Public Affairs Specialist

Summary

Serves as the Public Affairs Specialist responsible for the VHA public information program, involving the presentation of the Medical Center mission and providing information on services and activities of staff, volunteers, media members, the general public, Veterans, community groups, and local, state, and federal officials in ways that most effectively achieve the VHA's goals while contributing to an understanding and support of the Medical Center's caring and concern for Veterans.

Time-In-Grade Requirement:
Applicants who are current federal employees and have held a GS grade at any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date. For a GS‑13 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS‑12 level. The grade may have been in any occupation but must have been held in federal service. An SF‑50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials.

Specialized

Experience:

You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS‑12). Examples of specialized experience include designing, planning, executing, and evaluating a public affairs program; implementing a comprehensive goal‑oriented program involving public information, internal communication, and community relations; conducting communication audits of medical centers; providing advice and support in media relations; and developing written materials and oral presentations that increase understanding among the public.

For more information on qualification standards, please visit United States Office of Personnel Management at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• Design, plan, and execute the public affairs program for the facility to ensure it is goal‑oriented and involves public information, internal communication, and community relations.
• Develop written communications and give oral presentations that increase public understanding at varying levels of comprehension while maintaining a professional and diplomatic demeanor.
• Evaluate overall communications of the organization and provide advice and support to the Director.
• Provide on‑site support during special events or crises.
• Recognize the presence and activity of local, regional, and VA‑wide programs, policies, and activities to present accurate information to the media, community, and internal staff and management.
• Develop specific information materials, programs, training modules, program policies, etc. on direction and support of VHA and OPA.
• Coordinate news media and interviews with appropriate staff and patients and oversee arrangements with media organizations.
• Ensure all required reporting through the proper protocols.
• Maintain a listing of congressional VSO’s and elected officials.
• Serve as the Medical Center spokesperson and often represent the MCD at public events, civic or social in nature, improving the perception of the VA, VHA, and the Medical Center.
• Preferred Experience:
  
  Writing and oral communication skills, media relations, outreach and event planning, community relations, ability to craft speeches, public briefings, customer service, marketing and communications.
• Physical Demands:
  Work is generally sedentary with walking, standing and bending required during presentations, visits and tours of the Medical Center.
• Flexibility required to accommodate events and activities occurring outside normal business hours.
• Mobility required in terms of staging and assisting staff with equipment and other materials.
• Work Environment:
  The environment involves normal everyday risks and discomforts of an office setting; the area is lighted, temperature‑controlled and ventilated.
• Coordination and participation in meetings and other community relations activities requires presence in a variety of in‑house and off‑station areas and facilities.
• The incumbent has access to fax and computer equipment.
• Work Schedule:
  
  Monday—Friday, 7:30 am—4:00 pm. Telework:
  Not authorized; virtual: this is not a virtual position.
• Position Description/PD#:
  Public Affairs Specialist/PD066750. Relocation/Recruitment
  
  Incentives:
  
  Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
  Not authorized.