Health System Specialist (Credentialing)

Summary

The Health Systems Specialist is located at the Battle Creek VAMC - Office of the Chief of Staff. The incumbent serves as the subject matter expert (SME) to LIPs and Service Chiefs on routine and complex matters related to C&P - for the ongoing OPPE and FPPE. Please be advised that this position is currently subject to an OPM consistency review - which may result in a change in grade. If the review results in a reduction in grade - you could be eligible for grade and/or pay retention.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 10/08/2026. 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-07 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include - but are not limited to: ensuring compliance with VHA policies - directives - memos - and notices - as well as The Joint Commission (TJC) standards - recommendations by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) - and other internal or external auditors and reviewers as appropriate; collecting relevant data and makes informed decisions utilizing established guidelines to ensure that qualified healthcare professionals provide appropriate care in the appropriate settings; serving as the subject matter expert (SME) to LIPs and Service Chiefs on routine and complex matters related to C&P - providing vital technical guidance regarding provider competence for the ongoing provider practice evaluation (OPPE) and focused provider practice evaluation (FPPE); and independently executes the critical functions of the Medical Staff Office that are essential to patient safety and to assuring the quality of patient care provided by the VAMC. OR Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have completed a Master's or equivalent graduate degree - 2 full years of progressively higher graduate education - or an LL.B./J.D. related to health administration. 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 the first year and specialized experience. 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/.

Duties

• Major duties include but not limited to: Assist in identifying the resources required for accomplishing the mission and function of the credentials and privileging program
• Receives and reviews correspondence and communications for the C&P function and determines which items require immediate attention and which are confidential
• Ensures accurate provider data is entered into and maintained in the VetPro computer program
• Holds the credit card and is responsible for maintaining records - reconciling monthly charge statements and verifying legitimacy of requests
• Manages provider applications (initial and renewals) for LIPs C&P within the VAMC
• Provides guidance and instruction to hospital staff in completing the required documentation for establishing privileges for LIPs
• Ensures that application packages and other documents meet the technical requirements specific to the provider's specialty and verifies that the application folder and database account comply with these requirements
• Creates an automated system of program-specific data to track suspense on items such as project milestones - progress reports - and compliance strategies
• Provides ongoing review of regulatory requirements - TJC Standards - changing laws - and legal precedents to review hospital regulations and make necessary recommendations for changes to ensure compliance with current VHA and TJC Standards - and in the event of an emergency declaration
• Serves as technical advisor to the Executive Committee of the Medical Staff (ECMS) and - if applicable - the Credentials Committee
• Prepares agendas for credential-related meetings - ensures those involved are notified of expectations - and ensures that all necessary paperwork is completed and accurately prepared for committee action
• Conducts final appointment into the VetPro database - after thoroughly researching - analyzing - and validating all data - information - documents - and signature authorities
• Delegated authority to initiate requests for information to the National Practitioner Data Bank - and to respond to correspondence for requests for provider credentialing information from external entities per the System of Records Notice 77VA10E2E
• Develops and provides routine and special reports as requested by the C&P Manager/Analyst
• Composes correspondence requiring Clinical Service Chiefs - Chief of Staff - and Medical Center Director signatures for privileging actions
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: This position may be authorized for telework
• Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process
• Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Position Description/PD#: Health System Specialist (Credentialing)/PD91698VS Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): No Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized