Health System Specialist (GHAPT Trainee)

Full Job Description

This position is being filled under the Pathways Recent Graduate Program.

This program provides recent graduates with work experience directly related to their degree and career goals while offering eligibility for conversion to permanent employment upon completion of the program requirements.

Click here for more information about the Department of Veterans Affairs's Recent Graduate Program.

*Selectees will be required to sign Mobility & Statement of Agreement To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement:04/20/2026.

RECENT GRADUATE REQUIREMENT: Applicants must be a recent graduate who has completed, within the previous two years, a Master's degree in hospital administration (MHA), public health administration (MPH), Health Services Administration (MHSA) or other healthcare admin/management from a qualifying degree program recognized by the Department of Education.

A Master's in business (MBA) or public administration (MPA) may be accepted if at least two (2) healthcare courses are taken before completion of degree.

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. (Transcripts must be submitted) Veterans (as defined in 5 U.S.C.

2108) who, due to military service obligation, were precluded from applying to the Recent Graduates program during any portion of the 2-year eligibility period described above have a full 2-year period of eligibility upon their release or discharge from active duty; however, this eligibility period cannot extend beyond 6 years from the date of completion of the requirements of an academic course of study.

Preferred candidates will possess a degree from a program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA), the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) or the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

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 knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview.

~AND~ Provide a Statement of Purpose: Applicants must provide a written statement explaining how you believe the VHA Health Systems Management Trainee Program will assist you in further defining your primary personal and/or professional life goals.

Why is now the best time for you to pursue this training?

Your explanation should include, but not necessarily be limited to, a description of both your intermediate and longer-term career goals, as well as a current vision of your desired position upon program completion.

Please limit your response to no more than 4000 characters (about one page). Physical Requirements: Work is primarily sedentary, although slight physical effort may be required. Major Duties:

This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed below represent the full performance level of GS-11.

At the GS-09 grade level, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence.

You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-11.

Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds.

The position serves as a Health System Specialist (GHATP Trainee) within a one year formalized national training program (June to June).

The GHATP training program is designed so that the position acquires the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary to assume progressively more complex responsibilities and assist the Office of the Medical Center Director in successfully meeting its mission and strategic goals.

The position will develop an individual development plan (IDP) and receive recurring progress reviews by the supervisor.

Specific duties include: Utilizes data and reporting tools to develop health-planning strategies impacting the operations of medical centers, network offices, and/or VHACO program offices.

Analyzes data trends in budget and fiscal operations supporting the preparation and execution of budget and committee meetings.

Researches laws, regulations, and policies related to budget and fiscal management displaying knowledge of VA health care system operations.

Participates on project teams in lead or support roles identifying and improving operational processes impacting services of the VA health care system.

Displays knowledge of VA priorities and mission statements to recommend improvements to policy and procedures related to budget and administrative operations.

Observes, analyzes, and reports under professional service direction the areas of discipline, rewards and recognition, reassignment, staff adjustments and realignments, labor/management relationships, affirmative employment, and alternative dispute resolutions and grievances to understand processes for conducting projects and studies.

Performs rotations and on-site visits to make recommendations to the issues and opportunities present at the Network and other VA/VHA facilities and program offices.

Analyzes org charts, policies, VERA and SAIL data to represent the facility/Network, and program office priorities during resource allocation committee meetings.

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. The grade progression for this position is GS-9, GS-11.

Work Schedule: Full time, Monday through Friday Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Health System Specialist (GHAPT Trainee); 00001A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required