Emergency Management Specialist Job in Wilkes Barre, PA

Vacancy No. CBSZ-12785919-25-RLW Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $73,939.00 to $96,116.00 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/19/2025 Close Date 8/28/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Wilkes Barre, PA


Summary

The position of an Emergency Management Specialist Assistant (EMSA) provides the health care system in sustaining national and regional support to the Comprehensive Emergency Management Program. The EMS and EMSA are high-profile positions that require daily interaction with the highest levels of VAMC leadership, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), VHA and the VHA Office of Emergency Management (OEM).

Duties

Major Duties and Responsibilities:Program Oversight Support - 35 Percent

  • Serves as an Emergency Management Specialist Assistant (EMSA) providing support for the VA Medical Center assessments, operations, planning, liaison, mission activities and functions
  • Assists in the development and implementation of Emergency Management (EM) protocols and methods appropriate in the EM operations activities
  • As directed by the Emergency Management manager, contributes in the planning and organization of activities ensuring that training and operations requirements are fully integrated and coordinated and in compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements
  • Contributes in the implementation of guidelines that impact the day to day operations and the associated emergency management activities and functions
  • On an ongoing basis, works directly with the VAMC EMS, VISN EMS, and VHA OEM, federal, state, and local partners to coordinate and collaborate on EM related planning and responses
  • Provides assistance in implementing workforce goals and coordinates personnel resources at the VAMC (includes periods of activation)
  • Prepares draft annual report and budgets for all programs, to ensure annual programmatic objectives are in concert with and support VAMC and VHA strategic plans and goals for approval by the Emergency Management Manager
Exercise, Evaluation, and Community Relations - 35 Percent
  • In consultation with the Emergency Management manager, the incumbent review, analyze and coordinate the implementation and evaluation of exercises to test and critique VHA comprehensive emergency management plans and programs
  • Aid the Emergency Management manager during exercise scenarios using Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program principles and serves as a facility evaluator
  • Works with EM and community partners to perform hazard vulnerability analysis (HVA) requiring assessment of risks that have the potential to interrupt the continuity of critical operations
  • Assists in the development and solidification of Memorandums and Agreements, documenting or publicizing risks, or public education and training required to effectively deliver emergency management resources and services
  • Assists in the advancement of healthcare system programs through risk documentation, mitigation, training of internal and externally in collaboration with community partners
  • Provides input in the revision and review of policies, procedures, mission objectives and/or organizational design for mission accomplishment of complex and evolving issues and functions, including the development of appropriate national guidance and procedures as it relates to CEMP, Environment of Care (EOC), and COOP activities for VHA
Logistics, Resource Management and DEMPS Coordination - 30 Percent
  • Assists in the tracking of contingency supplies and equipment, maintenance of databases and resource requirements to meet objectives and provide support as needed
  • Works with the EM to serve as secondary responsible party for deliberate planning, operations, and logistics
  • When assigned, manages and coordinates the procurement, mobilization, utilization and demobilization of resources and assets
  • Has working knowledge of technical requirements, wrap around services, and training needs to deploy resources to alternate care sites including critical communication assets to ensure interoperability with local, state and national agencies
  • Assists with the review and reporting on preventative maintenance of deployable assets
  • Provides status reports on availability of resources in issue briefs and resource reporting to VISN and VHA OEM
  • The incumbent functions as an assistant to the EM assigned the responsibility to coordinate as the VAMCs Alternate Disaster Emergency Personnel System (DEMPS) program
  • DEMPS is comprised of qualified volunteers who register and train in disasters management and support national deployment requirements
  • The incumbent will assist in the identification, training and recruitment of qualified volunteers with specific skills for supporting national requirements
All positions are subject to recall around the clock for emergency management operations, which may require irregular work hours, work locations other than the official duty station, and may include duties other than those specified in the employee's official position description. Travel requirements in support with little advanced notice and may require employees to relocate to emergency sites with physically austere and operationally challenging conditions.

Performs other related duties as assigned

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00a.m. -4:30 p.m.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Emergency Management Specialist/PD99788S

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • You may be required to serve a probationary/trial period
  • 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 dentification 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)

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/28/2025.

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-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09. 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.

Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-11 position, you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09. 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:
  • GS-11: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-09, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: training, leading, coordinating or supervising others in related duties such as: experience in emergency management where you applied your knowledge of the laws, guidelines and policies governing various emergency management programs and operations to assist in developing, executing, and analyzing an emergency management program; applying analytical data and evaluation methods to determine program compliance with emergency preparedness and management rules and regulations; applying a working knowledge of a variety of emergency, contingency and operations plans, policies, and directives to provide advice and assistance; applying basic data gathering methodologies to collect various types of information; using and managing database programs; working in an organization formulating, preparing, coordinating, and maintaining a variety of contingency plans, policies, directives, and regulations developed for emergency / disaster situations or similar type programs.
  • OR,
  • Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have...
    • Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
or
  • 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degreeor
  • LL.M., if related.
or,
  • Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience to meet total experience requirements. (Only graduate level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with experience. Education requirements at the GS-09 level are: 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)
  • TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY
  • Driver's License: You must have and maintain a valid state issued motor vehicle operator's license.
  • Additional Requirement: Must obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as a Federal Emergency Response Official (FERO).
  • 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.

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


Physical Requirements: Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary during non-emergency situations. However, participation in field exercises and operational support missions may require strenuous physical activity to include carrying persons and equipment, walking long distance, climbing, working long hours, long periods of standing, and bending and stooping. May include various housing and living conditions to include non-climate controlled, limited privacy sleeping facilities (for example, cots, tents, "hot-bunking", gymnasiums, or similar), limited shower and laundry facilities, and limited feeding options (such as shelf-stable meals, meals-ready-to-eat (MRE's), and field kitchens).

Work Environment: The work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled office; however, the incumbent may be required to work in a warehouse and store emergency management equipment in outdoor storage facility and indoor storage rooms. Incumbent will support site visits to all outpatient clinics to perform hazard vulnerability analysis, conduct drills, conduct training and any other comprehensive emergency management implementation. Environment may be subject to adverse weather to include wind, precipitation, temperature and humidity extremes. Protective gear (gloves, hard hats, hearing protection, and similar) and adherence to safety precautions may be required. Travel within the United States may be required. Incumbent must be able to travel by motor vehicle, train, boat, and aircraft.

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

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/.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or 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.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

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

Narrative responses are not required at this time. 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 resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume

SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action Current VA employees must attach your most recent SF-50 that provides evidence of the necessary time-in-grade. This SF-50 must have an effective date of no more than one year ago and must show your current position, grade, and step. Award SF-50s typically do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted if they do not include Grade and Step.

To clearly demonstrate you possess the time-in-grade as required by the announcement, you may need to upload multiple additional SF-50s. A single most recent SF-50 is not always sufficient to show time in grade.

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's You will not be contacted for additional information.

SF-50s are available in your eOPF. If you having issues accessing your eOPF please reach out to your local HR Office for assistance

Examples of appropriate SF-50s include:
  • Within grade increases at the highest grade held
  • General Adjustments from consecutive years
  • Promotions with an effective date more than one year old
  • SF-50s at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old
  • General Adjustment from within the past 12 months


  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript



If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/28/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12785919.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS 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.

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.

Agency contact information

Rhonda Williams
Address
Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center
1111 East End Boulevard
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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