Health System Specialist Job in Albany, NY

Vacancy No. CBTE-12754129-25-JB Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $63,048.00 to $99,162.00 Grade 9 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/24/2025 Close Date 7/3/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Albany, NY


Summary

The incumbent serves as a Health Systems Specialist - Health Professions Education (HPE) Specialist. This position supports the Designated Education Officer (DEO) and HPE management for establishing, maintaining, and evaluating the quality of HPE programs and the quality of care delivered by health professions trainees (HPTs) at the VA medical facility.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Current and permanent employees of Samuel S Stratton VA Medical Center - Albany

Duties

The purpose of this position is to conduct and evaluate a wide range of program management and administrative duties to fulfill requirements related to VHA's academic mission and OAA's strategic plans.
Duties include, but may not be limited to the following:

  • Responsible for the technical work required for HPE programs including affiliation agreements, trainee qualifications and credentials letter (TQCVL), program letters of agreement (PLAs), direct HPT/affiliate staff customer service, and the on- and off­ boarding processes of HPTs.
  • Review and validate HPT applications, qualifications, and appointment against OAA criteria before starting clinical rotations and performing patient care.
  • Inform management with authoritative analyses, policy guidance and opinions regarding HPT appointment and on- and off-boarding processes as it relates to HPE programs.
  • Enhance the efficiency of processes and HPT training experience as it effects the reputation of VA and its ability to maintain and expand the clinical workforce of VA and the nation through recruitment and retention of highly qualified HPTs.
  • Responsible for enacting process changes with OAA, affiliate staff, facility leadership, clinical and administrative service lines by implementing SOPs, developing and administering training programs, and advising on HPE regulations.
  • Provide complex coordination across clinical and administrative service lines at both facility and Veterans Services Integrated Network (VISN) levels.
  • Synthesize and maintain data from diverse data systems and sources to cross check, validate and present relevant information and reports.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
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, 7:30am-4:00pm
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Health System Specialist/PD99460S
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Requirements

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
  • You may be required to serve a probationary period
  • Subject to background/security investigation
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
  • 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, 07/03/2025.

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-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. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.

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

To qualify for this position at the GS-9 level, you must meet one of the following:

Specialized Experience: You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to
at least the next lower grade level (GS-7) in the Federal Service, that is directly related to the work of the
position and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform
the duties as a Health System Specialist. Qualifying specialized experience is defined as progressively
responsible analytical or administrative, or clinical management or supervisory experience in the health
care field. This work may have been performed in an operating health care facility or a higher
organizational echelon with advisory or directional authority over such facilities. Work must have
involved a close working relationship with facility managers and analysis and/or coordination of
administrative, clinical, or other service activities, and provided knowledge of the following: (1)
Missions, organizations, programs, and requirements of health care delivery systems; (2) Regulations
and standards of various regulatory and credentialing groups; and (3) Government-wide, agency, and
facility systems and requirements in various administrative areas such as budget, personnel, and
procurement. At this level, applicants would have obtained this experience working within a health care
setting; working directly with healthcare professionals and other administrators to solve problems in
support of the delivery of patient care; and experience assisting an administrative component of a
health care onboarding process. ~OR~

Education: Successfully completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree, successfully completed
two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, LL.B or J.D
in a related field of the position to be filled (i.e., hospital administration, public health administration, or
related fields such as business or public administration with course work in health care administration).
Education at the graduate level must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and must
demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. NOTE:
Transcripts must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without
documentation. ~OR~

Combination
: Combinations of successfully completed graduate level education (beyond the first year)
and specialized experience as described above, to meet the total experience requirements. The
education portion must include graduate courses that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities
necessary to do to the work of this position (i.e. hospital administration, public health administration, or
related fields such as course work in health care administration). This education must have been
obtained in an accredited college or university. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with your
application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation. Experience must be clearly
indicated in your resume.

To qualify for this position at the GS-11 level, you must meet one of the following:

Specialized Experience: You must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to
at least the next lower grade level (GS-9) in the Federal Service, that is directly related to the work of the
position and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform
the duties as a Health System Specialist. Qualifying specialized experience is defined as progressively
responsible analytical or administrative, or clinical management or supervisory experience in the health
care field. This work may have been performed in an operating health care facility or a higher
organizational echelon with advisory or directional authority over such facilities. Work must have
involved a close working relationship with facility managers and analysis and/or coordination of
administrative, clinical, or other service activities, and provided knowledge of the following: (1)
Missions, organizations, programs, and requirements of health care delivery systems; (2) Regulations
and standards of various regulatory and credentialing groups; and (3) Government-wide, agency, and
facility systems and requirements in various administrative areas such as budget, personnel, and
procurement. At this level, applicants would have obtained this experience working within a health care
setting; working directly with healthcare professionals and other administrators to solve problems in
support of the delivery of patient care and education/training; experience running an administrative
component of a health care onboarding process; and analyzes and synthesizes data from diverse data
systems to improve business processes. ~OR~

Education: Successfully completed a Ph.D., equivalent doctoral degree, three (3) full years of
progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, Or LL.M in the related field of
the position to be filled (i.e., hospital administration, public health administration, or related fields such
as business or public administration with course work in health care administration). The education
portion must include courses that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the
work of this position. Education must have been obtained in an accredited college, or university. NOTE:
Transcripts must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without
documentation. ~OR~

Combination: Combinations of successfully completed graduate level education (beyond a master's
degree) and specialized experience as described above to meet total experience requirements. The
education portion must include graduate courses that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities
necessary to do to the work of this position (i.e., hospital administration, public health administration,
or related fields such as business or public administration with course work in health care
administration). NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot
be credited without documentation. Experience must be clearly indicated in your resume.


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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

Note: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, series and grades for all federal positions held, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hour worked per week.

(Failure to provide an SF-50 that demonstrates one-year time-in-grade will result in disqualification from being considered)

Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

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

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 MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

You will not be contacted for additional information.

Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

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.

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.

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.

Note: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, series and grades for all federal positions held, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hour worked per week.

Required Documents

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

  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.

  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and 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 Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

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 full 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 07/03/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12754129.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS 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.

Agency contact information

James Blair
Address
Samuel S Stratton VA Medical Center - Albany
113 Holland Ave
Albany, NY 12208
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.