Program Applications Specialist

Description:

This position functions as a Program Applications Specialist in the Health Administrative Service (HAS) at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Southern Clinics and Northern Clinics. It provides support to the HAS Service with analyzing, administering, coordinating, testing and monitoring operating programs as they relate to Application Data Processing system.

Requirements:

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 01/09/2026.

Time-In-Grade Requirement : 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 by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.

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-07 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 the objectives, organization, and operation of each element in HAS. While in-depth knowledge of particular areas/programs is desirable, it is not essential. Education and/or experience which provides with knowledge and skill in applying analytical and evaluative methods to plan, schedule, and conduct studies to evaluate and recommend ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of HAS is essential. Knowledge of ADP Security procedures, policies, and requirements. Processes data using VISTA, CPRS, and VSSC computer packages as well as knowledge of other packages used for extracting patient data. Develops VISTA documentation and training procedures, techniques, and practices. Identifies waysto modify and adapt existing VISTA functions to meet new and specific user requirements. Ensures medical center records systems and reporting requirements including internal, regional and national requirements. Must have knowledge of VA patient workload reporting systems such as National Patient Care Database. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with and gain the cooperation of supervisors, managers, professional staff, and coworkers on complex or controversial issues. Skill in written and oral communication sufficient to prepare and present findings and recommendations, carry out specific actions regarding controversial issues, and implementing new issues and concepts. Skill in interpersonal skills in presenting staffing recommendations and negotiating solutions to disputed recommendations. Skill in conducting detailed analyses of complex functions and work processes.

OR,

• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related. NOTE: Transcripts (unofficial or official) must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation.

OR,

• Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond.

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

• Analysis and Problem Solving
• Clinical Informatics
• Knowledge Management
• Technical Competence

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.

Physical Requirements: Physical demands involve frequent walking, bending, sitting, etc., 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. The work will involve some physical moving of computer equipment.

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/ .