Program Specialist (Operating Room)

Veterans Health Administration • San Antonio, TX

14d • Onsite

About The Position

Coordinates operating room programs, resources, equipment, supplies, and instrumentation across clinical and administrative services. Analyzes workflow, staffing, utilization, budgets, and operational data; supports procurement and inventory control; manages projects; works with vendors and internal partners; interprets policies and accreditation requirements; and recommends improvements to enhance efficiency, readiness, and patient care.

The role maintains and improves systems for delivering health care by developing programs and policies, improving resource utilization, overseeing operational changes, and supporting continuous improvement in Operating Room functions. It translates policies, theories, and strategies into action within Surgical Service operations and coordinates the clinical and administrative services that interface with the Operating Room.

The Program Specialist coordinates equipment, supplies, instrumentation, procurement, inventory, and service transactions for the Operating Room and associated areas, including pre-operative holding, outpatient surgery, and the post-anesthesia unit. The position plans and conducts projects, estimates costs, monitors budgets, works with clinical and administrative partners and vendors, and provides supply-management guidance and training. The position is not virtual. Work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• For current or former Federal employees subject to time-in-grade rules: 52 weeks at GS-07 for a GS-09 position; qualifying documentation must be submitted.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service, involving relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities. Examples include coordinating procurement, availability, inventory, or management of medical supplies, equipment, or instrumentation; analyzing operational or workflow issues; collaborating with clinical and administrative staff; analyzing program data; preparing reports or presentations; coordinating healthcare support activities; monitoring budgets or expenditures; applying medical and procurement terminology; coordinating with vendors and clinical or support staff; planning and evaluating projects; and interpreting policies, accreditation requirements, or regulatory standards.
• Alternatively, a related master's or equivalent graduate degree, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.B. or J.D. may substitute for the required experience; transcripts are required.
• A combination of qualifying specialized experience and graduate education beyond the first 18 semester hours may be used to qualify; transcripts are required.
• Applicants must complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
• Subject to background and security investigation.
• Selected applicants must complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Physical abilities include lifting and carrying under 15 pounds, reaching above shoulder level, using fingers, using both hands, walking and standing for five hours, rapid simultaneous mental and muscular coordination, use of both eyes, depth perception, distinguishing basic colors, and hearing (a hearing aid may be permitted).
• Education used to meet qualifications must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; foreign education requires a certificate of foreign equivalency.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve health care delivery systems by developing programs and policies, improving resource utilization, overseeing changes, and promoting continuous improvement in Operating Room functions.
• Translate policies, theories, and strategies into action within Surgical Service operations.
• Maintain relationships with peers and counterparts at other medical centers to support cooperation, resource sharing, and resolution of operational problems; develop and present recommended solutions to management.
• Coordinate and facilitate day-to-day clinical and administrative services that interface with Operating Room functionality.
• Evaluate Operating Room issues, develop recommendations based on applicable policies and accreditation requirements, and track approved actions through completion.
• Identify and analyze problems involving workflow, work distribution, staffing, performance, proficiency, and organizational structure to improve Operating Room efficiency and productivity.
• Coordinate with Surgery, Anesthesia, Nursing, Biomedical Engineering, Prosthetics, and Sterile Processing to ensure required instrumentation and equipment are available, functional, and ready for the daily surgical schedule.
• Analyze, manage, coordinate, control, purchase, monitor, and account for medical equipment and services supporting assigned Operating Room areas, including pre-operative holding, outpatient surgery, and the post-anesthesia unit.
• Coordinate the purchase and availability of equipment for Operating Room procedures in accordance with budgetary and procurement processes.
• Forecast, budget, manage, and control equipment and service transactions for assigned areas.
• Serve as the main contact for Operating Room equipment issues involving SPS, the OR, distribution, purchasing, and warehouse personnel.
• Coordinate procurement and management of Operating Room supplies, equipment, and instrumentation; facilitate coordination among the OR, Sterile Processing, purchasing, vendors, and surgeons regarding equipment, supplies, and procedural requirements.
• Plan and organize OR-related projects and assignments within approved project plans, estimate costs, coordinate with staff and management, and conduct project phases.
• Inform management of potentially controversial findings, issues, or problems with widespread impact.
• Liaise with physicians, nursing staff, Central Supply, purchasing personnel, vendors, logistics staff, and other support services to coordinate OR requirements, exchange information, and resolve operational issues.
• Provide technical guidance and training to the supply technician on OR supply-management duties.
• Coordinate with the OR supply technician to maintain appropriate OR stock inventory and arrange turn-in of excess inventory and end-of-life equipment.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits are available to the employee and family; specific benefits and eligibility depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• VA may offer credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual; approval is required before appointment and is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level