Veteran Outreach Program Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Phoenix, AZ

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Veterans Outreach Program Specialist serves as the principal outreach staff member for Military Reserve and National Guard members returning from the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn (OND). This position involves a multi-grade career ladder, with the major duties listed representing the full performance level of GS-11. At lower grade levels, duties will be of a more limited scope and require less independence, with progressive acquisition of background necessary for the full performance level. The nature of the job requires travel throughout an assigned geographical area away from the Vet Center.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply.
• Must complete all required steps in the process, including application, questionnaire, and an online assessment measuring critical general competencies.
• 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 for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period.
• 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-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07. For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-9.
• A current valid State Drivers License is required.
• GS-09: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-07 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples include: Participating and assisting in the planning of outreach events and generating program referrals. Providing individual and group presentations to inform others of various services. Distributing and assisting in the creation of marketing materials including, brochures, presentation, flyers, fact sheets, and web content. Accurately maintaining client records accordance with program guidelines and policies. Collecting outreach data and providing reports to leadership.
• GS-09: Education: 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.
• GS-09: Combination: A combination of specialized experience and graduate level education.
• GS-11: Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-9 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples include: Working within the community, developing, planning, scheduling, and conducting outreach events, and referral processes. Creating and presenting formal briefings to a variety of individuals with various education, environmental, ethics and cultural backgrounds. Developing, managing, and distributing outreach materials to include brochures, presentation, flyers, fact sheets, web content, and other targeted information which highlights services and locations. Preparing and maintaining records including documentation of contacts, clients visits and administrative activities in accordance with program guidelines and policies. Preparing and providing accurate reports and cursory analysis on outreach data as assigned in accordance with program requirements.
• GS-11: Education: Ph.D. or equivalent degree OR (3) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.M., if related.
• GS-11: Combination: A combination of specialized experience and graduate level education.
• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Nice To Haves

• The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

Responsibilities

• Providing information, explanation of services, support, and connection to a variety of individuals of various educational, environmental, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, regarding benefits and eligibility to VHA, RCS, Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and the National Cemetery Administration (NCA).
• Developing, managing, and distributing outreach materials to include brochures, presentations, flyers, fact sheets, web content, and other targeted information which highlights Vet Center services and locations as well as the combat Veteran experience.
• Creating presentations and materials with information in the appropriate format to allow the Veteran and/or Service Members, their families and representative to understand the information they are receiving.
• Serving as a community liaison representing the Vet Center with organizations to include but not limited to Veterans Service Organizations, community groups, and others whose interest is in helping and protecting Veterans, their families, and their representatives.
• Collaborating closely with Vet Center direct service providers, helps initiate client referrals, and follows-up to ensure client needs are being met timely.
• Collaborating participating in the planning, coordinating, and executing of a variety of outreach events.
• Preparing documentation of contacts, client visits, and administrative activities in accordance with program guidelines and policies.
• Driving either a Government Owned Vehicle (GOV) or a Mobile Vet Center Mobile Vet Center to perform outreach services on a daily basis. Each Mobile Vet Center may be up to 40 feet long.
• Setting up and closing the Mobile Vet Center for operation, i.e., leveling the Mobile Vet Center, checking communications systems, electrical systems, etc.

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.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.

What This Job Offers

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