Voluntary Services Specialist

Veterans Health Administration • Dallas, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Voluntary Services Specialist works in the facility’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE)/Voluntary Service office and reports directly to the Chief. The position supports the interconnected areas of Voluntary Service, Philanthropic Engagement, and Partnership Solutions, applying knowledge of the federal government, VA and its Administrations—particularly VHA—and relevant laws, regulations, policies, procedures, accrediting organizations, and agency structures.

The specialist assists with developing, coordinating, and managing the CDCE office and independently manages specific programs or portions of larger programs. The role supports program planning and improvement, community outreach, stakeholder partnerships, volunteer services, donations, and special events. The position is onsite rather than virtual, with a work schedule of either 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The position may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met; selection at a lower grade does not guarantee promotion.

Requirements

• For GS-07, at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05, or qualifying graduate education or superior academic achievement, or an eligible combination of education and experience.
• For GS-09, at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, or two years of progressively higher-level graduate education, a related master’s or equivalent graduate degree, LL.B., or J.D., or an eligible combination of education and experience.
• For GS-11, at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09, or a related Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, LL.M., or an eligible combination of education and experience.
• Specialized experience for GS-07 may include work in volunteer or philanthropic activities; community communication; technical program development; volunteer or philanthropic program recordkeeping and recognition; and identifying skills and attitudes for sensitive assignments.
• Specialized experience for GS-09 may include planning, supervising, and coordinating volunteers; evaluating and improving a specialized program; recruiting, interviewing, and evaluating prospective employees or volunteers; building effective working relationships; and evaluating program trends.
• Specialized experience for GS-11 may include managing volunteers and contributing organizations in a medical or hospital setting; developing and implementing a marketing plan; managing a program budget and donation needs list; applying laws and regulations governing the General Post Fund and donated gifts; and applying personnel practices for interviewing, screening, placing, and counseling.
• Education used to qualify must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; transcripts are required when education is used to qualify. Foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with transcripts.
• Current or former federal employees subject to time-in-grade rules must meet the applicable requirement by the announcement closing date and submit supporting SF-50 documentation.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens and complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Selected applicants are subject to a background/security investigation and must complete online onboarding and acceptable-identity documentation requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• The position requires a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• The work has no inherent physical requirements essential to successful performance that could not be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment; a pre-placement physical examination is not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the development, coordination, and management of the CDCE office, independently managing specific programs or parts of larger programs.
• Assist the CDCE/Voluntary Service Officer in developing short- and long-range plans for program goals and objectives, and develop and implement programs or changes to meet facility and VA-affiliated program needs.
• Assist in developing creative community outreach programs that provide volunteers and financial resources.
• Build and maintain networks with internal and external stakeholders and working coalitions in support of the VA mission.
• Develop and deliver presentations to facility groups and community audiences at off-site locations.
• Interview, schedule, place, and evaluate volunteers; conduct follow-up to ensure appropriate supervision and assignment training.
• Resolve issues and consult the CDCE/Voluntary Service Officer when policies or procedures may require review or revision.
• Prepare volunteer personnel files in accordance with The Joint Commission and VHA volunteer standards.
• Consult with health care system services, agency representatives, and community officials to publicize and analyze programs and recommend improvements.
• Conduct fact-finding and analysis to recommend community partnerships that support and extend the facility’s or affiliated VA programs’ mission.
• Coordinate and manage monetary and in-kind donations.
• Manage day-to-day development activities and conduct and analyze routine needs assessments to align activities with the facility’s strategic plan.
• Prepare tax-deductibility documentation for donations received.
• Educate and train staff on proper use of donation expenditures, restricted purchases, and procurement requirements.
• Plan and execute complex internal and external special events, including VISN-wide and national events, and secure major donations and volunteer support when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

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