Program Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Salt Lake City, UT

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Specialist is located in the Health Administration Service (HAS) office at the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System. The position provides special-project, management, and program support to the Chief of HAS and other management officials, and high-level administrative support to HAS leadership and clinical services. The role assists the Administrative Officer with managing departmental administrative functions and independently handles complex administrative matters, correspondence, recruitment processes, records-management improvements, resource planning, and other program support activities.

The position may be filled at the GS-07 or GS-09 level, with promotion potential to the full performance level without further competition when regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ad hoc telework may be authorized; the position is not virtual. The incumbent serves as a timekeeper and PIV sponsor, supports inspection preparation, and serves as a Contracting Officer’s Representative with COR 1 certification. This is primarily sedentary work, with some walking, bending, stooping, and carrying light objects. A one-year probationary period or two-year trial period may apply.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Meet applicable qualification requirements by the announcement closing date of 10/26/2026.
• For GS-07, one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05; alternatively, one full year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement, or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
• For GS-09, one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07; alternatively, two years of progressively higher-level graduate education, a master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or an LL.B. or J.D. in a related field, or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
• Specialized experience includes applying analytical and evaluative methods to office-administration matters; knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, HAS operations, program goals, work processes, personnel, and lines of authority; and providing assistance on personnel matters.
• For GS-09 specialized experience, knowledge and skill in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook at an intermediate-to-advanced level; understanding of management principles and methods; and strong oral and written communication skills.
• Current or former federal employees applying at GS-07 or GS-09 must meet the applicable 52-week time-in-grade requirement and submit supporting SF-50 documentation.
• COR 1 certification is required.
• Complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
• Submit a transcript if education is used to meet qualification requirements; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
• Complete required background/security investigation and online onboarding; provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel requirement.
• Serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• The work requires concentration and sustained performance under prolonged stress to meet assignment deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Administrative Officer with operational management of administrative functions across department elements.
• Receive and screen incoming physical mail, deciding whether to handle it independently or refer it to the Chief or other HAS staff.
• Independently determine responses to complex administrative matters and draft correspondence for leadership, including matters involving multiple program areas, compliance, and policy interpretation.
• Prioritize administrative office tasks and ensure urgent work is completed and suspense dates are met.
• Support timely hiring by tracking candidates through the hiring process and coordinating required documentation with Human Resources.
• Independently oversee complex, specialized recruitment processes for HAS staff in accordance with VA hiring policies and regulations.
• Serve as timekeeper for assigned sections, train alternate timekeepers, maintain time and attendance, and act as a primary payroll-processing contact.
• Maintain and organize service records according to the Records Control Schedule; assess records-management effectiveness and develop improvements such as databases or digital tracking tools.
• Serve as the service’s PIV sponsor and coordinate timely renewals for existing staff and issuance for new staff.
• Assist with preparation for Joint Commission inspections, OIG inspections, and VA System-Wide Ongoing Assessment site visits.
• Serve as a Contracting Officer’s Representative for the service; COR 1 certification is required.
• Analyze resource needs, forecast requirements based on program goals and data, and lead initiatives to optimize staffing, equipment, and funding.
• Coordinate process-improvement projects with the Administrative Officer and support wider implementation of successful pilot practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available to eligible employees; the specific benefits offered depend on position type and eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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