Program Specialist

The Program Specialist, located within VHA's Integrated External Networks, Contracts Management and Performance, supports community care contract administration by tracking performance issues, analyzing data, preparing reports, and developing contract documents. The role requires knowledge of healthcare operations, claims processing, and regulatory requirements. Major duties: Major Duties: Develop, plan, coordinate, and oversee contract-related activities, including preparing statements of work, evaluation plans, decision documents, and reports that address contracting challenges. Manage project schedules, milestones, quality assurance activities, risks, issues, and stakeholder communications. Analyze program and operational data, identify performance measures, and prepare reports on budgets, utilization, costs, compliance, and program outcomes. Support programs that facilitate access to healthcare services through external provider networks and assist healthcare organizations in acquiring those services. Conduct risk assessments by reviewing program data, requirements, and regulations, and develop strategies to reduce or prevent future risks. Collaborate with leadership and stakeholders on acquisition and contracting initiatives, participate on cross-functional project teams, and support program oversight and decision-making processes. Work Schedule: Full-time, 8-hour shifts Monday through Friday, with tours scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Telework: This position may be authorized for Ad-hoc telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This position may be authorized for Virtual Work. Virtual Work eligibility is for current VA employees that are already subject to the return to in person work mandate in their current position. Definition of Virtual Work: Employee works outside of original hiring duty station at a VA owned or leased space. Return to Office (RTO): RTO mandates are in effect and selectees will be required to report to in-person work unless they are approved for an exception or an exemption. Any approval for an RTO exception, exemption, or extension will happen after a tentative job offer, but before a final job offer. Position Description/PD#: Program Specialist/PD39599A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements: You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.