Summary
This position is located at the Erie VA Medical Center reporting to the Medical Center Director and is an expert advisor to the Medical Center’s management and staff on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). The position specializes in the DE&I program policies, theories, principles, procedures, and practices as well as the nature and causes of institutional barriers to diversity. And to be proactive in the identification and prevention of these barriers.
This job is open to
- Internal to an agency
Current federal employees of this agency.
Clarification from the agency
This announcement is open to current permanent employees of the Erie VA Medical Center only.
Videos
Duties
Position Description/PD#: Program Specialist – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager/PD025250
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm
Major Duties include but are not limited to:
Program Communication:
- Actively communicates with all DE&I affiliated partners, and other relevant personnel regarding the function and operation of the program.
- Participates in national training conferences that have OPM or VHA involvement. Participates in meetings with community organizations, in order to improve diversity within the geographical area of the medical center they serve.
- Build consensus and coalitions to mobilize leaders and individuals towards DE&I goals and will think systematically, from both a detailed and a strategic perspective.
- Serves as a link between VHA executive staff and key officials within VA, VHA, VA MCs and VISNs, and a wide variety of external groups and organizations, including the media.
- Acts on behalf of the MC through daily contacts and by representing the MC at internal and external meetings on a broad range of issues where DE&I program goals may have direct and substantial policy implications.
- Creates and implements communication strategies and will serve as a content manager for the trainings, web resources, social media, and print materials to support DE&I initiatives.
- Collaborate with Public Affairs and Medical Media to develop and execute a DE&I communication strategy to reach all employees within the organization and create a platform for employees of all levels to report, share, and discuss DE&I gaps or violations they might experience.
- Prepare presentations and other materials for medical center leaders and other key stakeholders.
Collaboration/Consultation:
- Collaborates with internal and external resources to develop and facilitate affinity groups as a forum for individuals to network, share knowledge, challenges, and ideas. Develops practical tools to equip managers and staff in creating an inclusive environment.
- Maintains communications with various organizations: concerning diversity related outreach programs, ensuring all efforts are synchronized to achieve the most efficient and effective results.
- Provides input to internal administrative operations and procedures for key events concerning diversity issues.
- Tracks, analyzes, and catalogs all partnerships, recommending opportunities for collaboration among stakeholders.
- Regularly meet with other DE&I managers in VISN 4 and the VISN 4 DE&I Champion to share and identify trends, to share best practices and resource plan when appropriate, and collaborate together on problem solving.
- Collaborates with external healthcare organizations and other federal agencies.
Program Management:
- Articulates and communicates the assignment, program, problem to be solved, actionable events, milestones, and/or program issues under review, and deadlines and time frames for completion.
- Develops and promotes activities that grow a diverse workforce and cultivate an inclusive work environment, where employees are fully engaged and empowered to deliver the outstanding services to our Nation’s Veterans, their families, and beneficiaries.
- Develops innovative strategies and recommendations for initiating and establishing DE&I goals, timetables, and procedures for expediting DE&I projects. Implements new DE&I initiatives to strengthen, facilitate, and integrate the programs goals and objectives into the overall MC’s strategies and priorities.
- Develops action plans for DE&I program development and sustainment. Develops DE&I program’s long-range program plans, goals, objectives, and milestones; identifies and develops ways to resolve programs or cope with issues which directly affect the accomplishment of principal program goals and objectives.
Program Analysis/Reporting:
- Creates and implements metrics, monitoring, and reporting systems to effectively benchmark organizational progress in diversity and inclusion, Maintains accurate and current mechanisms to monitor the status of implementation objectives, agreed upon actions and identification of potential deficiencies.
- Prepares reports and maintains records of work accomplishments and administrative information, as required, and coordinates the preparation, presentation, and communication of work-related information.
- Provides in-depth analysis, best practice models, and creative quality program techniques.
- Serves as the MC’s All Employee Survey Coordinator for the elements associated with the DE&I program.
- Customized surveys to assess the MC’s DE&I performance, identify gaps in DE&I initiatives.
- Conducts research and data analysis to inform MC leadership, HR, and the VISN DE&I Champion of their findings and propose solutions.
Compressed/Flexible: Not Available
Telework: Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
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, 10/23/2023.
Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-12 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11. 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 as described below:
- Specialized Experience: You must have one year of 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: Experience with program and project analysis and management; Advising medical center’s management and staff on diversity, equity, and inclusion; Creating and implementing communication strategies; Developing guidelines, criteria, and standards for organization’s diversity initiatives and policies; Preparing narrative reports containing progress towards objective, observations, and options for change and recommendations for actions; Developing and promoting activities that grow a diverse workforce and cultivate an inclusive work environment.
You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
- Analysis and Problem Solving
- Communication
- Project Management
- Strategic Thinking
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.
Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary and does not require any special physical effort. Some work may require walking and standing in conjunction with travel and attendance at meetings and conferences away from the work site. The position might have to carry light items such as papers, books, and portable computer requirement or driving a motor vehicle relative to attendance at meetings. The work often requires long hours to meet project deadlines and to devise corrective action and solutions to unexpected technical and/or management crises resulting in sometimes highly stressful work situations.
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
There is no educational substitution at this grade level.
Additional information
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.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/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/.
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.
- Benefits
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 benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
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.
- Benefits
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 benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
- Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have – whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Most Recent SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Resume
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (for Eligibility and/or Time-in-Grade):
If you are a current federal employee, you must attach your most recent SF-50 that provides evidence of the necessary time-in-grade. This SF-50 must have an effective date of no more than one year ago and must show your current position, grade, and step. Award SF-50s typically do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted if they do not include Grade and Step.
To clearly demonstrate you possess the time-in-grade as required by the announcement, you may need to upload multiple additional SF-50s. A single most recent SF-50 is not always sufficient to show time in grade.
SF-50s are available in your eOPF. If you having issues accessing your eOPF please reach out to your local HR Office for assistance.
Examples of appropriate SF-50s include:
- Within grade increases at the highest grade held
- General Adjustments from consecutive years
- Promotions with an effective date more than one year old
- SF-50s at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old
- General Adjustment from within the past 12 months
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees) or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
- Cover Letter
- Most Recent SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Performance Appraisal
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
- How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/23/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12151826.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Agency contact information
Ahsha Konate
Phone
412-822-1454
Email
Ahsha.Konate@va.gov
Address
Erie VA Medical Center 135 East 38th Street Erie, PA 16504 US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
- Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Most Recent SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Resume
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (for Eligibility and/or Time-in-Grade):
If you are a current federal employee, you must attach your most recent SF-50 that provides evidence of the necessary time-in-grade. This SF-50 must have an effective date of no more than one year ago and must show your current position, grade, and step. Award SF-50s typically do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted if they do not include Grade and Step.
To clearly demonstrate you possess the time-in-grade as required by the announcement, you may need to upload multiple additional SF-50s. A single most recent SF-50 is not always sufficient to show time in grade.
SF-50s are available in your eOPF. If you having issues accessing your eOPF please reach out to your local HR Office for assistance.
Examples of appropriate SF-50s include:
- Within grade increases at the highest grade held
- General Adjustments from consecutive years
- Promotions with an effective date more than one year old
- SF-50s at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old
- General Adjustment from within the past 12 months
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees) or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
- Cover Letter
- Most Recent SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Performance Appraisal
- Resume
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/23/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12151826.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Agency contact information
Ahsha Konate
Phone
412-822-1454
Ahsha.Konate@va.gov
Address
Erie VA Medical Center 135 East 38th Street Erie, PA 16504 US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Financial suitability
- Selective Service
- New employee probationary period
- Signature and false statements
- Privacy Act
- Social security number request