Summary

This position is a Temporary Not-to-Exceed (NTE) 2 years.

This position is organizationally aligned under the Group Practice Management Department located at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) in North Chicago, Illinois (556) - a complexity level 1c VHA facility.

This job is open to

Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

Open to current permanent VA and federal employees. First consideration will be given to Internal Current Permanent Employees.

Veterans preference does not apply.

Videos

Duties

Major duties include but are not limited to :

This position is responsible for establishing and managing communications plans that identify target audiences, appropriate messages, activities, and resources needed for effective communication, and effective communications plan for change management, incorporate multiple channels to manage expectations and disseminate project progress.

Responsible for supporting and guiding facility VHA public affairs officers and stakeholders about My HealtheVet. Oversees MHV's online presence and web content and leads innovations to keep facilities MHV on the cutting-edge.

Ensures accountability via written communication as it relates to MHV as each of these communication skills contributes importantly to the way VHA communicates with Veterans, Congress, our dedicated volunteers, the public and employees.

Establishes and manages the training plans and design and perform needs assessments within the project relative to functional and training needs and project effectiveness.

Works with EES to coordinate personnel and resources to evaluate the educational needs of Veterans and employees to develop MHV educational and training programs / classes.

Based on the national MHV Program, develops, and updates a facility-specific MHV implementation plan that includes developing a mission / vision statement, establishing a local team, leading team efforts, identifying local providers as champions, and developing MHV roles and responsibilities.

Establishes, develops, and implements local MHV-related goals, strategies to meet goals, identifies responsible parties, tracks progress, including monitoring goals / activity status, and reports status / progress to medical center management.

Formulates a marketing strategy from research, reports, products, and organizational data. Designs, conducts, and evaluates innovative means to advertise and market products of the MHV and Social Media Program.

This includes creative writing and direct communication with all levels of personnel internal and external to the VAMC / HCS.

Analyzes participation trends, customer markets, needs of the consumer, and advises the VAMC / HCS leadership team on concerns and trends.

Recommends specific approaches for managing special issues and findings. Represents the VAMC / HCS at forums, conferences, and meetings.

Delivers presentations to all levels of the VAMC / HCS, service organizations, and veterans, family members and caregivers.

Presentations are designed to inform the audience about MHV Program, MHV products, MHV capabilities, and health care issues.

Develops multimedia campaign materials (e.g., printed articles, brochures, videos) to enlighten target population. Researches and writes articles, news releases and briefs for inclusion in publications and for release to other media.

Uses the world wide web to maximize outreach efforts. Conducts required coordination and obtains clearances as required for release of information.

Applies advertising andmarketing techniques to material produced to include color dynamics, reading grade level, graphics and design, journalistic writing, etc.

Maintains liaison with VISN and national MHV teams and coordinators to ensure correct, current, and accurate portrayal of information is provided to meet objectives.

The incumbent consults with representatives of academia and industry on marketing and advertising trends and application techniques.

Analyzes functional clinical and business process changes or impact to clinical guidelines in terms of policies, procedures, and user behaviors.

Manages multi-disciplinary teams comprised of professional, technical and support personnel to coordinate clinical and business functions for the MHV program.

Leads cross-functional teams to provide program metrics, quality improvement, operational planning, and strategic planning.

Collects, develops, implements, and documents data to assist management with MHV operational decisions.

Serves as the facility liaison to the MHV National Program Management Office and National Help Desk. Utilizes interpersonal communication skills to deal with Veterans who are difficult, hostile, or distressed, working with co-workers, supervisors, and high-level management, and negotiating.

Identifies problems and applying analytical techniques for the purpose of resolving issues. Negotiates conflicting demands and manages multiple projects with tight deadlines.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule : Monday - Friday 7 : 30 am - 4 : 00 pm

Telework : Not Authorized

Virtual : This is not a virtual position.

Position Description / PD# : Communications Specialist / PD21266O

Relocation / Recruitment Incentives : Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) : Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report : Not required

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12 / 31 / 1959
• You may be required to serve a probationary period
• Subject to background / security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 04 / 26 / 2024.

You may qualify based on your experience and / or education as described below :

• Specialized Experience : You must have 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 of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to : knowledge and understanding of the full range of principles, concepts, and techniques of marketing, advertising and salesmanship and the ability to transform these requirements into a working, viable program;

skill in editing web pages and creating links and using social networking technology; knowledge of and skill in automated data processing applications, e.

• g., desktop publishing, graphics, etc. to be able to design, establish, and operate in the operation of state-of-the-art personal computer (PC) equipment;
• skill in audio-visual techniques to assist in preparation of radio, television, slide show, speech materials or other methods of communication;
• skill in organizing and communicating ideas and thoughts effectively through written correspondence and oral presentation;

skill, knowledge and ability to analyze a variety of research reports, studies, fact sheets, and other documents and translate from analytical to commonly understood language. OR,

Education : Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a directly related Ph.

D. or equivalent doctoral degree.. OR,

Combination : Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond a Master's degree.

You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position :

• Administration and Management
• Communications
• Customer Service (Clerical / Technical)
• Database Management Systems

Grade Determination :

GS-11

Specialized Experience : 1 year equivalent to at least GS-9. The employee must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to complete the duties of the position.

Such knowledge and skills are identified in the Competence Assessment Checklist of the position and include knowledge and skills in : Communication and interpersonal relations, including the ability to appropriately and courteously relate to internal and external customers.

Maintenance of confidentiality of patient / employee information, electronic and print. The medical center performance improvement program.

How to work and function in the medical center in a safe manner, including infection control and the correct operation of equipment.

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.M., if related

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.

g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

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-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-9. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service.

An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement.

In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note : Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.

Note : A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities.

Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements : Work is primarily sedentary, but may require periods of standing during presentations, briefings, speeches, health fair activities, etc.

although some slight physical effort may be required.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https : / / www.

opm.gov / policy-data-oversight / classification-qualifications / general-schedule-qualification-standards / .

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note : Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment.

You can verify your education here : http : / / ope.ed.gov / accreditation / . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.

For further information, visit : https : / / sites.ed.gov / international / recognition-of-foreign-qualifications / .

Additional information

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal / VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.

To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy.

To be well-qualified : applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job.

Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http : / / www.opm.gov / policy-data-oversight / workforce-restructuring / employee-guide-to-career-transition / .

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.

e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date.

The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

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.

Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

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

Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to;

responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and / or contact for an interview. Your resume and / or supporting documentation will be verified.

Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.

g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

Placement Policy : The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion.

The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members : Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

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.

Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

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

Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee.

You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes :

• Resume
• SF-50 / Notification of Personnel Action

SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and / or Eligibility) :

• Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
• An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement.

In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade

• Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
• Examples of appropriate SF-50's include :
• Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
• Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
• SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.

Veterans' Preference : When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP / CPS / XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.

You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.

and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.

Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements :

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.

Therefore, provide only the attendance and / or degrees from

schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11 : 59 PM (ET) on 04 / 26 / 2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https : / / apply.

usastaffing.gov / ViewQuestionnaire / 12382124.

• To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and / or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
• Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE : It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https : / / my.usajobs.gov / Account / Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position.

The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.

Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement.

You must re-select your resume and / or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Ralph Abueg

Phone

858 552 8585 X72611

Email

ralph.abueg@va.gov

Address

Captain James A Lovell Federal Health Care Center

3001 Green Bay Road

North Chicago, IL 60064

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.

Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications.

Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE : Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.

Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties.

VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes :

• Resume
• SF-50 / Notification of Personnel Action

SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and / or Eligibility) :

• Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
• An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement.

In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade

• Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
• Examples of appropriate SF-50's include :
• Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
• Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
• SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.

Veterans' Preference : When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP / CPS / XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.

You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.

and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.

Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements :

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.

Therefore, provide only the attendance and / or degrees from

schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11 : 59 PM (ET) on 04 / 26 / 2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https : / / apply.

usastaffing.gov / ViewQuestionnaire / 12382124.

• To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and / or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
• Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE : It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https : / / my.usajobs.gov / Account / Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position.

The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application.

Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement.

You must re-select your resume and / or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Ralph Abueg

Phone

858 552 8585 X72611

Email

ralph.abueg@va.gov

Address

Captain James A Lovell Federal Health Care Center

3001 Green Bay Road

North Chicago, IL 60064

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.

Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications.

Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE : Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).

It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.

Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.

HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties.

VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Fair & Transparent

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request

Last updated : 2024-05-02