Program Applications Specialist

Full Job Description

The position is located the Mann-Grandstaff VAMC, Spokane, WA. The incumbent serves as the integrator that coordinates the business process and software functions.

The primary functions of this position ensures the business process is in place to support the implementation of new and updated information technology systems.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement, 02/26/2026.

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-9 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-7. For a GS-7 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-5.

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: For GS-7: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-5 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Ability to read, interpret and follow VHA Directives to ensure accurate data entry, proper system usage, and compliance with organizational standards.

Ability to use computerized software to support system updates, changes, testing, provide user support, and escalate complex issues.

Ability to interact effectively with a diverse group of individuals and groups within and outside the facility by applying an assortment of written and oral communications techniques.

Skill in organizing ideas and presenting finding in a logical manner. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience.

To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 1 full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement.

OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education as described above.

For GS-9: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-7 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Extracting and analyzing data from automated systems to develop reports that identify trends, performance issues, or operational improvements.

Skill in applying user acceptance testing principles, methods, and approaches sufficient to test, debug and maintain software applications that meet functional requirements.

Resolving complex data discrepancies or system issues affecting workflow or reporting. Providing formal training or technical guidance to staff on system functionality and process improvements.

A comprehensive knowledge in business metadata is needed to provide information related to continued business operations and external requests such as JCAHO, SOARS, and other internal audits.

Skill and ability to utilize a variety of coordinating, coaching, consensus building and planning techniques to ensure that work is accomplished.

Knowledge and skill in applying analytical and evaluation methods and techniques concerning the assessment and improvement of processes and systems.

OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience.

To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B.

or J.D., if related. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level.

You must have an combination of specialized experience and education as described above.

Preferred Experience: Master Patient Index, Vista and computerized software packages and training experience For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Major Duties:

The incumbent serves as the functional "expert" for matters relating to the Patient Information Management System (PIMS) core package.

Additionally, the incumbent provides training on other service packages, such as Pharmacy, Radiology, Laboratory, and Health Summary, as they relate to the business office process.

Duties include but not limited to: Provides business oversight for a variety of software programs integral to the overall administration and operations of the business.

Responsible for the coordination and training for service and facility staff in business and functional areas for various information technology VISTA packages and a multitude of other software modules.

Coordinates with the responsible office(s) for medical center workload to ensure the accuracy of the data in VISTA.

Provides testing of new options and software versions prior to implementation to gain familiarity with the new product features and confirm that software is working according to specifications.

Provides staff support to OI&T by providing information and analysis of software functions within the service.

Responsible for designating and preparing data management analyses, special studies, and reports for use by top management for budget preparation, workload projections, and quality assurance and utilization reviews.

Incumbent is key point of contact responsible for assuring that all information technology equipment with the service is operational and functions and coordinates with OI&T equipment replacement/installation with all other services.

Participates in the establishment of administrative qualitative standards; the objective of which is intended to improve programs, facilities and operations.

Maintains a close working relationship with various program officials. Coordinates and provides recommendations in the application of standards that affect the service.

Coordinates ongoing data collection and basic 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.

Provides training and troubleshooting for clinical and administrative staff in business processes and associated supporting software.

Provides training for individual users on daily operational tasks and trains new users.

Primary point of contact for OI&T for information technology initiative for hardware and software needs for the service.

Responsible for assisting with the preparation and implementation of the business contingency plans for system failure specifically addressing manual system backup plans addressing how day to day business will be conducted for long and short-term outages.

Collects physical and data security needs for the service areas. Collects individual needs to determine menu access for staff, Regional Office employees, and employees from VISN VA facilities.

Perform other administrative duties as assigned.

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. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Program Applications Specialist/PD70552A and PD70553A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized