Program Applications Specialist

Summary

The Program Applications Specialist provides continuous business oversight for a variety of software programs integral to the overall administration and operations of the business and effects programmatic changes at the facility level. The incumbent coordinates ongoing data collection and analysis and uses knowledge of System Redesign principles to determine organization performance.

Duties

This job opportunity announcement (JOA) will be used to fill one (1) full-time, permanent Program Applications Specialist, GS-0301-09 Target 11, vacancy with Business Office Service at the Louisville, KY VA Medical Center. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Knowledge can be gained and expanded on during the initial GS-9 period but will be expected to be fully gained prior to recommendation to GS-11. The Program Applications Specialist (PAS) serves as the integrator that coordinates the business process and software functions. The PAS provides continuous business oversight for a variety of software programs integral to the overall administration and operations of the business and effects programmatic changes at the facility level. The PAS coordinates ongoing data collection and analysis and uses knowledge of System Redesign principles to determine organization performance. The PAS conducts business process modeling, projects and studies that will impact on the overall functions of the services in such areas as, policy development and implementation, work methodology, processes, streamlining, etc. Major duties include but are not limited to: Skill with MUMPS/File Manager Applications Sufficient to Develop and Create Data Extract Templates, Rules, and Printouts. Oversees the coordination, planning, implementation, and training for service and facility staff in business and functional areas for various information technology VISTA packages. Serves as the functional "expert" for matters relating to the Patient Information Management System (PIMS) core package. Plans initiatives for hardware and software needs for the service. Assesses individual needs to determine appropriate level of menu access for staff, Regional Office employees, and employees from VISN VA facilities. Identifies system inefficiencies and develops studies or data collection techniques related to specific identified problems. Coordinates ongoing data collection and analysis and uses knowledge of System Redesign principles to determine organization performance. Conducts business process modeling, projects and studies that will impact on the overall functions of the services in such areas as, policy development and implementation, work methodology, processes, streamlining, etc. Performs a continuing evaluation and analysis to assess program effectiveness and to identify areas requiring management attention. Analyzes utilization trend data on a monthly/quarterly basis to verify the accuracy of the data, identify problem areas, provide objective assessments, prioritize identified problems, analyze variances, and recommend appropriate actions and/or alternatives. Establishes administrative qualitative standards; the objective of which is intended to improve programs, facilities, and operations. The incumbent develops and implements standards that affect the service. Develops initiatives which will enable the facility to provide quality health care to its population while operating in a more effective and efficient manner. Designs and develops dissemination and training materials, local standard operating procedure manuals, develops and utilizes monitoring tools, and provides for the implementation of BO programs through on-site education and training. Recommends and implements amendment of business office programs where necessary. Communicate in a clear, logical, and concise to explanation of information, both orally and in written format. Preforms the coordination, planning, implementation, and training for service and facility staff in business and functional areas for various information technology VISTA packages. Develops and presents both formal lectures and on-the-job sessions to those employees who will be entering, changing, and extracting data. Designs and develops dissemination and training materials, local standard operating procedure manuals, develops and utilizes monitoring tools, and provides for the implementation of BO programs through on-site education and training. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Telework: Adhoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Program Applications Specialist/PD403700 and PD5324 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/09/2026. 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-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07. 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. The full performance level of this position is GS-11. The incumbent may be noncompetitively promoted to the next level when all the requirements are satisfied, including satisfactory performance, qualifications requirements, and the continued availability of duties at the higher grade. 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-07 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 of health care systems and delivery systems, management principles, practices, methods and techniques, and skill in integrating management services with general management of the organization is needed. Applies knowledge and abilities to analyze, evaluate and make recommendations on major aspects of all assigned VISTA and commercial off the shelf computer packages. Incumbent works with OI&T to troubleshooting computer packages, which require developing specifications and business process models. Ability to retrieve, track and trend information for analysis and reporting. Management analysis techniques and methods are needed to develop and refine information for comprehensive reports, addressing elements such as cost analysis, work measurement, trend analysis, efficiency, effectiveness, productivity, and assess the success or failure in attaining program goals/objectives. Knowledge of the service software is required to train employees, identify inconsistencies, discuss with management the capabilities of software feasibility toward meeting objectives, validate new programs/options, recommend changes in existing programs and modify programs to meet future needs. A comprehensive knowledge of software progr