Job Listing: Supervisory Health System Specialist

Duty Locations

 1 vacancy - Knoxville, IA

 

Vacancy Identification Number (VIN):  PG187662 (Include on all documents)

 

Tour of duty:  7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Be a member of a team providing compassionate healthcare to veterans.   

The Department of Veterans Affairs is an employer of choice as a center of excellence in patient care, education and research.  We value trust, respect, commitment, compassion, and excellence; we value you.  For more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to http://www.va.gov . 

NOTE:  In order to view and/or print the entire announcement, please scroll to the bottom of this page and click on "Print Preview"; then "Print".  Otherwise, you may miss important instructions on how to apply for this position.

APPLICANT CHECKLIST:  Please use this checklist to ensure compliance with all application requirements.  We recommend that you print a copy of this checklist for reference while completing your application package.  Detailed instructions of the application process are included after the checklist.  Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully.

_____ Responses to the Assessment Questionnaire. (see Step 1)

_____ Resume (see Step 2 for the information you should include on your resume) or Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612).

_____ If you are faxing your documentation, the United States Application Cover Page must be used in order to link your documents with your on-line questionnaire.  Failure to provide this cover page - or the use of a different cover page - will prohibit your documentation from being processed.  (see Step 3 for url)

_____ If a particular level of education/certification is required OR if you are asking us to qualify you based upon your education, you must submit a copy of your college transcript or an appropriate course listing. (see Step 3)

_____ Veterans must provide a legible copy of DD-214(s) showing all dates of service as well as character of service (honorable, general, etc.).  Note:  More than one DD-214 may be needed to show all dates of service. (see Step 3)

_____  Disabled veterans and other veterans eligible for 10-point preference must also submit an SF-15 (version December 2004) with required proof as stated on the form. (see Step 3)

Major Duties

Major duties and responsibilities include:  The incumbent is responsible for supervising, planning, organizing, coordinating, implementing, directing, integrating, controlling and evaluating clinical aspects within the Extended Care/Rehabilitation Service Line.  The incumbent initiates changes in the delivery of patient care within the service line, based on current concepts and findings from research and benchmark clinical practice environments.  The incumbent communicates with the interdisciplinary team in order to address service line issues, functions as a team builder, and develops leadership qualities in service line staff.  The incumbent establishes relationships with professional and/or other health related groups within the community.  The incumbent's duties will also include coordinating and evaluating integrated programs; developing and monitoring quality improvement measures; reviewing quality and performance measures for process improvement; implementing, evaluating and monitoring the risk management program; analyzing various reports relating to quality improvement to ensure desired outcomes; providing technical advice, support, and assistance to all customers; identifying and articulating problems and suggestions for solution to ensure patient satisfaction; organizing and coordinating the orientation of MDs, RNs, and other professional and/or clerical staff.  The incumbent will act as a resources person to other service lines and professional functional areas in planning, reviewing, or revising VA Central Iowa Health Care System policies and procedures that impact patient care.  The incumbent will define the scope of clinical care of Extended Care/Rehabilitation and suggest a master staffing plan with sufficient human resources to meet the needs of the acuity level and population aggregate served within the service line.  The incumbent will assist in the recruitment, selection, training, and evaluation of Extended Care/Rehabilitation Service Line clinical staff.  At the GS 11 level, the incumbent will perform the above duties with more supervision and guidance while developing the skills, knowledge and judgment required at the GS 12 level.  More complex and difficult assignments will be made as the incumbent demonstrates proficiency and ability to perform the work.   
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: The full performance level of this position is GS-12. Selectee may be promoted without further competition to the next higher grade level, when fully qualified and recommended by the selecting official. However, promotion potential is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied. 
***RELOCATION EXPENSES AND/OR INCENTIVES ARE NOT AUTHORIZED*** 

How to Apply

PLEASE NOTE: 

It is your responsibility to insure that all application materials are RECEIVED by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of the announcement (Thursday, June 05, 2008) in order to be considered.  We cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, interruptions in internet service, etc. 
You must submit a complete application package.  Failure to provide complete information may result in your not receiving consideration for this position.
You must submit your assessment questionnaire online (through Application Manager) or  on OPM Form 1203-FX (and faxed).  Do not send printouts of your Application Manager Questionnaire Answers.  If you fax your application and/or documentation, please keep a copy of your fax transmittal receipt for future verification, if necessary.
If you upload your documents using Application Manager, DO NOT FAX the same documents.  To verify that your uploaded documents have been processed, please wait one hour to ensure they have cleared the virus scann.  You can then verify that your uploaded documents are attached to your application by checking the "Details" tab of your Application Manager account (https://applicationmanager.org ) for this vacancy announcement.  Your documents will display under the "Details" tab in the Document area. 
You will not be contacted for additional information.  DO NOT contact our offices for verification of receipt or status reports - we do not provide this information.
Your application materials will not be returned.  Do not submit original documents that you may need in the future.
Your application must be completed on-line or faxed. This office does not accept applications by electronic mail (e-mail), regular mail, or in person. 

Applying for this position is as easy as 1, 2, 3...

Just by following three steps, you will submit a complete application package and receive consideration for this position.  Be sure to follow the steps carefully and complete all three.  Each step is described in detail below.

Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire, (which may be completed electronically or on the OPM Form 1203FX and faxed), 
Your resume or OF-612  (which may be completed electronically, uploaded, or faxed), and
Other documents specified in this job announcement (which may be uploaded or faxed).

Use Application Manager for convenience and quickest processing.  Track your progress to a Complete Application Package using My Application Packages checklist and status displays in Application Manager.  Your Application Package status must be Complete by 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, June 05, 2008.

STEP 1: 

Complete and submit the Assessment Questionnaire. The questionnaire must be completed and submitted in order to receive consideration for this position.

PLEASE NOTE:  We highly encourage you to complete the Assessment Questionnaire online as it is the most efficient way to process your responses.  Using paper application forms may delay the processing of your application.  If you are unable to complete the Assessment Questionnaire online, go to STEP 3 of this announcement and refer to the alternatives described under "Alternative Methods for Completing the Application Package" 

You must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double check your application before submission and click on "SUBMIT" when it is complete.  Your application is not transmitted to us until you submit it.

To complete your Assessment Questionnaire online, click the following link:

Online Questionnaire

or enter https://ApplicationManager.org  You can save your work and come back later.  To return to Application Manager at any time by simply going back to this web address. 

The Assessment Questionnaire must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, June 05, 2008.

ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE

Social Security Number

Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated.  Providing your Social Security Number is voluntary, however we cannot process your application without it.

Vacancy Identification Number

PG187662

 

1. Title of Job

Supervisory Health System Specialist 

 

2. Biographic Data

3. E-Mail Address

Please enter your e-mail address in the space provided.  If you do not provide an e-mail address you may not receive a notice of your results. 

4. Work Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

5. Employment Availability

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

6. Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States?

7. Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

9. Languages

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

Enter the lowest grade (11) you will accept for this position.

1112
11. Miscellaneous Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

14. Veteran Preference Claim

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

16. Availability Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

17. Service Computation Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

20. Occupational Specialties

The specialty code(s) for this position is (are):
001 Supv Health System Specialist
21. Geographic Availability

The location code(s) for this position is (are):

 

0157 Knoxville, IA
22. Transition Assistance Plan

23. Job Related Experience

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

Select the appropriate answer to each of the following questions based on your background and experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. When answering the questionnaire, remember that your experience and education are subject to verification by investigation. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation of experience or education as proof to support your answers, or you may be required to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability to perform a task.

1. In applying for GS 11, do you possess at least one year of progressively responsible analytical or administrative, or clinical management or supervisory experience in the health care field? This work may have been performed in an operating health care facility or a higher organizational echelon with advisory or directional authority over such facilities. Work must have involved a close working relationship with facility managers and analysis and/or coordination of administrative, clinical, or other service activities, and provided knowledge of the following: missions, organizations, programs, and requirement of health care delivery systems; regulations and standards of various regulatory and credentialing groups; and Government-wide, agency, and facility systems and requirements in various administrative areas such as budget, personnel, and procurement. This specialized experience must be equivalent to the GS 9 level in Federal service.

A. Yes
B. No

2. In applying for GS 11, do you possess at least three full years of progressively higher level graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree with major study in hospital administration, public health administration, or related fields such as business or public administration with course work in health care administration? (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)

A. Yes
B. No

3. In applying for GS 11, do you possess a combination of graduate education and specialized experience (as described above)? (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED)

A. Yes
B. No

4. In applying for GS 12, do you possess at least one year of progressively responsible analytical or administrative, or clinical management or supervisory experience in the health care field? This work may have been performed in an operating health care facility or a higher organizational echelon with advisory or directional authority over such facilities. Work must have involved a close working relationship with facility managers and analysis and/or coordination of administrative, clinical, or other service activities, and provided knowledge of the following: missions, organizations, programs, and requirement of health care delivery systems; regulations and standards of various regulatory and credentialing groups; and Government-wide, agency, and facility systems and requirements in various administrative areas such as budget, personnel, and procurement. Qualifying experience for this grade level would typically be more complex and involve difficult assignments. This specialized experience must be equivalent to the GS 11 level in Federal service.

A. Yes
B. No

The following statements pertain to your KNOWLEDGE OF RESOURCE MANAGEMENT APPLICATIONS (E.G. BUDGET PREPARATION, DEVELOPMENT OF STAFFING STANDARDS, FIVE-YEAR PLAN PREPARATION, AND PREPARATION OF SPECIAL PROPOSALS.)

For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Darken the oval corresponding to that statement in Section 25 of the Qualifications and Availability Form C. Please select only one letter for each item.

A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or I am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.

5. Acts as a resource person to other service lines and professional functional areas in planning, reviewing, or revising policies and procedures that impact patient care.

6. Defines the scope of clinical care of Extended Care/Rehab Service Line and suggests, in concert with the professional or functional area leader, a master staffing plan with sufficient human resources to meet the needs of the acuity level and population aggregate served within the service line.

7. Works collaboratively with the physicians and physician extenders and discipline-specific functional area professional and clinical leaders to establish a master staffing plan, including numbers and skills for the Extended Care/Rehab Service Line, based on patient needs, staffing guidelines, staff qualifications, infection control concerns, work area geography and human resource supply and demand.

The following statements pertain to your KNOWLEDGE OF AND ABILITY TO APPLY MANAGEMENT TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES (E.G. FLOWCHARTS, DECISION TREES, REGRESSION ANALYSES, DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS, FORECASTING TECHNIQUES, NEEDS ASSESSMENTS, FEASIBILITY STUDIES, INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS) AND TO CONDUCT ANALYTICAL STUDIES. THIS INVOLVES DEALING WITH DAILY OPERATIONS AS WELL AS LONG RANGE PLANNING ACTIVITIES.

8. Uses sound judgment in decision making that focuses on meeting and improving quality customer service, and the delivery of patient-focused outcome-oriented health care.

9. Uses analytical framework such as the nursing process, to create an environment that facilitates the delivery of care.

10. Coordinates and evaluates integrated programs or demonstrates clinical excellence in management of population groups.

The following statements pertain to your KNOWLEDGE OF THE MISSION AND FUNCTIONS OF HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES AND OTHER EXTERNAL BODIES.

11. Participates in community education programs and encourages service line staff to participate in continuing education.

12. Contributes to the definition of Extended Care/Rehab Service Line Mission, Vision, Values, Goals, and Action Plans that support the strategic plan.

13. Extensive understanding of, and intimate familiarity with the principles, methods and techniques of the disciplines of rehabilitation for accomplishments of rehabilitation objectives and must be cognizant of JCAHO and CARF standards.

The following statements pertain to your ABILITY TO ESTABLISH PRIORITIES AND FUNCTION UNDER PRESSURE.

14. Assist in the recruitment, selection, training and evaluation of Extended Care/Rehab Service Line clinical staff.

15. Plans and assigns work to be accomplished by subordinates based on priorities, selective consideration of the difficulty and requirements of assignments and the capabilities of employees.

16. Provides clinical and technical advice, support and assistance to all customers with a view toward accomplishing the work of the Extended Care/Rehab Service Line.

The following statements pertain to your ABILITY TO INTERACT WITH INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF EDUCATIONAL LEVELS SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUNDS, DIVERGENT OPINIONS AND PRIORITIES BY APPLYING A VARIETY OF ORAL COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES.

17. Communicates with the interdisciplinary team in order to address service line issues, functions as a team builder and develops leadership qualities in service line staff.

18. Establishes relationships with professional and/or other related groups within the community.

19. Interacts with a wide variety of staff/patients/customer demonstrating sensitivity to and understanding of their needs by taking ownership of the problem and adopting the customers needs as their own.

You must now complete and submit additional application materials (by Thursday, June 05, 2008) as required by this vacancy announcement via uploading or faxing this information.  To fax application materials, refer to the instructions in Alternative Methods for Completing the Application Package after Step 3 of this vacancy announcement. 

STEP 2: 

Submit your choice of a Resume or an OF-612 - Optional Application for Federal Employment available at www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of612.pdf .  We must receive a complete resume or OF 612 in order to determine your qualifications for this position.

Your RESUME must include the following information:

Vacancy Information: Announcement Number (PG187662), Position Title (Supervisory Health System Specialist), and grade (11/12);
Personal Information:
Your full legal name and mailing address
Day and Evening telephone numbers including area code
Country of citizenship
Social Security number
Work experience (NOTE:  You must include the following information in order to receive credit for your experience):
Name and address of employer
Your job title
The beginning and ending month and year of your employment
The average hours worked per week.  Full-time 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 number of hours a week spent in such employment
Your supervisor's name and phone number (indicate if we may call your supervisor);
A description of your duties that is sufficiently detailed to document the level of your experience.  If the position is (was) with the Federal government (military or civilian), state the series and grade or pay grade (rank) and the date of last promotion
Education:  Name, location, and dates of attendance for colleges attended (if required). Type and date of degree received (if any);
Other:  Training, license(s), or certification(s) relevant to the position

Do not submit letters of recommendation, performance appraisals, position descriptions, examples of your work, etc.  This additional information will not be forwarded to the hiring facility.

STEP 3: 

Submit other required application materials, as applicable.

- If you are using education to qualify, you must submit copies of college transcripts or a course listing that identifies for each course completed: the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade, and grade-point average received.

- If you are applying for Veterans’ Preference, you must submit evidence of eligibility, such as: DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), or Standard Form 15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference version dated December 2004), and the proof requested on the form.   For Access to DD214 and military records click on this link -  Military Information.  To print a copy of the SF15 go to www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf . 

Submitting Documents

If you upload your documents using Application Manager, DO NOT FAX the same documents. To verify uploaded documents have been processed, please wait one hour to ensure they have cleared the virus scan. You can verify that your uploaded documents are attached to your application by checking the "Details" tab of your Application Manager account https://applicationmanager.org for this vacancy announcement. Your documents will display under the "Details" tab in the Document area.

 

Faxed documents will take 2-3 business days to process. To fax documents, you MUST use the special cover page. Print the pre-populated cover page on the upload documents screen of Application Manager. Or, you may click this link http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf to print a blank copy of the cover page. When faxing documents, follow the procedures outlined below.  

 

Include the 8-character Vacancy Identification Number PG187662
Provide your Social Security Number and full name in the spaces provided or we will not be able to associate your document(s) with the rest of your application.
You may submit multiple documents for the same vacancy announcement using one cover page.
Fax your cover page and documents to 1-478-757-3144.

 

Faxed documents submitted with missing information will not be processed. The following will prevent your documents from being processed: 

 

Not using the special cover page mentioned above.
Missing, incomplete, or invalid Vacancy Identification Number
Missing or incomplete Social Security Number or name

 

Note: If you have documents in your Application Manager account from a previous vacancy announcement they can be opened, copied and saved then reused as an upload file for this vacancy. Uploading your documents will speed the processing of your application for this announcement.

  

Be sure to complete all THREE STEPS of the application process described above in order to submit a complete application package and receive consideration for this position. 

 

ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR COMPLETING THE APPLICATION PACKAGE

To Complete the Assessment Questionnaire manually, you will need a copy of the answer sheet, referred to as the Occupational Questionnaire - OPM Form 1203-FX which can be obtained electronically at

http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/opm1203fx.pdf ;

or by calling USAJOBS at 703-724-1850; follow the instructions given;

or by visiting the Human Resources Management Service of the VA Medical Center at the duty location. 

You will also need a copy of the vacancy announcement to use as a guide in answering the questions.  You must provide responses to all required questions. Some questions may request an additional written response to support your answer, such as "Please explain or provide additional information to support your response to the above question."  When additional information is requested, please provide your answer(s) on a separate sheet of paper with the corresponding questionnaire number indicated, and type or print your answers legibly.  You may omit any sections marked “optional” and be sure to double check your application before submission.  NOTE:  The Questionnaire answer sheet is six pages long -- all six pages MUST be submitted even when the number of questions does not exceed page 5.  In this case, please complete the top of Page 6 with your social security number and the vacancy ID number. 

You may submit the Form 1203-FX, resume and any supporting documents by fax.

If you are faxing a Form 1203-FX, do not use a separate cover sheet.  Simply make sure the Form 1203-FX is on top of any other documents you are faxing.

If you are faxing any documents without the Form 1203-FX on top, you MUST use the special cover page.  Print the pre-populated cover page on the upload documents screen of Application Manager, or you may click this link ( http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf ) to print a blank copy of the cover page.  When faxing documents, follow the procedures outlined below: 

Include the 8-character Vacancy Identification Number PG187662
Provide your Social Security Number and full name in the spaces provided or we will not be able to associate your document(s) with the rest of your application.
You may submit multiple documents for the same vacancy announcement using one cover page.

Fax your cover page and documents to 1-478-757-3144. 

Be sure to fill it out completely and clearly.  Place your documents in the following order: US Government Application Cover Page;  Resume or OF 612 (Application for Employment); Other required application materials.

The fax number is 1-478-757-3144.  Feed all documents into your fax machine top first so that we receive them right-side up.  If you fax your documents using any other cover sheet, you may not receive consideration.

Mailed, e-mailed or hand delivered applications will not be accepted.  If you are unable to upload your documents after completing the Occupational Questionnaire online, you may FAX your documents (resume, transcripts, etc.) as instructed above.

Required Documents:

All of the government forms mentioned in the above statements can be downloaded from the following web address:  www.opm.gov/forms or obtained at the Human Resources Management Office of the duty station.

Contact Information:
VHA Nationwide DEU-RIC

Phone: (785)350-1543

Email: HRCDEUJKR@va.gov


Or write:
VHA DEU Richmond
PLEASE DO NOT MAIL APPLICATIONS
APPLY ONLINE OR FAX ONLY
Thank You, VA 00000


What To Expect Next:

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire.  The questionnaire is designed to capture the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.  The evaluation you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire and is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of this position.

If your application does not support your responses to the questionnaire, or if you are not able to provide verifying documentation, it may affect your evaluation or result in your name being removed from further consideration.

If you are eligible for veterans' preference, you will be given preference based on the documentation you submit.  Please see the "Veterans Information" section of this announcement for details.

This office will not contact you to discuss missing or illegible documents. 

Once your qualifications have been evaluated, your application will be assigned a numeric score.  Candidates will be ranked in score order with appropriate points added for veterans' preference. 

An ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION LETTER will be sent to applicants who provide an e-mail address.  If you do not provide an e-mail address, you will receive a notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service.  Normal processing time is 4 - 6 weeks.  This office is responsible for initial evaluation ONLY.  Facilities are responsible for contacting eligible applicants thereafter.