The Primary Health System Specialist serves as the principal administrative and communications liaison within the VISN Operations Center. This position is responsible for all administrative and communications functions between the VISN, VA Headquarters, and Health Service Areas.
The Primary Health System Specialist exercises sole discretion and direct authority to manage and coordinate the work of Management Analysts and Staff Assistants, and collaborates with Strategic Planners, Veterans Experience Officers, Public Affairs Officers, and Compliance personnel aligned at the VISN level to direct the Health Service Area.
The role ensures operational excellence and strategic alignment of the VISN, meeting organizational objectives and engaging stakeholders through robust administrative and communications practices. The incumbent has a direct reporting line to the Network Director and senior VISN leadership, regularly communicating executive-level guidance and operational recommendations without intermediary review.
The position is located within VHA and the department that reports directly to the Under Secretary for Health. Major Duties Include but are not limited to: Serves as the Primary Health System Specialist, functioning as the primary liaison between the VISN, Health Service Area, and VA Headquarters, facilitating the flow of information and assignments between such offices.
Has sole authority to set priorities, assign tasks to administrative support personnel, and ensure completion of all administrative requirements for the VISN Operations Center. Prepares daily briefings and delivers information directly to VISN and HSA Senior Executive Leadership Teams as required. Evaluates facility and VISN operations against short and long-range objectives.
Performs administrative work in one or more of the following areas: personnel, management/administration, budgeting and financial management, procurement and contracting, property management, and/or supply. Independently determines the methods and approaches used to manage these functions. The incumbent performs management support work.
such as program or office planning, evaluation of administrative programs or issues, training program administration, correspondence control, liaison, special projects, or board or committee related work. Exercises independent judgment and discretion to resolve administrative, procedural, and operational issues without supervisory review.
Directs and manages all administrative functions within the VISN Operations Center, ensures efficient workflow, oversees resource allocation, and ensures adherence to organizational policies. Acts as the principal administrative lead in all communications and coordination with Strategic Planners, Veterans Experience Officers, Public Affairs Officers, and Compliance teams to achieve organizational objectives.
Serves as the responsible contact for projects from initiation to completion, including presentation of results to senior Leadership. Provides comprehensive staff support in the development of both long- and short-range policies and plans for the organization by coordinating the medical administration needs of the organization(s) to which accountable.
Leads all administrative planning processes for the VISN Operations Center, provides authoritative recommendations, and develops administrative processes, guidance, and systems that ensure continuity of operations. Administers planning process and provides authoritative recommendations. Develops and directs the total and complex administrative duties of the VISN Director and Deputy Network Director.
Develops processes, guidance, systems, sustainment, and succession in VISN operations. Gathers and maintains valid data used to develop, evaluate, and modify organizational structure and systems to achieve program goals. Participates in the analysis and interpretation of workload and other data used in resource planning.
Conducts or participates in analytical studies on operational processes, issue topics, or special projects, frequently requiring input and assistance from program offices. Exercises full discretion in analytical approach and reporting, providing findings directly to the Network Director. Manages communications between the VISN, VA Headquarters, and Health Service Areas, ensuring timely, accurate, and consistent information dissemination.
Coordinates work among Management Analysts and Staff Assistants, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance evaluation input to promote professional development and team effectiveness. Manages and coordinates online communication tools such as intranet websites and SharePoint collections, ensuring compliance and effective information management.
Briefs and advises VISN and Health Service Area Executives on agenda issues in preparation for activities and meetings, and may represent the office at internal or external events. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Ad-Hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Systems Specialist/PD00002VS Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
There is no educational substitution at this grade level. 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/.
Ahsha.Konate@va.gov · 412-822-1454
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $106437 – $138370/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
Applications close on 2026-09-28.
This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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