This position is assigned to the Director of Recovery, Mental Health Care Line, to provide all administrative support to the Mental Health Recovery Section and Mental Health Social Work discipline. Program Specialist for the Mental Health Care Line provides authoritative direction and analytical support for multiple complex programs within the service.
This includes responsibility for overall section management, policy development, contract administration, and comprehensive fiscal oversight.
Independently oversees and coordinates the full spectrum of administrative management for multiple large and/or high-visibility programs within MHCL (Recovery, Community Employment, Compensated Work Therapy, Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HudVash), Grant & Per Diem Program (GPD), Healthcare for Homeless Veterans, Homeless Program, Mental Health Intensive Case Management, Veteran Recovery Center, Suicide Prevention, Supportive Services for Veterans Family, Social Work Emergency Assessment Team (SWEAT), Veterans Justice Outreach Program(VJO), Mental Health Social Work Training, Local Recovery Coordinator, Peer Support, as well as serving as a resource/advisor across the broader Mental Health Care Line.
The Recovery Program Specialist will serve as back up to the other MHCL section specialists and the MHCL Administrative Officer. The Program Specialist proactively identifies needs and potential problems, developing effective solutions to enhance the efficiency and management of the section. Given the section's complexity and its multiple specialized programs, the Specialist must have thorough knowledge of both daily healthcare system operations and the VA system.
The Program Specialist conducts analytical studies to address critical organizational issues and resolves interdepartmental problems by providing effective communication, motivation, and leadership when advising and consulting with staff. The Program Specialist supports evaluating and planning section activities to align with VA policies and objectives.
This includes gathering information for decision-making, helping develop and implement program goals, and formulating policies for quality assurance and management. The Program Specialist acts as an extension of the Section Chief, coordinating administrative duties to support high-quality health care delivery.
Responsibilities include resource utilization, data collection, and providing recommendations on space, personnel, equipment, and fiscal needs, as well as assisting sections with budget planning and long range organizational needs. The Program Specialist addresses patient complaints and internal issues between sections, investigates incident reports, and escalates significant concerns to the Chief for further action.
The Program Specialist is responsible for all financial management and budgeting for the section, independently planning and directing accounting operations. The Specialist develops and oversees bookkeeping processes, ensures timely budget reports, and coordinates with Fiscal Service to ensure compliance with overall budget plans. The Program Specialist independently develops, manages, and adjusts the section's annual budget, serving as the fund control point official.
Responsibilities include fund allocation, oversight of all budgetary activities, approving purchases and payments, and communicating policy or regulatory changes related to procurement and fiscal matters to all sections. The Program Specialist manages and reconciles all CMR accounts, promptly reports excess equipment, justifies supply requisitions, and maintains a current list of equipment needs and replacements.
The Program Specialist reviews all section space as to facility needs and usage, health and safety precautions, and space utilization and planning.
The Program Specialist serves as the liaison with Human Resources and oversees personnel management for the section, handling personnel actions, advising leadership, assisting with position descriptions, functional statements, and recruitment, and supporting promotion, evaluations, awards, counseling, and discipline to ensure timely performance reviews.
The Program Specialist monitors FTEE and employee ceiling to ensure proper utilization and control of personnel and associated costs. The Program Specialist develops and implements policies and procedures related to patient care and keeps the Section Chief informed of relevant regulations and guidelines. The Program Specialist provides overall administrative direction by formulating, controlling, and evaluating policies and procedures for all section operations.
Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:00am - 3:30pm, Monday - Friday Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Program Specialist/PD710040 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
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/.
matthew.kale@va.gov · 828-318-7817
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $61722 – $80243/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-09-30.
This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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