Public Affairs Specialist

The Public Affairs supervisory position exercises full delegated authority and responsibility for developing, managing, and administering a comprehensive Public Affairs Program. The Public Affairs Specialist serves as spokesperson for the Medical Center, and as such is the point of contact for local and national media; is the liaison for Veterans' service organizations, congressional staffs, community groups, professional organizations, etc.

Major duties include, but it not limited to: Serves as spokesperson for the Medical Center, and as such is the point of contact for local and national media; is the liaison for veterans' service organizations, congressional staffs, community groups, professional organizations, etc. Conducts the public affairs program with responsibility for developing and providing staff direction involving all public information, internal communications, VSO liaison, and community relations activities. Conducts special studies involving communications, organization, and operation of Medical Center functions. Develops reports along with recommendations to the Medical Center Director including implementation and monitoring strategies. Analyzes internal communication needs and develops publications or other information materials for staff, patients, volunteers, and others who contribute to the Medical Center effectiveness and responsiveness. Develops, coordinates, implements and maintains public information and community relations programs that are designed to promote understanding, confidence, and goodwill between the Medical Center, surrounding communities, individuals, volunteers, and groups who are interested in and affected by the VA. Advises and makes recommendations to the Medical Center Director regarding the handling of media and community issue or concerns that have possible implications on the facility. Evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of the public information programs for internal communications, media relations and community relations with the ultimate goal of achieving greater understanding of their facility's mission and programs. Plans, initiates, and implements comprehensive public affairs activities to enhance the understanding of the Medical Center's programs among the general public and specialized groups and organizations. Coordinates the production and dissemination of information, material, and, where necessary, works with contractors who design, write, or produce materials. Establishes and maintains professional working relationships with representatives of the news media, responding in a timely fashion to information requests from the media in writing and orally to ensure the fair representation of the Medical Center. May respond, or prepare response for the Director, to detailed explanations for negative comments about the Medical Center activities or performance particularly in urgent, sensitive situations. Provides expertise in planning and implementation of special events, ceremonies, open houses, tours, and other activities conducted for the purpose of generating awareness of, and interest in, the mission of the Medical Center and for public awareness. The incumbent will directly supervise one Public Affairs Assistant GS-1001-07. Within this capacity, s/he is responsible for approving leave, completing performance evaluations, and any disciplinary actions. The incumbent is responsible for any hiring actions needed for the program, including interviewing, and onboarding new staff. The Public Affairs Specialist recommendations to top management involve highly significant policy matters that may lead to the development of an Agency position, establish precedents or provide guidance for field activities on public affairs issues. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm (PST). Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Public Affairs Specialist/PD904360 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized. Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.