Program Specialist

Primary purpose of this position is to serve as a subject matter expert and lead advisor on the development, drafting, coordination, and oversight of VA regulations. The incumbent is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal regulations impacting programs and services administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, including the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), and National Cemetery Administration (NCA).

Duties Include: Develops and drafts regulatory amendments to title 38 Code of Federal Regulations, that comply with the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), Executive Orders, Office of the Federal Register guidelines, and VA internal processes. Independently identifies regulatory needs arising from new legislation, litigation, program changes, or external recommendations. Provides technical assistance to senior leaders and program managers, translating complex legislative provisions into regulatory language and ensuring the intent of Congress is clearly reflected. Develops briefing materials and, talking points, for regulatory initiatives and ensure that all communications reflect the Department's policy position and legal interpretation. Coordinates clearance and consultation with legal counsel, program leadership, and policy offices, to manage the preparation of justifications, impact analyses, and responses to public comments. Monitors legal and regulatory trends, court decisions, and Congressional activities that may prompt regulatory action, to proactively plan for regulatory adjustments to mitigate risks and maintain program integrity. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: May be available Return to Office (RTO): RTO mandate requires selectee to report in person unless an approved exemption is already in place. Telework: May be authorized in accordance with agency policy. Virtual: This position may be authorized for Virtual Work. Definition of Virtual Work: Employee works outside of original hiring duty station at a VA owned or leased space. Position Description/PD#: PD00015A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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 You may be required to serve a probationary period 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. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a one year probationary period or two 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 one year probationary period or two year trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.