Public Affairs Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Honolulu, HI

32d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System. The position serves as the Legislative Liaison, reports to the Director via the Chief, Public Affairs Office, and has overall responsibility for all executive level Congressional correspondence. The incumbent serves as the Congressional Liaison for the VAPIHCS and works with the facility leadership to respond to congressional complaints/inquiries/appeals on both clinical and administrative problems/issues brought to the Director by Veterans, members of the staff, VISN, VBA, NCA, VACO, state and local legislative and executive government officials, other Federal Agencies, and Congressional staff members which may require conflict mediation. Coordinates Congressional/Veteran Service Organization (VSO) briefings, to include development of agenda and presentation materials, invitation of congressional and VSO staff, arranging for conferencing facilities and catering activities. The incumbent serves as the central reception, dissemination, coordination, and monitor point for all correspondence and tasks from internal and external stakeholders. Participates in both long and short-range planning by coordinating the administrative needs of various healthcare segments within the Medical Center. Develops recommendations and plans of action by adapting principles, practices and procedures to meet the specialized needs of the assigned program and/or healthcare group. The incumbent serves as the back-up VAPIHCS Public Affairs Officer. The Public Affairs Officer applies solid public relations, media and health administration skills to ensure that resources are utilized effectively and efficiently to market, provide information and promote VA's high-quality care that exceeds community and national standards and industry best practices. Additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• 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 forms of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements.
• 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 effective May 7, 2025.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement.
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-9, including responding to congressional complaints/inquiries, coordination of congressional briefings, developing information briefings, reviewing proposals, receiving and coordinating correspondence with internal and external stakeholders, coordination of administrative needs of various healthcare segments within the Medical Center, and direct coordination and assistance of public affairs matters.
• OR, Education: Successfully completed a Ph.D., have an equivalent doctoral degree, have 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or have a LL.M., if related.
• OR, Combination: Combination of specialized experience and education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level of GS9 (master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related).

Nice To Haves

• Competencies: Data Management, Organizational Awareness, Analysis and Problem Solving, Systems Thinking.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Legislative Liaison for the VAPIHCS.
• Respond to congressional complaints/inquiries/appeals on clinical and administrative problems/issues.
• Coordinate Congressional/Veteran Service Organization (VSO) briefings, including agenda and presentation materials.
• Serve as the central point for all correspondence and tasks from internal and external stakeholders.
• Participate in long and short-range planning by coordinating administrative needs of healthcare segments.
• Develop recommendations and plans of action.
• Serve as the back-up VAPIHCS Public Affairs Officer.
• Apply public relations, media, and health administration skills to market, provide information, and promote VA's high-quality care.

Benefits

• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree