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IT Specialist

Department of Veterans Affairs
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology
Office of Information Technology

Summary

This position is located within the Office of Information and Technology (OIT), Product Delivery Service (PDS), Health Informatics, COTS Interface Division. The incumbent serves as an Information Technology (IT) Specialist, supporting multiple IT specialty areas for the Division. Responsibilities include delivering technical support for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software solutions, including vendor coordination and COTS interface management.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Location
3 vacancies in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$74,678 - $116,362 per year

The pay range listed reflects the rest of the U.S. table. Upon selection the salary may be adjusted to include location of selectee.

Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 12
Promotion potential
12
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Other
Position sensitivity and risk
High Risk (HR)
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
PDS-2026-SC-13032695-BU
Control number
880850900

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS AND CTAP/ICTAP ELIGIBLE(S) DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205) for this occupation.

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Duties

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OIT Mission: The mission of the Office of Information and Technology (OIT) is to collaborate with our business partners to create the best experience for all Veterans.

OIT Vision: To become a world-class organization that provides a seamless, unified Veteran experience through the delivery of state-of-the-art technology.

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.

Major Duties:

  • Displays knowledge of the systems architecture functional processes and technical alternatives sufficient to achieve interoperability, integration, and/or system interfacing requirements while engaging in troubleshooting techniques to resolve conflicts and/or system degradation or outages.
  • Shows knowledge of the principles and methods of integrating information systems sufficient to install, maintain and troubleshoot vendor software.
  • Sets up and maintains a system or specific components of a system (e.g. for example, installing, configuring, and updating hardware and software; establishing and managing user accounts; overseeing or conducting backup and recovery tasks.
  • Uses judgment and originality by interpreting data; planning the work; and refining the methods and techniques being used.
  • Installs, maintains, monitors performance, and troubleshooting of systems and applications installed in the assigned division facility.
  • Shows knowledge of Vista KIDS and interfaces sufficient to maintain and support Vista interfaces that tie to supported applications.
  • Performs application troubleshooting and maintenance in accordance with approved/established application support policies and change control policies in the organization.
  • Recommends new approaches or modifying existing ones as it pertains to continuous program changes, reductions in funding, rapidly evolving technology with lack of pertinent data.
  • Employs advanced data collection and analytical skills to develop reports which are used by management for process improvement and/or troubleshooting analysis.
  • Works closely with senior team members and facilities to ensure seamless implementation including resolving installation problems.
This position is primarily aligned to the following NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework work roles:

Cybersecurity Code: 451-
System Administrator: Responsible for setting up and maintaining a system or specific components of a system (e.g. for example, installing, configuring, and updating hardware and software; establishing and managing user accounts; overseeing or conducting backup and recovery tasks; implementing operational and technical security controls; and adhering to organizational security policies and procedures).

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm
Compressed/Flexible: As determined by the Agency Policy
Telework: Adhoc telework may be authorized at management discretion.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: IT Specialist/PD17114A and PD17115A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Physical Demands: The work is sedentary, but may involve intermediate periods of walking, bending, stooping, lifting, carrying, moving (up to 50 pounds) computer components and supplies, reaching, pulling, and working at a keyboard and monitor. Subject to call back outside tour of duty.

Working Conditions: The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions.

Designated Drug Testing Position: Not applicable

This is a bargaining unit eligible position.

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.
  • 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. 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.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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, 08/21/2026.

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

Basic Requirements Experience: Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate. For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the five competencies listed below. The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled.

  • Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  • Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
  • Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
  • Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
AND

Specialized Experience:
Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, Specialized Experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

For the GS-11: You must possess a minimum of one (1) year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level. Specialized experience for this position is defined as:
  • Providing expertise support for VISTA package software, including installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and/or Health Seven (HL7) interface support.
  • Proficient in administering and maintaining Windows Server operating systems, ensuring high availability and optimal performance.
  • Proven ability to collaborate with stakeholders to deliver oversight for complex IT systems.

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 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; or an LL.M., in related field of study.. OR,
  • Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and graduate level education that together meet 100% of the qualification requirements for this position.

For the GS-12: You must possess a minimum of one (1) year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level. Specialized experience for this position is defined as:
  • proficiency in providing support for VistA package software, including installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and/or Health Level Seven (HL7) interface support.
  • Supporting the full lifecycle of IT projects involving complex server environments and enterprise applications.
  • Applying advanced system administration and project management techniques to implement, secure, optimize, and troubleshoot VA information systems.
  • Working collaboratively across technical and clinical disciplines, ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope, and in compliance with all agency policies.

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.

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

This is not a remote position. OI&T has multiple worksites at various duty locations, and the individual(s) selected may be assigned to any federal government work site. This announcement will NOT be used for changing duty locations. If selected, and you are a current VA employee, and not on an approved exemption, you will continue to report to your current duty location. If selected you will be required to report to one of the following locations:

  1. Little Rock, AR
  2. North Little Rock, AR
  3. Phoenix, AZ
  4. Long Beach, CA
  5. Los Angeles, CA
  6. Oakland, CA
  7. San Francisco, CA
  8. Long Beach, CA
  9. Anaheim, CA
  10. Denver, CO
  11. Aurora, CO
  12. Washington, DC
  13. Miami, FL
  14. Orlando, FL
  15. St. Petersburg, FL
  16. Tampa, FL
  17. St. Petersburg, FL
  18. Atlanta, GA
  19. Chicago, IL
  20. Hines, IL
  21. North Chicago, IL
  22. Bedford, MA
  23. Boston, MA
  24. Baltimore, MD
  25. Detroit, MI
  26. Minneapolis, MN
  27. St. Louis, MO
  28. Eatontown, NJ
  29. Albany, NY
  30. Cleveland, OH
  31. Philadelphia, PA
  32. Pittsburgh, PA
  33. Nashville, TN
  34. Davidson, TN
  35. Murfreesboro, TN
  36. Arlington, TX
  37. Austin, TX
  38. Dallas, TX
  39. Houston, TX
  40. San Antonio, TX
  41. Salt Lake City, UT
  42. SeaTac, WA
  43. Seattle, WA
  44. Martinsburg, WV
  45. Shepherdstown, WV

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.

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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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.

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.

USA Hire Assessments include a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.

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.

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.

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205) for this occupation.

Agency contact information

Recruitment Team One C
Phone
000-000-0000
Email
vaoitopshrrpteam1c@va.gov
Address
DAS for Information Technology - 103
810 Vermont Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20240
US

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