Program Specialist

Full Job Description

This position is in the Research & Development (R&D) Service at the VA St Louis Health Care System (VASTLHCS) in St. Louis, Missouri.

The incumbent will provide a high level of assistance to the Principal Investigator (PI) in coordinating the recruitment, clinical interviewing, data collection and data analysis as well as administrative aspects of assigned studies.

To qualify for this position at the GS-9 grade level, applicants must meet at least one of the following: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-7) in the Federal Service, that is directly related to the work of the position and has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties as a Program Specialist.

Qualifying specialized experience includes supporting research, clinical or program activities; collecting and maintaining data; assisting with project coordination; applying established policies & procedures; prepare routine reports; and communicate orally and in writing with staff and stakeholders.

-OR- EDUCATION: Successfully completed two (2) years of progressively higher-level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree or LL.B.

or J.D., in a related field of the position to be filled.

Education at the graduate level must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position.

NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation.

-OR- COMBINATION: Possess an equivalent combination of successfully completed graduate level education (beyond the first year) and specialized experience as described above, to meet the total experience requirements.

The education portion must include graduate courses that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do to the work of this position.

This education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with your application materials. Education cannot be credited without documentation.

Experience must be clearly indicated in your resume.

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:

***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*** Duties include but are not limited to the following: Provides administrative and program support to research and clinical projects.

Assists investigators and project staff with day-to-day research operations. Supports participant recruitment, screening, and scheduling activities.

Collects, enters, maintains, and reviews research or program data and records. Maintains databases, spreadsheets, and project documentation.

Assists with coordinating project tasks, timelines, and routine milestones. Prepares routine reports, summaries, and documentation using standard formats.

Applies established policies, procedures, and guidelines to support compliance. Assists with preparation of materials for reviews or approvals, including IRB submissions.

Communicates with staff, participants, and stakeholders to support project activities. Supports monitoring and administration of standardized tests or assessments under guidance.

Performs other related administrative and program support duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 8:00am to 4:30pm Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized.

Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved.