Public Affairs Specialist
: Job Details :

Public Affairs Specialist

Department of Veterans Affairs

Location: Washington,DC, USA

Date: 2024-12-13T08:27:31Z

Job Description:

Summary

The Public Affairs Outreach Specialist serves as the Veterans Outreach Program Coordinator at the Northern Indiana Health Care System (NIHCS) has the primary responsibility for planning, developing, implementing, directing, evaluating, and coordinating the programs related to Veteran outreach activities and strategies for the NIHCS.

Learn more about this agency

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Overview

* Accepting applications

* Open & closing dates

12/05/2024 to 12/16/2024

* Salary

$72,553 - $95,181 per year

* Pay scale & grade

GS 11

* Help

Locations

1 vacancy in the following locations:

* Fort Wayne, IN

* Marion, IN

* Remote job

* Telework eligible

Yes-Available on an ad-hoc basis.

* Travel Required

50% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.

* Relocation expenses reimbursed

* Appointment type

Permanent

* Work schedule

Full-time

* Service

Competitive

* Promotion potential

None

* Job family (Series)

* 1035 Public Affairs

* Supervisory status

* Security clearance

Not Required

* Drug test

* Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

* Trust determination process

* Credentialing

* Suitability/Fitness

* Financial disclosure

* Bargaining unit status

Yes

* Announcement number

CBSR-12631584-25-HYC

* Control number

822325800

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This job is open to

* Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

* Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees who meet the definition of a surplus or displaced employee.

Clarification from the agency

1st Area of Consideration - those eligible under CTAP. and current permanent Facility & CBOC employees 2nd Area of Consideration - current permanent VA Nationwide employees.

Videos

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Duties

The duties of the Public Affairs Specialist includes but is not limited to:

Community Liaison / Outreach Program Coordinator

* Sets the operational approach to recruiting and enrolling new veterans into VA Northern Indiana.

* Works with Primary Care and Mental Health to retain and engage all current enrollees to maintain the associated Vet Equitable Resource Allocation (VERA) funding.

* Works with the Business Office to keep abreast of all current VA eligibility, enrollment, and reimbursement policies.

* Establishes and maintains contact with minority organizations within the local area served by the facility.

* Provides transitional briefings to military, Reserve, and National Guard personnel transitioning from active duty as well as

* unenrolled veterans within the catchment area.

* Develops and distributes outreach material to include brochures, fact sheets, web content, and other targeted information which highlights VANIHCS facilities.

* Works with local and regional media including television, radio and print media to alert Veterans of the services that are available and ways in which they can enroll.

* Provides training and information to VA staff, other federal agencies and community agencies regarding services available and information specific to VANIHCS.

* Organizes and participates in a myriad of community activities and events that have high probability of veterans presence.

Public Affairs Specialist

* Performs work related to public affairs communication activities such as responding to media inquiries, generating media interest, and coordinating agency information.

* Researches, prepares, and takes/provides photographs, video or audio tapes, medical center operation data, publications, information papers, and other materials as requested by media outlets or VA staff.

* Writes news releases, feature stories, extended captions, speeches, social media and web posts/stories.

* Prepares information packets, media kits, fact sheets.

* Produces various graphic materials such as newsletters, flyers, and brochures.

* Performs site visits to locations in the community to determine if the location is appropriate for conducting outreach events.

* Photographs and records events using proper procedures such as image release documents.

* Coordinates events includes but is not limited to, assisting with budget development, contracting, procurement, logistics, planning, personnel, public relations, engagement, and development of public/private partnerships.

* Utilizes oral and written communication skills to establish and maintain functional working relationships with diverse

* populations.

* Works with Medical Media to complete and/or edit informational materials for individual events (posters, brochures, signs, etc.).

* Enhances employee knowledge and pride in the healthcare system through internal communications, special employee displays, and orientation materials.

* Performs other duties as assigned.

Public Affairs Office Support

* Acts as a backup for print media and photography.

* Edits still photography using government approved applications.

* Research complex issues to determine the best mode of communication needed for the intended audience.

* Assists to produce short videos, interviews, and commercials involving Executive Leadership, Service Chiefs, Veterans, and frontline staff.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm

Telework: Available on an ad-hoc basis. Arrangement may be discussed during the interview process.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Public Affairs Specialist/PD924400

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

* You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job

* Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

* You may be required to serve a probationary period

* Subject to background/security investigation

* Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

* Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

* Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See Additional Information below for details.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/16/2024.

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:

GRADE DETERMINATION GS-11

1. Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have either of the following:

* PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a related field such as Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, OR

* Three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in the above related fields.

OR,

2. 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. Specialized experiences must meet all of the following:

* Applies VA Healthcare enrollment eligibilities and or Public Affairs policies.

* Utilizes camera equipment for photos and videos;

* Builds community relationship and or partnerships.

OR,

3. Combination of Education and Experience:: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond a Bachelor's degree. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level, GS-9, may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grade GS-11.

You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:

* Communications and Media

* Information Management

* Multimedia Technologies

* Planning and Evaluating

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.

Note: A full year of 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 nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at

Physical Requirements: The regular and recurring work of the position involves both sitting at a desk as well as walking in patient care areas of the medical facility. Frequent use of automobile and public conveyances may be required. No special physical exertion is required. A High level of physical energy is required, as the incumbent will be expected to meet with many people in many different locations during a workday.

Work Environment: Work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate controlled office as well as clinics and other care areas of the Health Care System. There is Veteran contact with the possibility of exposure to communicable diseases. It is expected that a major portion of the services provided will be conducted away from the office, in the offices of other agencies, and in non traditional settings.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-11.

NOTE: Your application will be verified against the information you provide on your resume, documents, and information supplied by your references. If you do not clearly describe your experience in your resume, you will be rated ineligible. We cannot make assumptions about your work experience and skills.

Education

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit:

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

* Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

For more information on the Who may apply eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

* Benefits

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Review our benefits

* Required Documents

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

* Resume

* SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.

* Cover Letter

* Other (1)

* Resume

* Separation Notice (RIF)

* SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

* Transcript

SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):

Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee;

* An SF-50 showing 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;

* Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.

* Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:

* Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or

* Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or

* SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

* How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/16/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click

* To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

* Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Agency contact information

Henry Chen

Phone 646-###-#### Email ...@va.gov

Address Northern Indiana HCS

1700 East 38th Street

Marion, IN 46953

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

* Fair and Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

* Criminal history inquiries

* Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

* Financial suitability

* New employee probationary period

* Privacy Act

* Reasonable accommodation policy

* Selective Service

* Signature and false statements

* Social security number request

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Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

* Resume

* SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

* Cover Letter

* Other (1)

* Resume

* Separation Notice (RIF)

* SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

* Transcript

SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):

Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee;

* Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.

* Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:

* Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or

* Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or

* SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Help

How to Apply

* Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Agency contact information

Henry Chen

Phone 646-###-#### Email ...@va.gov

Address Northern Indiana HCS

1700 East 38th Street

Marion, IN 46953

Apply Now!

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