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Form of workThis position is located within the Communications and Community Development section of the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (VA ECHCS), Office of the Director, Department of Veterans Affairs. The Public Relations Specialist serves as Deputy Public Affairs Officer and will support not only all of VA ECHCS but will have a physical presence in the Southern Colorado region.Qualifications: To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/21/2023.
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-12 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11. 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 as described below:
- Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-11 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Establishes and maintains proactive contacts with media outlets, legislative offices, veteran service organizations and health care affiliates. Actively pitches and places stories with local and national media outlets. Advises senior level management on development of media campaigns, communication plans, and strategies, as appropriate. Plans web-based, multimedia and video materials to convey information about VA to a variety of stakeholders. Serves as content manager of VA ECHCS's Internet and Intranet as they pertain to Southern Colorado, their catchment and their services offered, and the entire health care system as needed. Evaluates information from a variety of sources and provides feedback to senior management on Public Affairs trends and stakeholder attitudes to assess program effectiveness and make improvements. The incumbent works with the VA ECHCS Public Affairs officer to assure effective management of staff assets. Develops and disseminates management reports, provides public relations and consumer affairs system oversight for the Southern Colorado region and its component sites, as well as oversees development and maintenance of public relations/communications training and performance measure information system. Analyzes internal communication needs and develops publications or other informational materials for staff, patients, volunteers, and others. Initiates appropriate information campaigns based on issues, which are important to Veterans and their families, staff, and stakeholders. Prepares and coordinates special events, patient newsletters, educational brochures, videos, public service announcements and other effective tools for a positive public relations program. The Deputy Public Affairs Officer facilitates communication with external and Internal stakeholders and monitors the critical elements of the health care center public relations performance. As various programs are developed, introduced and/or administered by the health care system, the incumbent plans, initiates, and implements comprehensive communications campaigns to enhance the understanding of the agency programs among employees, the public and specialized groups, and organizations. Incumbent also independently plans, implements, and evaluates information programs, coordinating them with VA Central Office (VACO), and staff, when appropriate, affiliates. Coordinates special projects at the direction of the VA ECHCS Director. Special assignments could include coordination, and/or chairing special committees as assigned to meet stated objectives within a specified timeframe. Initiates public relations campaigns based on issues, which are important to becoming the Employer of Choice. Contributes to and disseminates employee and patient newsletters, health care system fact sheets/brochures and other effective tools for creating a positive working environment.
- Communications and Media
- Creative Thinking
- Interpersonal Skills
- Manages and Organizes Information
- Oral Communication
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.
Preferred Experience: 2 or more years of government Public Affairs 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.
Physical Requirements: Work is generally sedentary with walking, standing and bending required during presentations, visits and tours of the health care system. Flexibility is required to accommodate events and activities occurring during other than normal business hours. Mobility is required in terms of staging and assisting staff with equipment and other materials
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/.Education: There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
Employment Type: FULL_TIME
