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Training Specialist

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Simulation, Learning, Evaluation, Assessment and Research Network (SimLEARN)
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position is located in Simulation, Learning, Evaluation, Assessment and Research Network (SimLEARN), Office of Discovery, Education and Affiliate Network (DEAN), Veterans Health Administration (VHA). SimLEARN's goal is to promote collaboration and coordination with facility-based educators, researchers and clinicians to drive ongoing improvement and innovation in education, training and advancements in scientific research.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
12/19/2024 to 12/30/2024
Salary
$59,966 to - $167,336 per year

Salary will be adjusted upon selection, based on location.

Pay scale & grade
GS 9 - 13
Locations
2 vacancies in the following locations:
District of Columbia, DC
Location Negotiable After Selection
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—*** Applicant may telework 1-2 days per pay period.***
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
13
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
CBZY-12645615-25-DMW
Control number
824998900

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Duties

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***This position involves a multi-grade career ladder. The major duties listed represent the full performance level of GS-13.***

At the lower grade levels, you will perform assignments of a more limited scope and with less independence. You will progressively acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher-level work, and availability of funds. Promotion is not guaranteed, and no promise of promotion is implied.***

The incumbent will serve as a Training Specialist and is responsible for the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of training for existing and emerging systems and processes that fulfill the Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) commitment to develop a highly skilled workforce and deliver services to Veterans and their families in an effective and efficient manner. Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Establishing, confirming, and managing an Integrated Product Team (IPT) that includes all stakeholders, subject matter experts (SME), support staff, instructional designers and others as required for each project.
  • Planning, directing and controlling the assigned resources, timelines, and work products of a multidisciplinary IPT of clinical and functional specialists for training solution development.
  • Leading the IPT accomplishment of implementation of education and training.
  • Monitoring educational project cost, schedule, overall technical performance, and associated risks involved with the contract after award and proactively implementing controls and informing project team IPT, contracting representative(s), and divisional leadership of issues.
  • Preparing and maintaining all project and fiscal documentation, which may include budget requests, shared training agreements, project/training plans, etc.
  • Providing leadership and direction in implementing VHA national education and training projects of varying scope, size and complexity.
  • Providing expertise, consultation, and guidance to SimLEARN and its clients in assigned project areas.
  • Developing and applying new project methods, approaches, and technologies, and/or extending, revising, and adapting existing methodology to new and unusual situations.
  • Planning, promoting, and developing educational design strategies for education and training projects by leading effective teams and providing clear direction on interpretation and implementation of the design.
  • Validating needs assessment with learning consultants, determines resources needed and if shared training agreement is required.
  • Preparing the procurement request rationale document for submission to the appropriate contracting office and defining specification requirements, performance work statement (PWS)/ statement of work (SOW), quality assurance surveillance plan (QASP), conducting market research initiates independent government cost estimate (IGCE), documentation for justification and approval (J & A), request for information (RFI).


Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Compressed/Flexible: Not available.
Telework: 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.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Training Specialist/PD03386-A, PD03387-A, PD03388-A, and PD09989-A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not authorized
Physical Requirements: Work is performed while sitting at a desk in conferences, briefings, meetings, classrooms, and the equivalent.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
  • 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
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/30/2024.

Individual Occupational Requirement: In order to meet the basic requirement of the Training Specialist, 1712, series you must possess an undergraduate or graduate education with a major study in education or a subject area related to the position being filled:

  • Teaching or instructing in an adult education program, secondary school, college, military installation, or industrial establishment in the appropriate field(s).
  • Supervising or administering a training program.
  • Development or review of training/course materials, aids, devices, etc., and evaluation of training results.
  • Work in the occupation or subject-matter field of the position to be filled that required training or instructing others on a regular basis.


Applicable to ALL GS levels: An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. 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 provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.

*For GS-09: You must have served 52 weeks at the GS-7 or above.
*For GS-11: You must have served 52 weeks at the GS-9 or above.
*For GS-12: You must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11 or above.
*For GS-13: You must have served 52 weeks at the GS-12 or above.




To qualify at the GS-9: In addition to meeting the Individual Occupation Requirement above, you may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
  • Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-7 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:
In order to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet 2/3:
  • Functions of the position are to plan, direct and control the assigned resources, timelines, and work products of a multidisciplinary project team.
  • Coordinates the completion of educational project activities.
  • Ensures the design and development of effective instructional coursework and materials.
-OR-
  • Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must possess a master's or equivalent graduate degree related to the work of the position or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B or J.D.
  • Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education.

To qualify at the GS-11: In addition to meeting the Individual Occupation Requirement above, you may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
  • Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-9 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:
In order to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet 3/5.
  • Functions of the position are to plan, direct and control the assigned resources, timelines, and work products of a multidisciplinary project team.
  • Coordinates the completion of educational project activities.
  • Ensures the design and development of effective instructional coursework and materials.
  • Develops and applies new project methods, approaches, and technologies, and/or extends, revises, and adapts existing methodology to new and unusual situations.
  • Exercises independent initiative, resourcefulness and seasoned judgment to select and adapt established practices, techniques and precedents to a variety of new training situations.
-OR-
  • Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must possess a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education or LL.M., if related to the work of the position.
  • Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education.

To qualify at the GS-12: In addition to meeting the Individual Occupation Requirement above, you may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
  • Specialized Experience: You must have one yearof specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-11 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:
In order to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet 5/7.
  • Functions of the position are to plan, direct and control the assigned resources, timelines, and work products of a multidisciplinary project team.
  • Coordinates the completion of educational project activities.
  • Ensures the design and development of effective instructional coursework and materials.
  • Develops and applies new project methods, approaches, and technologies, and/or extends, revises, and adapts existing methodology to new and unusual situations.
  • Exercises independent initiative, resourcefulness and seasoned judgment to select and adapt established practices, techniques and precedents to a variety of new training situations.
  • Employs tact and persuasion in presenting controversial recommendations for instructional strategies and functional design of training systems and equipment.
  • Prepares and maintains all project and fiscal documentation.

To qualify at the GS-13: In addition to meeting the Individual Occupation Requirement above, you may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:
  • Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-12 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:
In order to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet 7/9.
  • Functions of the position are to plan, direct and control the assigned resources, timelines, and work products of a multidisciplinary project team.
  • Coordinates the completion of educational project activities.
  • Ensures the design and development of effective instructional coursework and materials.
  • Develops and applies new project methods, approaches, and technologies, and/or extends, revises, and adapts existing methodology to new and unusual situations.
  • Exercises independent initiative, resourcefulness and seasoned judgment to select and adapt established practices, techniques and precedents to a variety of new training situations.
  • Employs tact and persuasion in presenting controversial recommendations for instructional strategies and functional design of training systems and equipment.
  • Prepares and maintains all project and fiscal documentation.
  • Monitors and evaluates customer feedback and learning intervention effectiveness.
  • Applies skill and knowledge to solving educational/training challenges to assigned programs/projects through innovative and effective methods .
You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
  • Communication
  • Education and Training
  • Manages and Organizes Information
  • Self Management
  • Teamwork

Education

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/.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Additional information

Reference the USA Staffing Crosswalk for USAJOBS Unique Hiring Paths USA_Staffing_Crosswalk_for_USAJOBS_Unique_Hiring_Paths_February_23_2018_v2.pdf (usastaffing.gov)

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.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.


If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

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.

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 contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

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. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

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