Visual Information Specialist

Clarification from the agency

Open to ALL Current Permanent Federal Employees, including Current Permanent Department of Veterans Affairs (Agency - VHA, VBA, NCA) Employees, and West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System (Facility) Employees, as well as those who fall under VEOA Act of 1988. Facility Employees will have FIRST consideration.

This position is located at the West Palm Beach VA Health Care System that serves over 60,000 Veterans residing in a seven-county area. The mission of the West Palm Beach VA Health Care System is to be the benchmark of excellence and value in healthcare by providing exemplary services that are both patient centered, and evidence based. Care is delivered by engaged, collaborative teams in an integrated environment that supports learning, discovery, and continuous improvement.

The Visual Information Specialist primary responsibilities in graphic design, audiovisual production, video production, web content, social media, reproduction and desktop publishing for the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System and its affiliates. At times, work may support higher level VA entities such as other healthcare systems, VISN and National.

Additional Duties Include But Not Limited To:

• Coordinates, plans, maintains, promotes, designs, and produces computer-designed print, electronic visual information material, video, and photographically enhanced media for targeted audiences (i.e., Veteran patients, medical students, staff, and stakeholders).
• Responsible for editing, publishing, and monitoring submissions from facility contributors to ensure their grammatical and structural correctness as well as compliance with Federal, VA and Healthcare System mandates, policies, and procedures.
• Selecting the appropriate format or medium for execution, suggesting illustrations for incorporation, designing layout, and converting the result to a finished product suitable for reproduction, web content, social media & electronic or print distribution.
• Coordinates, analyzes, and reports all visual media production data to the Medical Media Supervisor.
• Prepares the arrangement or layout for graphic design projects by acquiring enough information about the subject to present it accurately as well as aesthetically.
• Prepares original and updated layouts conceived and or designed by others.
• Applies a technical knowledge and skill in laying out the work according to the specifications received.
• Meets with the author or project creator to learn the specific informational objectives of the project.
• Makes decisions and determines the most appropriate format and medium based on final reproduction, deadlines, requestor's use, available time, and resources.
• Applies substantial subject matter knowledge to layout illustrations that not only depict but also interpret the meaning or purpose of the subject matter involved.
• Transforms spoken or written descriptions of items, processes, issues, or events into illustrations without benefit of existing pictures, models, or diagrams.
• When no visual models or samples are available, the illustrator may dissect, disassemble, or reconstruct items to translate information into an original illustration.
• Designs visual products such as photographs, illustrations, diagrams, graphs, models, slides, charts, brochures, newsletters, flyers, publications, exhibits, web content, social media content, live or video recorded speeches or lectures, multimedia computer presentations presented over the WWW, and other means of communication.
• Visual subject matter may be printed and/or compiled in computer files/applications that may include text, photographs, illustrations, diagrams, graphs, objects, models, slides, and charts.
• Develops and designs visual products for high level briefings of officials within and outside the organization.
• Prepares final graphic product to be publishable according to 508 guidelines on the web or for distribution electronically.
• Utilizes Computer Graphics to execute and design illustrations.
• Executes illustrations that involve themes or subjects that are already established.
• Illustrators apply knowledge and skill to produce work according to detailed specifications.
• Utilizes a variety of art media, methods, techniques, and materials in the design and execution of illustrations. Illustrators plan and lay out technical details necessary to produce aesthetically composed illustrations.
• Develops original illustrations that present ideas or images and evoke responses from viewers.
• Evaluates the advantages and/or limitations of utilizing art media, methods technologies, and materials in the layout and execution of illustrations based upon this evaluation makes and implements design decisions.
• Provides technical assistance and advice on design issues to clients, managers, and other employees.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, with rotating tours of duty as needed to include nights and weekends.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Visual Information Specialist/PD02789A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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
• 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 identification 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)

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/25/2026.

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-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-9. 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.

Individual Occupational Requirements:

• An Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position. Some positions may also require subject-matter knowledge of medicine, science, or technical equipment.
• Advanced training in a vocational school, technical institute, or art institute above the high school level in one of the fields listed above is creditable as general experience on a month-for-month basis.

OR,

• Experience in the actual type of work for which application is made. Unpaid experience is creditable, provided the work done was of a quality level and demonstrated the ability required for the position. This includes planning the preparation and use of photographs, illustrations, drawings, and other art work, charts, diagrams, dioramas, maps, slides, overlays, and other kinds of visual material for use in communicating information through visual means.

In addition to the Individual Occupational Requirement above you must also meet specialized experience or a substitution of education or combination:

GS-11:

• Specialized Experience: 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. An incumbents at this level is an expert in this field and is able to work work independently and assists and trains junior employees. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:
• Creating and editing professional graphic arts materials;
• Planning the preparation and use of photographs, illustrations, video, and other visual material for use in communicating information through visual means.
• Knowledge and experience of the operational and maintenance requirements for a wide range of audio-visual equipment.
• OR,
• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.M., if related. Education must be in or related to the position and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
• 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 the first two (2) year of graduate education leading towards a doctorate degree. (i.e., 2.5 years of progressive graduate education leading towards a doctorate degree would meet 50% of the qualifications requirement for this vacancy.)

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

• Planning and Evaluating: Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
• Organizational Awareness: Knows the organization's mission and functions, and how its social, political, and technological systems work and operates effectively within them; this includes the programs, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of the organization.
• Web Technology: Knowledge of the principles and methods of web technologies, tools, and delivery systems, including web security, privacy policy practices, and user interface issues.
• Communications and Media: Knowledge of the production, communication and dissemination of information and ideas to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
• Technology Application: Uses machines, tools, instruments, or equipment effectively; uses computers and computer applications to analyze and communicate information in the appropriate format.
• Multimedia Technologies: Knowledge of the principles, methods, tools, and techniques of developing or applying technology using text, audio, graphics, or other media.

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: Will complete most work assignments while sitting or standing. Work may involve moving sensitive audiovisual,
photographic and or computer equipment from one place to another. Must have the ability to handle stressful situations. Video distribution scheduling requires the ability to manage, organize and prepare video running times. Due to related illness, patient may become unruly and irritable, and these situations will require the incumbent to think rationally and compassionately. On occasion, will be required to stand still in tight quarters while operating video or photographic equipment for extended periods of time. Must be able to shoulder a video camera and equipment weighing approximately 30 lbs. or less. Occasionally will be called upon to document situations where a tripod is not available or suited for the specific application. The work requires manual dexterity, hand and eye coordination, and the ability to accurately perceive and sense color hues and chroma. Some of the work requires periods of extended bending, stooping, kneeling to obtain properly composed photographs. Alone and assisted, will be required to lift, and transport delicate graphic, photographic and audiovisual equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

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/.

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.

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

• Resume

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 ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (VA)
• Other (1)
• Proof of Marriage Status
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

• Portfolio

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.

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