Program Specialist

Summary

The primary purpose of the position is to perform a diversity of complex tasks and operational functions associated with the provision of direct patient care. Provides operational management—resource supervision and monitoring—and program oversight—in support of the access and delivery of emergency patient care.

To qualify for this position – applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement – 07/22/2026. Time‑In‑Grade Requirement:
Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time‑in‑grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS‑11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS‑09. The grade may have been in any occupation – but must have been held in the Federal service.

An SF‑50 that shows your time‑in‑grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF‑50 has an effective date within the past year – it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one‑year time‑in‑grade – as required by the announcement. In this instance – you must provide an additional SF‑50 that clearly demonstrates one‑year time‑in‑grade.

Note:

Time‑In‑Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. 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‑09 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include – but are not limited to:
Knowledge and skill in applying analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to issues or studies concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of program operations;
Knowledge of pertinent laws, regulations, policies and precedents which affect the use of program and related support resources in the area studied;
Knowledge of the major issues, program goals and objectives, work processes, and administrative operations of the organization;
Knowledge and skill in adapting analytical techniques and evaluation criteria to the measurement and improvement of program effectiveness and/or organizational productivity;
Extensive knowledge of computers and software programs to facilitate education about and implementation of Service‑wide computerized programs and enhance troubleshooting capabilities; knowledge of querying data from a data warehouse and how to query the correct data in order to ensure the right data is being provided;
Skill in conducting detailed analyses of complex functions and work processes;
Interpersonal skills in presenting staffing recommendations and negotiating solutions to disputed recommendations; knowledge of personnel and management regulations – policies and procedures to guide and counsel employees – prepare job descriptions and performance evaluations and prepare correspondence for awards and disciplinary actions; knowledge and basic understanding of the mission of all health‑care system services in order to accomplish inter‑service communications and projects.

Education:

Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. – if related. OR – Combination:
Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond GS‑11. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
Budget Administration, Contracting/Procurement, Forward Thinking, Managing Human Resources, Oral Communication. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience – including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. – Peace Corps – Ameri Corps) and other organizations (e.g. – professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community;…