Public Affairs Specialist

This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System. The position serves as the Legislative Liaison, reports to the Director via the Chief, Public Affairs Office, and has overall responsibility for all executive level Congressional correspondence.

The duties of this position include but are not limited to the following: The incumbent serves as the Congressional Liaison for the VAPIHCS and works with the facility leadership to respond to congressional complaints/inquiries/appeals on both clinical and administrative problems/issues brought to the Director by Veterans, members of the staff, VISN, VBA, NCA, VACO, state and local legislative and executive government officials, other Federal Agencies, and Congressional staff members which may require conflict mediation. Coordinates Congressional/Veteran Service Organization (VSO) briefings, to include development of agenda and presentation materials, invitation of congressional and VSO staff, arranging for conferencing facilities and catering activities. The incumbent serves as the central reception, dissemination, coordination, and monitor point for all correspondence and tasks from internal and external stakeholders. Participates in both long and short-range planning by coordinating the administrative needs of various healthcare segments within the Medical Center. Develops recommendations and plans of action by adapting principles, practices and procedures to meet the specialized needs of the assigned program and/or healthcare group. The incumbent serves as the back-up VAPIHCS Public Affairs Officer. The Public Affairs Officer applies solid public relations, media and health administration skills to ensure that resources are utilized effectively and efficiently to market, provide information and promote VA's high-quality care that exceeds community and national standards and industry best practices. Additional duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm Telework: Ad-Hoc may be authorized at Supervisory discretion Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Public Affairs Specialist/PD008280 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 Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 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 or trial 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/.