WHO MAY APPLY:

Current permanent employees of the VA Nationwide including permanent Veterans Canteen Service employeesAll federal employees serving on a Career or Career-Conditional appointmentFormer federal employees eligible for reinstatementPermanent Title 38 employees on a full time basisVeterans eligible as 30% Disabled VeteransVeterans eligible under a Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA)Veterans eligible under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA)Those eligible under the Employment Program for People with DisabilitiesThose eligible under CTAP/ICTAPOccasional TravelWhen needed, may require occasional travel within and outside VA NCHCS Sites/Locations.YesRecruitment/Relocation Incentives MAY BE authorized for a high quality candidate.You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job.Subject to a background/suitability investigation.Designated and/or random drug testing may be required.Time-in-Grade restrictions may applySelective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.Knowledge of health care systems, delivery systems, mgmt principles, etc.Skill in integrating mgmt services with general mgmt of the organization.Incumbent serves as the integrator that coordinates the business process and software functions. Provides continuous 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. 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 the overall functions of services such as: Policy Development and implementation; work methodology; processes; streamlining, etc. Coordinates ongoing data collection and performs analysis to determine optimal organizational performance. Uses available data to determine current performance and develops and implements local performance measures as needed to assess current status and determines area targeted for improved effectiveness and efficiencies of Business Office practices. Develops initiatives which enable the facility to provide quality health care to its population while operating in a more effective and efficient manner. Performs continuing evaluation and analysis to assess program effectiveness and to identify areas requiring management attention. Designs and develops dissemination and training materials, local standard operating procedure manuals, develops and utilizes monitoring tools, and provides for the implementation of Business Office programs through on-site education and training. Responsible for the coordination, planning, implementation, and training for service and facility in business and functional areas for various information technology VISTA packages: Admission/Discharge/Transfer; Scheduling; Patient Treatment File; Medical Record Tracking; Fee Basis, Patient Data Exchange; Hospital Inquiry; AMIEII/IBBA; Integrated Billing; Automated Medical Information Exchange; Discharge Summary; Network Health Exchange; Automated Information Collection System; etc. Serves as the functional "expert" for matters relating to the Patient Information Management System core package. Provides training on other service packages such as Pharmacy, Radiology, Laboratory, and health Summary, as they relate to the Business Office process. Provides training and troubleshoots for staff in business processes and associated supporting software. Ensures data is captured and reported accurately and appropriately. Analyzes utilization trend data on a monthly/quarterly basis to verify the accuracy of the data, identifies problem areas, provides objective assessments, prioritizes identified problems, analyzes variances and recommends appropriate actions and/or alternatives. Maintains records, prepares project administrative and statistical reports, ensures compliance with review process, and monitors compliance with program requirements.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, Hours Negotiable

Position Description Title/PD#: Program Specialist (Program Applications Specialist) 11527-0

Rotating Shift: No

Required to work Holidays and/or Weekends: May be required to work Holidays and/or Weekends

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Status: Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit Position: Yes

Recruitment/Relocation Incentives MAY BE authorized for a high quality candidate.

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

Time-in-grade: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. For a GS-11 position, you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09 grade level.

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-9) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative techniques for analyzing and measurement of the effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of administrative and technical programs, along with knowledge of the mission, organization, and work processes of programs throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System, and subordinate facilities; and the relationships or administrative support activities such as data processing, accounting, budget, to such missions. Understanding of performance improvement principles (ACA, general systems theory, queuing theory, etc); Strong working knowledge of health care systems and delivery systems, management principles, practices, methods and techniques; Possess skills in integrating management services with general management of the organization; Extensive knowledge of VistA packages that support the business processes to ensure the success of this integration; Apply knowledge and abilities to analyze, evaluate, and make recommendations on major aspects of all assigned VISTA and commercial off-the-shelf computer packages; Work with OI&T in troubleshooting computer packages which require developing specifications and business process models. Ability to retrieve, track, and trend information needed for analysis and reporting management analysis techniques and methods required to develop and refine information for comprehensive reports, addressing elements such as cost analysis, work measurement, trend analysis, efficiency, effectiveness, productivity, and assessing the success or failure in attaining program operational goals/objectives; Performance management/measurement methods and tools required for the resolution of problems identified in studies such as eliminating, adding, changing, or rearranging specific procedures, products, or services, or making other changes to more efficiently and effectively utilize resources; Strong working knowledge of the service software required in training staff, identifying inconsistencies, discussion with management of capabilities of computer software feasibly toward meeting their objectives, validating new programs and options, recommending changes in existing programs and modifying current programs to meet future needs. Comprehensive working knowledge of software programs of other Services (Radiology, Dietetics, Health Summary, OE/RR, CPRS, Laboratory and Pharmacy) for training of all staff. Knowledge of appropriate VA policies, VA directives, operating procedures, information flow and of prevailing automated practices in government agencies and the private sector sufficient to ensure applications are consistent with the current and planned infrastructure and data environments currently used within VA; Comprehensive working knowledge in business metadata to provide information related to continued business operations and external requests such as JCAHO, SOARS, and other internal audits.

OR

Applicants may substitute education for the specialized experience required for the GS-11 level: Successful completion of a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or

3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or

LL.M., if related.

Combining Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for the grade levels specified, and may be computed by first determining the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicant's education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grade GS-11. (When crediting education that requires specific course work, prorate the number of hours of related courses required as a proportion of the total education to be used.)

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

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.

PLEASE 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.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Regular and recurring work is most sedentary involving sitting at a desk, although the position requires the ability to move from one geographic location of the facility to another. The incumbent works with a computer screen and keyboard. Some physical effort such as standing, walking, bending, or prolonged sitting may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to walking to outlying areas. The work places no special physical demands on the employee.

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference on the Occupational Questionnaire in the section provided and provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) and/or documentation related to your active duty service which shows dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), or dates of impending separation.

Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veterans Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. For more information, please review the information for disabled Veterans in the application checklist or visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE .

You will be rated on the following competencies based on your application for this position.

1. Knowledge and skill in applying analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to issues or studies concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of program operations and make sound judgments and conclusions based on the recommendations.

2. Knowledge of and skill in communicating information clearly, both orally and in writing and delivering briefings to managers.

3. Proficient in auditing encounter and consult data, and taking required action as necessary.

4. Skill to utilize a variety of computer databases (e.g. VHA Support Service Center (VSSC), CPRS, FileMan, PC software (Microsoft Access/Excel) to extract data and manage that data in order to analyze and present the data as information to the facility staff in order to recommend improvements.

5. Proficient in reviewing, maintaining integrity, identifying, analyzing, developing standard operating procedures for, and reporting HAS ADP problems.

6. Understands ADP Procedures/Information Security.

If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview.

Your résumé and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 90 or more before any Veterans preference points) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM'sCareer Transition Resources website . This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
To apply for this position, you must complete the TAG:Link to Full Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on TAG:Closing Date to receive consideration.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.  

NOTE:  It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.  

To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.  Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement.  You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

1. A current resume or any other written format may be submitted provided it contains all of the information in the USAJobs resume format. Provide beginning and ending dates (MM/YY) of employment, the average number of hours worked per week, and a description of the duties for each position listed on your resume. If you performed more than one position title, please indicate the percentage of time you spent performing each title's duties.

2. "Declaration for Federal Employment" (OF-306) signed and dated, available at www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306.pdf

3. Responses to the questionnaire.

4. All current or former Federal Employees - VA and non-VA: "Notification of Personnel Action" (SF-50's) documenting permanent status (career or career- conditional), promotion action to the highest grade held in the Federal government, and, if applicable, your separationSF-50.

5. Optional: Your most recent Performance Appraisal if directly related to the position for which you are applying.

6. All Veterans: "Military Discharge Certificate" for each enlistment (DD-214). Please include copy which shows type of discharge received.

7. All 10-point preference eligible Veterans: SF-15 "Application for 10-point Veteran Preference (SF-15) and supporting documentation stated on the SF-15. This form is available at www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf Preference will not be granted without proper documentation.

8. All Disabled Eligibles who want to be considered under the Schedule A appointment authority: Letter from the State or Vocational Rehabilitative Service.

9. All displaced Federal Employees applying under the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): ICTAP eligibles must attach a copy of their specific RIF separation notice and, if separate, their RIF separation SF-50.

10. Unofficial college transcripts for education used to qualify. (An official college transcript will be required before being hired.)

Please use this checklist to ensure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).  You will not be contacted for additional information.

Faxing Applications or Supporting Documents:

     You are encouraged to apply online.  Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you are unable to apply online or unable to upload your supporting documents to your online application, follow the directions located at the following site: Fax Options.  The Vacancy ID of the job opportunity announcement is TAG:VacancyID.

NOTE:  If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203-FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.

After we receive your complete application package (including all required documents), your qualifications will be reviewed and assigned an initial rating. 

We will also review your application to make sure that your résumé supports the answers given in the questionnaire. If your résumé does not support your questionnaire answers, we will adjust your rating accordingly. Based on your ranking or numerical score, you may be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified when your rating is determined.

View the original article here

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.