Voluntary Services Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Indianapolis, IN

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Voluntary Services Specialist will provide mission functions and duties aligned with the vision and goals of the Richard L. Roudebush Medical Center and clinics, utilizing databases for service support. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has adopted the Center for Development and Civic Engagement/Voluntary Services Modernization Initiative, a new model for organizing and consolidating essential voluntary functions and services. The incumbent serves as the Voluntary Service Specialist in the facility's CDCE/Voluntary Service office, reporting directly to the Chief. Responsibilities encompass the full scope of business for Voluntary Service, Philanthropic Engagement, and Partnership Solutions. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of the federal government, VA, and VHA, including relevant laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and accrediting organizations, to facilitate a systems-oriented approach to the Center's success.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Must complete all required steps in the process, including the 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 accept a 1-year probationary period.
• To qualify for GS-07: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-5) in the Federal Service, directly related to the work of the position. Qualifying specialized experience includes experience working for a company, organization, or department specializing in volunteer and/or philanthropic activities; communicating with individuals and groups in the community; performing technical program development for a specialized program; performing record keeping and recognition of a volunteer and/or philanthropic program; and applying a high level of expertise in identifying special skills and attitudes necessary for sensitive assignments.
• To qualify for GS-07: One (1) full year of successfully completed graduate level education or superior academic achievement that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. Transcripts must be submitted.
• To qualify for GS-07: Combination of successfully completed education and specialized experience directly related to the work of the position that meets the requirements. Only education beyond a bachelor's degree may be used.
• To qualify for GS-09: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-7) in the Federal Service, directly related to the work of the position. Qualifying specialized experience includes planning, supervising, and coordinating volunteers of a volunteer program; evaluating and monitoring the effectiveness of a specialized program and devising new methods for improvement; effectively recruiting, interviewing, and evaluating prospective employees/volunteers; utilizing interpersonal communication skills to foster effective working relationships; and familiar with a wide variety of principles and practices to evaluate program trends.
• To qualify for GS-09: Successfully completed two (2) years of progressively higher-level graduate education or masters or equivalent graduate degree or LL.B. or J.D., in a related field. Education at the graduate level must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. Transcripts must be submitted.
• To qualify for GS-09: Combination of successfully completed education and specialized experience directly related to the work of the position that meets the requirements. Only education in excess of the first year (18 semester hours) may be used.
• To qualify for GS-11: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-9) in the Federal Service, directly related to the work of the position. Qualifying specialized experience includes managing a program of volunteers and contributing organizations within a medical or hospital setting; development and implementation of a detailed marketing plan for a specialized program; managing a program service budget and managing a donation needs list of an organization; utilizes laws and regulations governing the General Post Fund and solicitation and acceptance of donated gifts; and understanding and applying personnel management practices for interviewing, screening, placing, and counseling purposes.
• To qualify for GS-11: Successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, or an LL.M. if related. Transcripts must be submitted.
• To qualify for GS-11: Combination of successfully completed education and specialized experience directly related to the work of the position that meets the requirements. Only education in excess of a master's or equivalent graduate education may be used.
• A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
• Foreign education must be accompanied by a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.

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.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in all aspects of the development, coordination, and management of the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) Office and independently managing specific programs or portions of larger programs.
• Assisting the CDCE/Voluntary Service Officer in developing short and long-range plans for CDCE/Voluntary Service program goals and objectives; developing and implementing programs and program changes to meet facility or other VA-affiliated program needs.
• Assisting the CDCE/Voluntary Service Officer in developing innovative/creative community outreach programs that provide volunteers and financial resources.
• Developing and fostering a robust network with internal and external stakeholders to build resilient working coalitions in support of the VA mission.
• Developing and delivering presentations to diverse groups within the facility and at off-site locations within the community.
• Interviewing, scheduling, placing, and evaluating volunteers.
• Conducting appropriate follow-up activities to ensure adequate supervision and assignment training are provided.
• Resolving issues as they arise and consulting with the CDCE/Voluntary Service Officer if policies or procedures require review and/or revision.
• Preparing all volunteer personnel files in accordance with The Joint Commission and standards for VHA volunteers.
• Consulting with services across the health care system, agency representatives (including VHA, VBA, and NCA), and community officials to publicize, analyze, and recommend improvements for programs.
• Conducting fact-finding and analysis to recommend potential community partnerships that support and extend the mission of the facility or other affiliated VA programs across Administrations within the catchment area.
• Coordinating and managing all monetary and in-kind donations.
• Managing the day-to-day operations surrounding the organization's development activities and conducting and analyzing routine needs assessments to ensure alignment with the facility's strategic plan.
• Developing tax deductibility documentation for all donations received.
• Providing education and training to staff on the proper use of donation expenditures, restricted purchases, and procurement requirements.
• Planning and executing a variety of complex internal and external special events, including VISN-wide and national events where the local facility is a key host or sponsor, or responsible for securing major monetary or in-kind donations and volunteer support.

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