Health System Specialist Job in Anywhere in the U.S. (remote job)

Vacancy No. CBSV-12793871-25-SW Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $88,621.00 to $115,213.00 Grade 12 to 12
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/15/2025 Close Date 9/18/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Anywhere in the U.S. (remote job)


Summary

The VISN 20 VA Health Connect Clinical Contact Center (CCC) Health Systems Specialist (HSS) provides administrative, technical, and analytical guidance to the VISN 20 VA Health CCC. The HSS demonstrates expertise in topics pertaining to quality management, program informatics, staff education, and patient safety and advises, consults, and teaches staff at all levels in the CCC. The HSS has a high degree of leadership, motivation, self-direction, and initiative in quality management activities.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to Current, Permanent VISN 20 Employees of the Veterans Administration and CTAP ONLY- This announcement will close on September12, 2025 at 11:59pm EST or on the date in which the applicant cut-off of 50 applications is met, whichever comes first. Applications that are submitted after the cut-off number has been reached will not receive consideration.

Duties

Informatics duties include, but may not be limited to:
- Analyzes data and reports to identify the need for change, minimize risk, optimize program measures, and ensure effectiveness of process improvements.- Collaborates with the CCC Chief Informatics Nurse service in forecasting requirements necessary to improve program functions, which include risk management.- Collaborates with the CCC Chief Informatics Nurse and top management in policy review, formulation and communication, implementation, and evaluation and in setting program priorities related to the Informatics service line.- Ensures that all findings of any Informatics activities, including an annual assessment of the effectiveness of the programs are used to modify and improve the program and facilitate accomplishment of Quality Management and Improvement goals and objectives.- Monitors the follow-up recommendations specific to Informatics issues resulting from TJC and other external review visits and formulates communication through the CCC Chief Informatics Nurse to TJC, and other external agents regarding these reviews.- Develops and maintains an active working knowledge of a variety of data collection systems to profile the clinical management of services, address performance, resources, and operational issues.- Supports all aspects of the performance improvement program as assigned. This would include facilitating, teaching, mentoring, data gathering, graphic displays, change management, and project management.- Conducts extensive work in analyzing data and conducting background research on the issue.- Pulls, isolates, and manipulates data to identify root causes of a performance issue.- Develops statistical models to measure successful of performance improvement actions.
- Defines a project scope and goals through a collaborative process with subject matter experts and leadership at the facility, service line or program, or unit level.- Leads a team of subject matter experts, front line staff and leadership through a rigorous and defined project management process utilizing multiple tools from Lean and other performance improvement disciplines to further define the current state of the process.- Leads project teams through designed brainstorming sessions to develop solutions towards a specific delivery or goal during a project.- Develops processes by consulting with subject matter experts to develop standard work.

Quality management and education duties include, but may not be limited to:
- Develops, implements, and maintains a Quality Management Program that monitors, identifies, evaluates, and provides corrective actions associated with those activities or potentially harmful events that may have an adverse impact on the quality of patient care.- Collaborates with the entire Informatics service line to promote an integrated Quality Management Program in the completion of all requirements, monitors, and initiatives.
- Provides quality and improvement guidance in applying performance improvement tools in data collection and identify barriers to the achievement of performance improvement.- Ensures that all findings of any Informatics activities, including an annual assessment of the effectiveness of the programs are used to modify and improve the program and facilitate accomplishment of Quality Management and Improvement goals and objectives.
- Applies research methods to ensure efficient and effective Quality Management functions; serves as the clearing point for review of all related information in the program and refers to others for additional information and problem resolution as needed.- Demonstrates advanced leadership ability by leading/chair unit/work-group teams and program/service committees that work to improve patient care. Exhibits leadership in team building, mentoring, interpersonal relationships, and communication.- Actively participates in training, educating, and preparing of health care staff for TJC, Commission on Accreditation on Rehabilitation, Long Term Care Institute, OIG, and other surveys.- Provides orientation of new employees to the CCC's Informatics program and educates them on their role. - Creates educational modules for all staff in the TMS system.- Participates in and facilitates transformative quality, safety, effectiveness, and efficiency improvement efforts.- Acts as the project lead for healthcare and operational improvement projects impacting patient care delivery systems and functions throughout the CCC program. Facilitates Page 4 of 8 coaches, and trains audiences at all levels of the program throughout the lifecycle of a performance improvement project.- Organizes, directs, controls and coordinates group activities in a timely and effective manner.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30am - 4:00pm (PST).
Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized
Telework: Not Available.
Remote: This is a remote position.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Health System Specialist/PD104000

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/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 within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement, 09/18/2025.

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 within 30 days of closing date of this announcement. For a GS-12 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11. 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:
  • Specialized Experience: You must at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-11 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Your experience must show 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:
  • Missions, organizations, programs, and requirements of health care delivery systems;
  • Regulations and standards of various regulatory and credentialing groups; and
  • Government-wide, agency, and facility systems and requirements in various administrative areas such as budget, personnel, and procurement.
Specialized Experience includes, but not limited to: Incumbent must be able to demonstrate advanced use of Microsoft Excel for data analysis and must be able to demonstrate systems thinking for process improvement. Participating in and facilitates transformative quality, safety, effectiveness, and efficiency improvement efforts. Delivers training materials and curriculum consisting of advanced practices of project management, statistics, coaching, facilitation and leadership. Provides consultation to executives, service line, and program leadership by leveraging VA data analytics resources. Incumbent conducts extensive data collecting, display, and analysis for the VISN CCC, as such extensive experience in data collection and analysis is required and must be able to perform data analysis duties independently and with minimal training and without supervision in this full performance position. Incumbent is assigned quality management elements and is independently responsible for overall implementation and compliance with quality management initiatives. Incumbent leads teams in performance improvement based on quality management or in support of system wide initiatives. Facilitates, coaches, and trains Lean Six Sigma, Systems Redesign or other improvement methodologies tools and techniques to all levels of the organization. Incumbent must be able to independently lead process improvement projects, including developing process improvement plans. To be expected, you will be required to demonstrate your skills, in excel, data analysis, and systems thinking, during the interview process. NOTE: Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must clearly indicate the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Preferred Experience:
  1. Informatics
    Independently conducts comprehensive data collection, analysis, and reporting to support the Clinical Contact Center (CCC) and ensure compliance with external regulatory requirements, including The Joint Commission (TJC), Office of Inspector General (OIG), and Continuous Readiness Reviews. Advises leadership on the development and execution of complex, program-wide strategic initiatives. Maintains proficiency in multiple data systems to monitor clinical performance, resource utilization, and operational effectiveness. Prepares and delivers data-driven reports using platforms such as Cisco Unified Intelligence Center, VA Health Connect Dashboards, Health Chat Power BI, and V-Signals. Performs data analysis independently with minimal supervision, as directed by CCC and VISN leadership.
  2. Quality Management
    Leads and mentors interdisciplinary teams in the application of quality management principles and performance improvement methodologies, including Lean and systems thinking. Independently develops and implements process improvement plans in support of CCC and system-wide initiatives. Provides formal and informal training on quality improvement tools and techniques. Facilitates system redesign efforts across service lines, serving as project lead for healthcare and operational improvement initiatives that impact patient care delivery and organizational performance.
  3. Collaboration
    Collaborates with the CCC Chief Informatics Nurse and executive leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies and program priorities related to informatics and quality management. Engages stakeholders at all levels to define project scopes, goals, and outcomes. Demonstrates leadership in fostering a culture of continuous improvement through collaborative strategies that align with Health Care System/VISN objectives and national standards. Promotes integration and coordination across the Informatics service line to ensure successful execution of quality initiatives and compliance requirements.

You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
  • Organizational Performance Analysis
  • Planning and Evaluating
  • Problem Solving
  • Strategic Thinking


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

A transcript is not required for this grade level.

Additional information

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.

Physical Requirements: The regular and recurring work of this position is sedentary in nature and involves sitting at a desk, conferences, meetings, etc., and occasional visits to facility work sites. Occasional use of automobile and public conveyances may be required. However, the incumbent may be required to do a great deal of walking or standing while visiting facility work sites or to attend meetings, conferences, work groups, etc. The work does not normally require special physical demands such as lifting or carrying heavy objects.

Work Environment: Work is typically performed in an office environment that involves everyday risk that require normal safety precautions. The incumbent may need to visit different areas of the Medical Centers including clinical areas. The incumbent will be expected to travel periodically to variety of areas while carrying out assigned duties.

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.

Resume Reminder - Your resume must include the following information for each job listed:

Job title
Duties (be as detailed as possible)
Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)Salary/Rank etc.
Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held
References, current or recent supervisor.

Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications to ensure you receive appropriate consideration. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.

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


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 (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
  • Cover Letter
  • Other (1)
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):
  • Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
  • An SF-50 showing 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
  • Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
  • Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
    • Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
    • Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
    • SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.
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 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 09/18/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12793871.

  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.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

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

Sophia Whittick
Address
VHA VISN 20 Human Resources
1601 E. 4TH PLAIN BLVD
VANCOUVER, WA 98661-3713
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: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.