Health Science Officer - Department Of Veterans Affairs
Boston, MA 02108
About the Job
Duties
***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION***
Duties include but may not be limited to:
Serves as a senior scientist in the design, analyses and administration of studies.Oversees the analytical plan and processes during the course of a study.Identifies areas where organization has special needs or unique opportunities and assesses the potential of organization clinical research to contribute.Formulates and ensures continued appropriateness and timely communication of all assigned study and center activities and events to the Director and other key stakeholders.Communicates major study activities and events to the Director; and maintains scientific excellence and integrity of assigned studies.Represents program in communications and/or meetings with senior management within and outside the organization and serves as a liaison to other agencies and internal committees.Provides supervision and/or leadership to Center managers, researchers and administrators to ensure integrity, effectiveness and efficiency.Identifies the need for and develops plans for necessary organizational changes to maximize efficiency of clinical trial studies and the Center.Identifies, justifies, and implements actions to improve operational efficiency, such as identifying needed equipment, personnel, or changes in procedures.Ensures fiduciary accountability of center funds.Ensures that appropriate internal control systems are in place and prepares budget recommendations.Participates routinely in senior management and policy decisions regarding strategic planning, priority-setting, scientific direction, and operations.Supervises Center personnel through subordinate supervisors (including scientific, management and administrative staff)Ensures that appropriate levels of resources/staff are assigned to Center activities.Establishes working relationships with other agencies within and outside the department.Assists in analyzing the needs, strategic plans and goals of a program in the context of program goals and initiatives and makes recommendations for new directions, initiatives, policies and procedures.Provides methodological and statistical leadership in the design, conduct, and management of multi-site clinical trials and/or epidemiological studies.Resolves study management problems including ones related to study recruitment and performance.Serves as a principal program liaison to study/field investigators for providing guidance and oversight of studies and ensuring that all applicable policies are followed.Directs the analysis, conduct and assessment of studies and center activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, consistent and accurate documentation, and reporting, and to identify deficiencies or opportunities for improvement.Serves as the senior scientist in the administrative and technical management of specifically assigned studies, ensures that applicable federal, agency and program policies are implemented in the conduct of studies.Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pmRecruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorizedTelework: 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.Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required
Requirements Conditions of EmploymentYou must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this jobAll 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 12/31/1959You may be required to serve a probationary periodSubject to background/security investigationSelected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding processParticipation 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. QualificationsTo qualify for this position, you must meet all of the following:
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTORS (SCREEN-OUT) - Two Selective Placement Factosr (SPF) have been identified for this position. Selective Placement Factors (SPF) are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for the position. Applicants who do not meet the SPF are ineligible for further consideration.
The SPFs for this position are:
Experience directing multiple clinical research studies.
and
Experience supervising personnel within a healthcare system.ANDEDUCATION: A bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from an accredited college or university with a major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of this position? NOTE: Copies of transcripts are required at the time of application.ANDSPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience, equivalent to at the least the next lower grade level (GS-14) in the Federal service, that equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of t a Health Science Officer, and that is typically in or related to the work of this position? Specialized experience is experience in all aspects of a public health model as applied to Veteran-focused suicide prevention activities; experience in policy and planning to include the management of an organization or department's activities to include budget oversight and use of resources against strategic or evaluation plans; experience developing strategic partnerships that foster and expand engagement with internal and external stakeholders in supporting strategic plans; experience developing/using/evaluating innovative strategies for identifying, predicting, and/or preventing Veteran suicide with a national-level impact; and experience supervising the work of others. (Resume(s) must clearly support the duties and experience required for this position. We will not make assumptions regarding experience.)
You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position:Analytical ThinkingCommunicationsLeadershipProject ManagementQuality ManagementResearchIMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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.
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; religious; 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.Physical Requirements: No strenuous or physical demands are required to perform this position at an acceptable level.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at .
EducationIMPORTANT: 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: . 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: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).
Additional informationReceiving Service Credit for 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.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. For more information on how to apply using this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator within the office, contact the facility Human Resources Department at (202) 020-2020.The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more before any Veterans preference points) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at .
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
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. Help
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.
Review our benefitsEligibility 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 EvaluatedYou 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. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
Your responses to the assessment questionnaire will be reviewed along with the information provided in your resume and supporting documentation to determine if you are qualified for the position. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered and/or you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
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.
Candidates who apply under All U.S. Citizens announcements will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. Qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The categories are defined as follows:
Best qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position;Highly qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the requirements of the job;Well qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in some, but not all, of the requirements of the job; andQualified - applicants possessing experience and/or education that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors.Application of Veterans' Preference: Category rating and selection procedures place those with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligible applicants that meet the eligibility and qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category (except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher).
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.
***THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION***
Duties include but may not be limited to:
Serves as a senior scientist in the design, analyses and administration of studies.Oversees the analytical plan and processes during the course of a study.Identifies areas where organization has special needs or unique opportunities and assesses the potential of organization clinical research to contribute.Formulates and ensures continued appropriateness and timely communication of all assigned study and center activities and events to the Director and other key stakeholders.Communicates major study activities and events to the Director; and maintains scientific excellence and integrity of assigned studies.Represents program in communications and/or meetings with senior management within and outside the organization and serves as a liaison to other agencies and internal committees.Provides supervision and/or leadership to Center managers, researchers and administrators to ensure integrity, effectiveness and efficiency.Identifies the need for and develops plans for necessary organizational changes to maximize efficiency of clinical trial studies and the Center.Identifies, justifies, and implements actions to improve operational efficiency, such as identifying needed equipment, personnel, or changes in procedures.Ensures fiduciary accountability of center funds.Ensures that appropriate internal control systems are in place and prepares budget recommendations.Participates routinely in senior management and policy decisions regarding strategic planning, priority-setting, scientific direction, and operations.Supervises Center personnel through subordinate supervisors (including scientific, management and administrative staff)Ensures that appropriate levels of resources/staff are assigned to Center activities.Establishes working relationships with other agencies within and outside the department.Assists in analyzing the needs, strategic plans and goals of a program in the context of program goals and initiatives and makes recommendations for new directions, initiatives, policies and procedures.Provides methodological and statistical leadership in the design, conduct, and management of multi-site clinical trials and/or epidemiological studies.Resolves study management problems including ones related to study recruitment and performance.Serves as a principal program liaison to study/field investigators for providing guidance and oversight of studies and ensuring that all applicable policies are followed.Directs the analysis, conduct and assessment of studies and center activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, consistent and accurate documentation, and reporting, and to identify deficiencies or opportunities for improvement.Serves as the senior scientist in the administrative and technical management of specifically assigned studies, ensures that applicable federal, agency and program policies are implemented in the conduct of studies.Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pmRecruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorizedTelework: 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.Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required
Requirements Conditions of EmploymentYou must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this jobAll 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 12/31/1959You may be required to serve a probationary periodSubject to background/security investigationSelected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding processParticipation 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. QualificationsTo qualify for this position, you must meet all of the following:
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTORS (SCREEN-OUT) - Two Selective Placement Factosr (SPF) have been identified for this position. Selective Placement Factors (SPF) are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for the position. Applicants who do not meet the SPF are ineligible for further consideration.
The SPFs for this position are:
Experience directing multiple clinical research studies.
and
Experience supervising personnel within a healthcare system.ANDEDUCATION: A bachelor's or graduate/higher level degree from an accredited college or university with a major study in an academic field related to the medical field, health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of this position? NOTE: Copies of transcripts are required at the time of application.ANDSPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience, equivalent to at the least the next lower grade level (GS-14) in the Federal service, that equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of t a Health Science Officer, and that is typically in or related to the work of this position? Specialized experience is experience in all aspects of a public health model as applied to Veteran-focused suicide prevention activities; experience in policy and planning to include the management of an organization or department's activities to include budget oversight and use of resources against strategic or evaluation plans; experience developing strategic partnerships that foster and expand engagement with internal and external stakeholders in supporting strategic plans; experience developing/using/evaluating innovative strategies for identifying, predicting, and/or preventing Veteran suicide with a national-level impact; and experience supervising the work of others. (Resume(s) must clearly support the duties and experience required for this position. We will not make assumptions regarding experience.)
You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position:Analytical ThinkingCommunicationsLeadershipProject ManagementQuality ManagementResearchIMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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.
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; religious; 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.Physical Requirements: No strenuous or physical demands are required to perform this position at an acceptable level.
For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at .
EducationIMPORTANT: 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: . 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: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).
Additional informationReceiving Service Credit for 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.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. For more information on how to apply using this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator within the office, contact the facility Human Resources Department at (202) 020-2020.The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more before any Veterans preference points) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at .
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
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. Help
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.
Review our benefitsEligibility 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 EvaluatedYou 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. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
Your responses to the assessment questionnaire will be reviewed along with the information provided in your resume and supporting documentation to determine if you are qualified for the position. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered and/or you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
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.
Candidates who apply under All U.S. Citizens announcements will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. Qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The categories are defined as follows:
Best qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position;Highly qualified - applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the requirements of the job;Well qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in some, but not all, of the requirements of the job; andQualified - applicants possessing experience and/or education that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors.Application of Veterans' Preference: Category rating and selection procedures place those with veteran's preference above non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligible applicants that meet the eligibility and qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent are listed in the highest quality category (except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher).
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.
Source : Department Of Veterans Affairs