Voluntary Services Specialist

Major Duties:

• the incumbent has a knowledge of the basic principles, practices, concepts, and methods used in Voluntary Service management. Knowledge of the mission, vision, and goals of CDCE/Voluntary Service and its function within the medical center including knowledge of Veteran Service Organization's role to the CDCE/VAVS program.
• Ability to apply this knowledge in communicating with the community and potential volunteers to engage their interest in volunteering to support Veterans' programs and services. Knowledge of records management, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Point, Voluntary Services System (VSS) and any related or subsequent databases or programs, and VATAS and any subsequent employee timekeeping databases or programs.
• the incumbent will perform the duties outlined in the target grade position description but will not be expected to have the extensive knowledge of complex pertinent laws, regulations, policies and precedents that the FPL Factor 1 requires.
• Work will be reviewed during and after completion to evaluate adequacy of methods, procedures, and results; ability to apply skills and knowledge to routine and non-routine assignment; and adherence to basic policy and instructions.
• As satisfactory progress is made in those aspects of the work for which the incumbent receives guidance and training, supervisory controls will be lessened in line with the incumbents proven knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• The incumbent assists in all aspects of the development, coordination, and management of the Center of Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) Office and is responsible for independent management of specific programs or portions of larger programs.
• This includes, but is not limited to, planning, establishing and implementing policy, developing program goals and objectives, managing, evaluating, and coordinating (internal and external resources of assigned areas).

The mission of the VA Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE) is to strategically integrate volunteers, donations, and community partners into VA operations to supplement and sustain the care and services provided to Veterans, their families, and caregivers.

This position also is a government purchase card holder.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:00am - 3:30pm
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Voluntary Services Specialist/PD99853S
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Preferred Experience: experience as volunteer and/or working with volunteers, experience with computerized programming, experience with scheduling (programs, patients, trips), experience with budget/fiscal functions of program and/or purchase card, experience coordinating events/programs.

Physical Requirements: Work is moderately sedentary, although considerably variable. It requires a fair amount of standing, sometimes for long periods, walking, climbing stairs, and bending. Work may require some heavy to moderate lifting, transporting of materials, equipment and supplies for special events and other programs. Due to the diverse nature and scope of the work, it may require occasionally working in extreme temperatures (hot or cold). Driving or riding in a vehicle is also required on a routine basis to provide coverage, trainings, or other support at off-site clinics; attend outside community meetings; and support special events. Travel may also occur in support of outreach events and conferences.

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, 10/27/2026.
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-7 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-5. For a GS-9 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-7. 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.

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

GS-7 Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-5 level 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 basic principles, practices, concepts, and methods used in Voluntary Service management. Knowledge of the mission, vision, and goals of CDCE/Voluntary Service and its function within the medical center including knowledge of Veteran Service Organization's role to the CDCE/VAVS program. Ability to apply this knowledge in communicating with the community and potential volunteers to engage their interest in volunteering to support Veterans' programs and services. Knowledge of records management, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Point, Voluntary Services System (VSS) and any related or subsequent databases or programs, and VATAS and any subsequent employee timekeeping databases or programs.
OR,
Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 1 full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement.
OR,
Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. Must have equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED.

GS-9 Specialized Experience: Specialized Experience: Must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level which provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of a Voluntary Services Specialist. Specialized experience includes but is not limited to: Knowledge of the principles, practices, concepts, and methods used in Voluntary Service management. Publicizing a voluntary program, including interviewing, scheduling, placement and evaluation of new volunteers. Developing and maintaining working relationships, and prepare and write reports and analyses. Coordinating, evaluating and reporting on the effectiveness of a program's activities. Implementing program planning and supervisory techniques in order to direct, plan, and evaluate volunteer work operations and programs.
OR
EDUCATION: Must have a master's or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED.
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Must have equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED.

GS-11 Specialized Experience: You must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS 9 level, that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience include but are not limited to Knowledge of VA mission, vision, values, strategic goals and priorities, VHA programs and services, and healthcare system-specific programs to identify how community resources may improve patient outcomes and increase effective and efficient operations. Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, concepts, and methods used in volunteer management with the ability to apply this knowledge in a wide range of situations. Must have the ability to implement methods, techniques, and policies in highly unusual programs and circumstances. Ability to conduct a needs assessment to identify the most effective use of community assets and resources to fill critical gaps and or address the most pressing needs of the healthcare system or VA-affiliated program.
OR
EDUCATION: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. Must possess three (3) years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. (Transcripts Required)
OR
COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond completion of undergraduate level work. Education must be related to the position. (Transcripts Required)

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

• Administration and Management
• Attention to Detail
• Communications
• Customer Service
• Decision Making
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Managing Human Resources
• Organizational Stewardship
• Reading Comprehension
• Reasoning
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

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/.

How you will be evaluated

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

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position:

• Administration and Management
• Attention to Detail
• Communications
• Customer Service
• Decision Making
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Learning
• Managing Human Resources
• Organizational Stewardship
• Reading Comprehension
• Reasoning
• Self-Management
• Stress Tolerance
• Teamwork

Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. 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. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

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.

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.

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.

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 (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• Professional Certification
• Proof of Marriage Status
• 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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