The position is assigned to the Office of Human Capital Services (HCS), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). HCS is accountable for the strategic alignment of the Administration's workforce to its mission and strategy by providing and implementing workforce services, human capital management solutions, and innovations. The incumbent serves as a Learning Performance Officer leading learning governance efforts and acts as a special advisor to the Deputy Chief Learning Officer (DCLO).
Summary
The position is assigned to the Office of Human Capital Services (HCS), Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). HCS is accountable for the strategic alignment of the Administration's workforce to its mission and strategy by providing and implementing workforce services, human capital management solutions, and innovations. The incumbent serves as a Learning Performance Officer leading learning governance efforts and acts as a special advisor to the Deputy Chief Learning Officer (DCLO).
This vacancy announcement is open ONLY to current, permanent employees and current/former VA employees who are CTAP eligible. For the purpose of this job announcement.
Incumbent uses their familiarization in adult learning theory, learning methodologies and modalities, and VBA learning and development strategies and applies expertise to advance learning within the VBA learning consortium leaders, instructional systems specialists, training administrators and analysts in the disciplines of Instructional Systems Design (ISD) and Human Performance Technology (HPT).
Explains and promotes governance, learning and development components to all members of the learning consortium as well as our learning and development partners throughout the VBA training community.
Provides expertise and consultation to align to VBA priorities, identify program outcomes, define targets to demonstrate success, establish efficiency and effectiveness measures, and authoritative reporting sources and capabilities for VBA's nation-wide programs.
Provides consultation and assists in Services' specific training plans as related to their overall training strategies for their workforce.
Oversees and leads the development of VBA's comprehensive training plan as aligned to VBA's strategic priorities and in accordance with GAO best practices and recommended principles.
Leads and oversees efforts to identify the causes for performance gaps, provides recommendations, solutions and appropriate interventions to improve and sustain performance, and evaluates the results once implemented.
Implements a multitude of process improvement methodologies focused on improving performance at the societal, organizational, process, and individual performer levels.
Provides consultation and expertise to support Competency Based Training initiatives.
Establishes policy, processes, and standard operating procedures for ensuring a recurring cadence in which competency models are defined and/or frequently reviewed, validated and updated.
Executes strong Project/Program Management principles and methodologies meeting stringent Federal controls.
Oversees and or manages projects and programs as assigned for HCS or VBA wide to fulfill gaps and deficiencies in the workforce.
Manages and leads special projects as assigned for new emerging and leading initiatives supporting the learning consortium.
Establishes and oversees a central repository and source records for validated competency models and their supporting information and curricula.
Initiates, conducts and manages Human Centered Design (HCD) initiatives and root cause analyses to address systemic or enterprise-wide deficiencies and gaps related to training impacting employee performance.
Acts as liaison for enterprise-wide training related requirements and assists in the prioritization process.
Serves as liaison for the CLO/DCLO as the primary point of contact to the TMPI Director and the assigned Contracting Officer's Representative for VBA's learning and development contracting requirements.
Supports DCLO in conducting strategic planning and advances special learning governance initiatives within VBA.
Ensure proper definition, capture, documentation, prioritization and approvals for training investments align with VBA's priorities with appropriate resourcing.
Assesses training and development programs to identify and highlight emerging and best practices.
Defines and documents policies, processes and compliance in alignment with A Guide for Assessing Strategic Training and Development Efforts in the Federal Government (GAO-04-546G)
In collaboration with the DCLO, determines enterprise-wide learning measures, metrics, and FY targets.
Identifies and oversees mechanisms for appropriate data capture and quality integrity and review of data submissions.
Defines a learning and development (L&D) metrics and measures dictionary to standardize data requirements for L&D enterprise-wide reporting.
Builds a comprehensive set of analytics to measure learning effectiveness and impact.
Develops and administers a L&D reporting system and dashboard, making data, statistics visible and readily accessible to executives and stakeholders.
Work Schedule: Full time, Monday through Friday Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: Not Applicable Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Instructional Systems Specialist; GS-14 PD 41314-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Available
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
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement:09/14/2023.
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.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50). The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. You must provide a copy of your most recent SF-50 that indicates proof of status, and shows Time in Grade (for example, you were a career or career-conditional employee) and identifies your position title, series, grade, step, salary, tenure, and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). 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 also submit your most recent promotion or within-grade increase in addition to your recent SF-50. If you previously held a higher grade, you must also submit any SF-50 showing that grade. DO NOT submit Award SF-50's and/or General Adjustment SF-50's as they cannot be used to prove time-in-grade.
For a GS-14 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-13 level.
INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: To be considered, you MUST possess the following: Degree: that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. The course work must have included study in at least four of the following five areas:
Learning theory, psychology of learning, educational psychology: Study of learning theories as they relate to the systematic design, development, and validation of instructional material.
Instructional design practices: Study of the principles and techniques used in designing training programs, developing design strategy and models, and applying design methods to the improvement of instructional effectiveness.
Educational evaluation: Study of the techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of instructional/educational programs, including developing written and performance tests and survey instruments, and determining reliability and validity of evaluation instruments.
Instructional product development: Study of the techniques appropriate for developing training materials, including identifying learner characteristics, specifying objectives, applying training strategy, validating training materials, and evaluating training.
Computers in education and training: Study of the application of computers in education and training, including selecting appropriate computer software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT: You may qualify based on your experience as described below: GS-14 Grade Level:
Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-13 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
Experience in federal training and learning governance related laws, policies and regulations.
Experience in program management (PM) techniques, methods, principles sufficient to provide direction and oversight of a program, assess overall effectiveness, efficiency and productivity.
Experience in both Instructional Systems Design (ISD) and Human Performance Improvement/Technology (HPI/T)
Significant knowledge of the current VBA organization, business lines' functional roles and operational responsibilities, training related processes, programs and systems.
Volunteer Experience: 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. Full vs. Part-Time Employment: Full-time employment is considered to be at least 35 hours per week. Part-time experience will be credited on a pro-rated basis; when including part-time employment in your resume you must specify the average hours worked per week. Physical Requirements: No special physical demands are required to perform work. The work is sedentary.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to be credited towards qualifications. Provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
All education claimed by applicants will be verified upon appointment. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to receive credit.
Additional information
VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants who do not fully address the specialized experience needed for the position (as described above in the job announcement) in their resume will not be referred for consideration.
After you have met the minimum qualifications, you will be rated on the following competencies based on your application for this position:
Consulting & Business Liaison. Professional experience serving as special advisor to DCLO and HCS executives for issues specific to human capital management and employee development.
Human Performance Improvement/Technology. Professional experience writing policy, defining processes and establishing standardization protocols to execute a systematic approach to improving individual and organizational performance.
Program Management. Senior level knowledge of the principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including monitoring, and inspecting costs, work, and contractor performance.
Training Management. Professional experience to plan, design, implement, and evaluate effective training and development programs that contribute to improved organizational performance and enhanced employee skills and competencies.
Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or an interview.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package to include the documents detailed below. Your resume and supporting documentation will be verified. Failure to submit the documents as specified may result in loss of consideration for this job announcement.
Resume detailing specialized experience and competencies as they relate to this position.
For each position in your resume, you must specify the start and end dates (month/year) and a description of duties. If the position was Federal, you should also indicate the grade level. Resumes containing a general summary of all positions held, not specifying start/end dates, and/or not including documentation supporting Federal grade level(s) are insufficient to determine basic qualifications.
Your most recent NON-AWARD SF-50. The SF-50 must indicate proof of status and should identify your position title, series, grade, step, salary, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted).
Your SF-50 reflecting when you entered your highest grade (e.g. Promotion, Appointment, etc.) in order to verify time-in-grade requirements.
Transcript if you are using education to qualify
Additional Documents accepted:
2 most recent Annual Performance Appraisals (2021 & 2022) *required only if applying for a GS-15 position.
Documentation to be considered under non-competitive eligibility (if applicable) such as a member-4 DD-214, civil service preference letter, or Schedule A letter. [if offering applicants to bypass TIG]
CTAP documentation - RIF notice, SF-50 showing VA employee, and performance appraisal
Please use this checklist to make sure you have included all documents required for your application. You will not be contacted for additional information.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/14/2023 to receive consideration. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12119384.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
VBA Human Resources Center - Central Office
810 Vermont Ave NW
Washington, DC 20420
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package to include the documents detailed below. Your resume and supporting documentation will be verified. Failure to submit the documents as specified may result in loss of consideration for this job announcement.
Resume detailing specialized experience and competencies as they relate to this position.
For each position in your resume, you must specify the start and end dates (month/year) and a description of duties. If the position was Federal, you should also indicate the grade level. Resumes containing a general summary of all positions held, not specifying start/end dates, and/or not including documentation supporting Federal grade level(s) are insufficient to determine basic qualifications.
Your most recent NON-AWARD SF-50. The SF-50 must indicate proof of status and should identify your position title, series, grade, step, salary, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted).
Your SF-50 reflecting when you entered your highest grade (e.g. Promotion, Appointment, etc.) in order to verify time-in-grade requirements.
Transcript if you are using education to qualify
Additional Documents accepted:
2 most recent Annual Performance Appraisals (2021 & 2022) *required only if applying for a GS-15 position.
Documentation to be considered under non-competitive eligibility (if applicable) such as a member-4 DD-214, civil service preference letter, or Schedule A letter. [if offering applicants to bypass TIG]
CTAP documentation - RIF notice, SF-50 showing VA employee, and performance appraisal
Please use this checklist to make sure you have included all documents required for your application. You will not be contacted for additional information.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/14/2023 to receive consideration. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12119384.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
VBA Human Resources Center - Central Office
810 Vermont Ave NW
Washington, DC 20420
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
