Program Specialist

Time In Grade: Applicants who are/were federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. For a GS-12 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11 level. To support your claim of time in grade, you must submit your most recent appointment, promotion, or within grade increase SF-50 (not an award or general adjustment SF-50). Some applicants may have to submit more than one SF-50 to demonstrate their eligibility. See the required documents section for more information. And Specialized Experience: For the GS-12 Applicants must have One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-11 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience may have been gained in positions where the applicant has analyzed or reviewed the work of others. This experience should demonstrate skill and knowledge of analytical methods for the assessment and improvement of complex management processes; the ability to plan, assign, and review work; and the ability to train, coach, or mentor others. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: analyzed or reviewed the work of others made recommendations for improvements to workflow procedures or processes; audited records or materials and made recommendations based on the results; planned and implemented studies related to production in order to determine training needs; and conducted training or mentored or trained others in production processes. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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. The Office of Personnel Management’s group coverage qualification standards, associated individual occupational requirements (IOR), and individual qualification standards covering white collar occupations in the Federal competitive service can be found here.
The program specialist serves as the VA Regional Office Training Manager and advisor of training needs to the Director of the regional office. The Training Manager plays a key role in the development and maintenance of Regional Office training infrastructure by enhancing effectiveness and consistency of economy of scale, network of training communication, training initiatives, reducing duplication, and serving as the point of contact for nationwide training initiatives.