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Voluntary Services Specialist

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Veterans Health Administration

Summary

This position is located at the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN-6), Richmond VA Medical Center in Richmond, VA serving as the Voluntary Services Specialist of the facility's Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE)/Voluntary Service Office (VSO).

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
03/09/2026 to 03/19/2026
Salary
$52,736 to - $101,417 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 11
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Richmond, VA
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
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 - 8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday through Friday
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
11
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
CBTA-12903661-26-AEH
Control number
860396500

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This vacancy is open to those covered by the indicated hiring paths to include CTAP/ICTAP eligible applicants living within the local commuting area, current/former Career/Career Conditional or Excepted Service Federal employees (i.e. Canteen, Hybrid, Title 38, etc. that meet interchange agreement requirements), Certain Military Spouses, Veterans, and other Special Hiring Authorities.

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Duties

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The facility Voluntary Service Specialist reports directly to the Chief, CDCE/VSO and has responsibilities related to the full scope of business for each of the interrelated lines of business, including Voluntary Service, Philanthropic Engagement, and Partnership Solutions. The incumbent displays a comprehensive understanding of the federal government, VA, and each of its Administrations including the relevant laws, regulations, policies, procedures, accrediting bodies, and other organizations to facilitate a systems-oriented approach to success. Duties include, but may not be limited to:

  • Assists in all aspects of the development, coordination, and management of the CDCE Office and is responsible for independent management of specific programs or portions of larger programs.
  • Manages day-to-day operations surrounding the organization's development activities and conducts and analyzes routine needs assessments to ensure alignment with the facility's strategic plan.
  • Assists the CDCE/VSO in developing short and long-range plans for the accomplishment of program goals and objectives.
  • Develops and implements programs and program changes to meet the facility or other VA-affiliated program's needs.
  • Assists CDCE/VSO in developing innovative/creative community outreach programs that provide volunteers and financial resources.
  • Consults with services across the health care system, agency representatives (including VHA, VBA, and NCA), and community officials to publicize, analyze, and recommend improvements for programs.
  • Motivates diverse groups of people, staff, volunteers, business and civic groups, services organization officials, etc. into working as a comprehensive and cooperative force that benefits patient care.
  • Develops and fosters a robust network with internal and external stakeholders to build resilient working coalitions in support of the VA mission.
  • Develops and delivers presentations to diverse groups within the facility and at off-site locations within the community.
  • Responsible for interviewing, scheduling, placement, and evaluation of volunteers including but not limited to consulting with clinical and administrative staff to develop appropriate volunteer assignments based on individual aptitude and interest, creating position descriptions for each position, ensuring essential duties are clearly stated, managing personnel files, and conducting general orientation for new volunteers.
  • Resolves issues as they arise and consults with the CDCE/Voluntary Service Officer if policies or procedures require review and/or revision.
  • Conducts a system of internal reviews for quality assurance to ensure all programs operate at a high level of effectiveness and efficiency along with ensuring compliance with accrediting and regulatory agencies.
  • Plans, executes, and evaluates a variety of complex internal and external special events including but not limited to budget development, contracting, procurement, logistics, personnel, public relations, engagement, and development of public/private partnerships.
  • Manages sharing agreements to ensure they are updated per the terms of the agreement, and reflect current policies and procedures mandated by both local and national guidance.
  • Conducts fact-findings and analysis to recommend potential community partnerships that support and extend the mission of the facility or other affiliated VA programs across Administrations within the catchment area.
  • Collects and reviews impact data to recommend appropriate modifications to agreements with community partnerships and resource groups for the benefit of Veterans and the health care system.
  • Develops recruitment materials geared at both volunteers and community partners.
  • Evaluates and implements best practice for optimal recruitment and resource support of the health care system operations or affiliate VA programs.
  • Responsible for the coordination and management of all monetary and in-kind donations.
  • Participates in the development of local policies and procedures related to the General Post Fund (GPF) , acceptance of gifts and donations, and answers inquiries regarding them.
  • Accepts donations for the facility, directing each to where it is intended for use, rejecting inappropriate donations, and educating donors.
  • Executes financial components of the service strategic plan through donor communication, financial resource analysis and allocation, and procurement of goods and services to advance patient care.
  • Provides education and training to staff on the proper use of donation expenditures, restricted purchases, and procurement requirements.

Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: PD99598S, PD99599S, and PD99853S

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • 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.
  • 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 dentification 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.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 03/19/2026.

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 by the closing date of this announcement.

  • For a GS-07 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-05.
  • For a GS-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07.
  • For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09.
The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. 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.

Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.

You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:

Driver's License: Must possess a current, valid state-issued driver's license for this position. (Please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. You will be required to show your valid driver's license at the time of your interview.)

GS-7
  • Specialized Experience: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience that equipped them with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-05) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: experience working for a company, organization, or department specializing in volunteer and/or philanthropic activities; communicating with individuals and groups in community; performing technical program development for a specialized program; performing record keeping and recognition of a volunteer and/or philanthropic program; and applying a high level of expertise in identifying special skills and attitudes necessary for sensitive assignments. OR,
  • Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have completed one (1) full year of graduate level education that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with application. Education cannot be credited without documentation. OR,
  • Combination: Have equivalent combination of successfully completed education and specialized experience directly related to the work of the position as outlined above that meets the requirements of the position. Only education beyond a bachelor's degree may be used to qualify applicants for the GS-07 level. NOTE: If using education combined with specialized experience to qualify, a copy of your transcript is required.

GS-9
  • Specialized Experience: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience that equipped them with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-07) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: planning, supervising, and coordinating volunteers of a volunteer program; evaluating and monitoring the effectiveness of a specialized program and devising new methods for improvement; effectively recruiting, interviewing, and evaluating prospective employees/volunteers in order to appropriately utilize their talents and interests; utilizing interpersonal communication skill to foster effective working relationships with others; and familiar with a wide variety of principles and practices to evaluate program trends. OR,
  • Education: Have successfully completed two (2) years of progressively higher-level graduate education, or masters or equivalent graduate degree, or LL.B. or J.D., in a related field of the position to be filled. Education at the graduate level must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this position. NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with application. Education cannot be credited without documentation. OR,
  • Combination: Have equivalent combination of successfully completed education and specialized experience directly related to the work of the position as outlined above that meets the requirements of the position. Only education in excess of the first year (18 semester hours) may be used to qualify applicants for the GS-09 level. NOTE: If using education combined with specialized experience to qualify, a copy of your transcript is required.

GS-11
  • Specialized Experience: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience that equipped them with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-09) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Planning, evaluating, and coordinating the day-to-day activities of a volunteer program that includes various areas of needed coverage; using creative community outreach to secure volunteers and financial resources; and acceptance of gifts and donations and their acknowledgement and deposit into a general account fund or delivery to proper utilizing service. OR,
  • Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. OR,
  • Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond a master's or equivalent graduate education.

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/.

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/.

Additional information

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.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.

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

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and 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 for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. 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/.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork


Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. 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. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

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.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.

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