Special Assistant

The Special Assistant serves within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Office of the Chief of Staff, providing high-level administrative, policy, and operational support to executive leadership. The position analyzes complex programs, coordinates strategic initiatives, evaluates policies, and develops recommendations to support executive decision-making and advance VHA priorities and organizational objectives.

Major Duties include but are not limited to: Provides high-level advisory and administrative support to VHA executive leadership on sensitive policy, operational, and strategic issues affecting national programs and initiatives. Conducts complex program evaluations and organizational analyses to assess effectiveness, identify challenges, and recommend improvements to VHA policies and operations. Supports implementation of Secretarial priorities and strategic initiatives by coordinating activities, monitoring developments, and evaluating organizational progress. Develops policy recommendations, strategic alternatives, and analytical assessments to support executive decision-making and organizational objectives. Prepares executive briefings, reports, issue papers, presentations, and other materials communicating complex program findings and recommendations. Analyzes legislative developments, regulatory requirements, organizational policies, and emerging issues to determine their impact on VHA programs and operations. Coordinates with senior VA/VHA officials, Federal agencies, and external stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, resolve complex issues, and advance departmental priorities. Communicates VHA's mission, strategic vision, and policy direction to internal and external organizations while providing leadership with stakeholder feedback and recommendations. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 08:00-4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: This position may be authorized for ad hoc telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Ad hoc is defined as occasional, non-recurring telework. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Definition of Virtual Work: Employee works outside of original hiring duty station at a VA owned or leased space. Return to Office (RTO): RTO mandates are in effect and selectees will be required to report to in-person work unless they are approved for an exception or an exemption. Any approval for an RTO exception, exemption, or extension will happen after a tentative job offer, but before a final job offer. Position Description/PD#: Special Assistant/PD180410 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized 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.

There is no educational substitution at this grade level. 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/.