Health System Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Detroit, MI

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This position supports the Designated Education Officer (DEO) in establishing, maintaining, and evaluating the quality of health professions education (HPE) programs and the care delivered by health professions trainees (HPTs) at a VA medical facility. The Health System Specialist plans, develops, implements, directs, evaluates, and coordinates the facility’s HPE programs in support of the Veterans Health Administration’s academic mission.

The role oversees HPE program operations, including funding, accreditation, appointments, affiliate relationships, budgets, resource allocation, financial reporting, and compliance with VHA and accreditation standards. It develops policies, procedures, and long-range plans; addresses complex resource and regulatory issues; and provides administrative oversight for trainee onboarding and offboarding, stipend payments, and risk management.

The specialist ensures compliance with Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA), regulatory, and accreditation requirements; assists with audits, surveys, and incident management; maintains records; and supports internal review and reporting systems for educational activities. The position also develops a five-year strategic plan, prepares operations for technological and regulatory changes, facilitates communication among trainees, staff, affiliates, and leadership, leads meetings, prepares reports, represents the HPE office in public forums, and promotes trainee recruitment and retention.

The position is onsite, with a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is a permanent federal position at the GS-12 level. Relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized. A one-year probationary period or two-year trial period applies, as specified in the announcement.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Meet the Individual Occupational Requirement for the 0671 Health System Specialist series through qualifying education in hospital administration, public health administration, or a related field with health care administration coursework, or through qualifying specialized experience in the health care field. Transcripts are required when relying on education.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-11 is required. Qualifying experience includes analytical, administrative, clinical management, or supervisory work in health care, with knowledge of health care delivery systems, regulatory and credentialing standards, and government, agency, and facility administrative systems such as budget, personnel, and procurement.
• Specialized experience at this level must include work in a health care setting with healthcare professionals and local leadership to solve problems supporting patient care and program or operational functions; applying strategic planning and change management to prepare for technological advances; and developing internal review systems and actions to ensure clinical, educational, and administrative activities comply with applicable standards.
• Current federal employees and certain former federal employees applying for reinstatement or under VEOA must meet the GS-12 time-in-grade requirement of 52 weeks at GS-11 and provide supporting SF-50 documentation.
• Complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
• Register with Selective Service if applicable to males born after December 31, 1959.
• Complete a background/security investigation and the online onboarding process, and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a VA Health Care Personnel employee.
• Serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, implement, evaluate, direct, and coordinate health professions education programs at the assigned VA medical facility.
• Manage HPE funding, accreditation, trainee appointment processes, and affiliate relationships.
• Handle budgeting, resource allocation, financial reporting, and compliance with VHA and accreditation standards.
• Develop policies, procedures, and long-range plans, and resolve complex resource and regulatory issues.
• Oversee administrative processes for health professions trainees, including onboarding, offboarding, stipend payments, and risk management.
• Ensure compliance with Office of Academic Affiliations, regulatory, and accreditation requirements.
• Assist with audits, surveys, and incident management.
• Maintain documentation and records related to accreditation, funding, and trainee qualifications.
• Support internal review systems and reporting for educational activities.
• Develop and maintain a five-year strategic plan for HPE operations.
• Prepare program operations for technological and regulatory changes, including electronic health record transition.
• Facilitate communication among trainees, staff, affiliate organizations, and leadership.
• Lead meetings, prepare reports, and represent the HPE office in public forums.
• Promote health professions trainee recruitment and retention strategies.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, with benefits available to employees and their families. Specific eligibility depends on the position and employment status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed