Public Affairs Specialist
VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, Saginaw, Michigan, United States, 48607
Summary
The Public Affairs Specialist reports to the Connected Care Service line leadership and is the point of contact for My HealtheVet (MHV), secure messaging and other mobile applications at the Aleda E Lutz Veteran Affairs Medical Center. The incumbent is responsible for supporting existing and future Veteran communication initiatives, local implementation, training, communications, outreach, and support efforts, and evaluates and reports on actions and activities.
Duties
Help
Duties include but are not limited to:
The MHV Coordinator works with the Connected Care Service line leadership to lead facility's efforts to integrate current and future MHV Modalities with healthcare providers and patients and serves as liaison and administrator to VISN and National teams. The MHV Coordinator leads the facility's efforts to integrate MHV and Secure Messaging (SM) among healthcare providers and patients.
Serves as the Secure Message Liaison and administrator with VISN and national MHV teams and coordinators to ensure correct, current, and accurate portrayal of information is provided to meet objectives. Assists in formulating a marketing strategy from research, reports, products, and organizational data. Provides input on efforts to advertise and market products. This includes direct communication with all levels of personnel internal and external to the VAMC/HCS. Analyzes participation trends, customer markets, needs of the consumer, and advises the Connected Care leadership team on concerns and trends. Recommends specific approaches for managing special issues and findings. Under the supervision of the Connected Care leadership and with approval, 2 presents at VAMC/HCS forums, conferences, and meetings. Delivers presentations to all levels of the VAMC/HCS, service organizations, and veterans, family members and caregivers. Presentations are designed to inform the audience about the MHV Program, products, capabilities, and health care issues. Is responsible to keep Connected Care leadership abreast of existing and changes to training plans. The incumbent works with MHV leadership to develop needs assessments within the project relative to functional and training needs and project effectiveness. Works with EES to coordinate personnel and resources to develop educational and training programs/classes with the intent of increasing adoption of the various MHV modalities. Analyzes functional clinical and business process changes or impact to clinical guidelines, terms of policies, procedures, and user behavior and reports findings to Connected Care leadership. Based on the VISN and national program, and under the guidance of Connected Care leadership updates a facility-specific implementation plan that includes developing a mission/vision statement, establishing a local team, leading team efforts, identifying local providers as champions, and developing roles and responsibilities. Helps to Establish, develop, and implement local MHV/MHV related goals and strategies to meet goals, identifies responsible parties. Tracks progress, including monitoring goals/activity status, and reports status/progress to Connected Care leadership. 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.
Work Schedule:
Full-time, Monday- Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Telework:
This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
Virtual:
This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#:
Public Affairs Specialist / PD920730 and PD920740
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:
Not Authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI):
Not Approved
Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
Not Authorized
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial 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 or trial 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, 02/12/2026.
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-9 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-7. 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 and/or education as described below:
GS:9:
Specialized Experience:
You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-7 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. May include but not limited to: at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal Service that has equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of a Public Affairs Specialist, and that is typically in or related to the work of this position? Assisting with Veteran outreach, communications, or education initiatives. Developing or supporting educational or informational materials. Conducting presentations or training for Veterans, caregivers, or staff. Supporting digital platforms, online tools, or customer-facing systems.
OR,
Education:
Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have master's or equivalent graduate degree
or
2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree
or
LL.B. or J.D., if related .
OR, GS-11:
Specialized Experience:
You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-9 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. May include but not limited to: at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal Service that has equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of a Public Affairs Specialist, and that is typically in or related to the work of this position?
Independently coordinating or leading Veteran-facing communication or outreach programs. Developing and executing communication strategies for digital health tools or services. Writing and editing complex materials for diverse audiences, including Veterans and clinical staff. Analyzing participation trends, utilization data, or feedback to inform program improvements. Serving as a liaison between local operations and regional or national program offices. or
Education:
Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have master's or equivalent graduate degree:
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
or
3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree
or
LL.M., if related
Combination:
Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond:
Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for the grade levels specified in the table, and may be computed by first determining the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicant's education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grades GS-9 and GS-11. (When crediting education that requires specific course work, prorate the number of hours of related courses required as a proportion of the total education to be used.)
You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
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:
Work is primarily sedentary, but may require periods of standing during presentations, briefings,
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
VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to Veterans community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional l health care that improves their health and well-being.
Smoke-free Facility:
All department of Veteran Affairs facilities are smoke-free. Patients, visitors, and employees are not allowed to smoke in or near any facilities or on the grounds
Receiving 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
The Public Affairs Specialist reports to the Connected Care Service line leadership and is the point of contact for My HealtheVet (MHV), secure messaging and other mobile applications at the Aleda E Lutz Veteran Affairs Medical Center. The incumbent is responsible for supporting existing and future Veteran communication initiatives, local implementation, training, communications, outreach, and support efforts, and evaluates and reports on actions and activities.
Duties
Help
Duties include but are not limited to:
The MHV Coordinator works with the Connected Care Service line leadership to lead facility's efforts to integrate current and future MHV Modalities with healthcare providers and patients and serves as liaison and administrator to VISN and National teams. The MHV Coordinator leads the facility's efforts to integrate MHV and Secure Messaging (SM) among healthcare providers and patients.
Serves as the Secure Message Liaison and administrator with VISN and national MHV teams and coordinators to ensure correct, current, and accurate portrayal of information is provided to meet objectives. Assists in formulating a marketing strategy from research, reports, products, and organizational data. Provides input on efforts to advertise and market products. This includes direct communication with all levels of personnel internal and external to the VAMC/HCS. Analyzes participation trends, customer markets, needs of the consumer, and advises the Connected Care leadership team on concerns and trends. Recommends specific approaches for managing special issues and findings. Under the supervision of the Connected Care leadership and with approval, 2 presents at VAMC/HCS forums, conferences, and meetings. Delivers presentations to all levels of the VAMC/HCS, service organizations, and veterans, family members and caregivers. Presentations are designed to inform the audience about the MHV Program, products, capabilities, and health care issues. Is responsible to keep Connected Care leadership abreast of existing and changes to training plans. The incumbent works with MHV leadership to develop needs assessments within the project relative to functional and training needs and project effectiveness. Works with EES to coordinate personnel and resources to develop educational and training programs/classes with the intent of increasing adoption of the various MHV modalities. Analyzes functional clinical and business process changes or impact to clinical guidelines, terms of policies, procedures, and user behavior and reports findings to Connected Care leadership. Based on the VISN and national program, and under the guidance of Connected Care leadership updates a facility-specific implementation plan that includes developing a mission/vision statement, establishing a local team, leading team efforts, identifying local providers as champions, and developing roles and responsibilities. Helps to Establish, develop, and implement local MHV/MHV related goals and strategies to meet goals, identifies responsible parties. Tracks progress, including monitoring goals/activity status, and reports status/progress to Connected Care leadership. 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.
Work Schedule:
Full-time, Monday- Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Telework:
This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
Virtual:
This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#:
Public Affairs Specialist / PD920730 and PD920740
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:
Not Authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI):
Not Approved
Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
Not Authorized
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial 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 or trial 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, 02/12/2026.
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-9 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-7. 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 and/or education as described below:
GS:9:
Specialized Experience:
You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-7 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. May include but not limited to: at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal Service that has equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of a Public Affairs Specialist, and that is typically in or related to the work of this position? Assisting with Veteran outreach, communications, or education initiatives. Developing or supporting educational or informational materials. Conducting presentations or training for Veterans, caregivers, or staff. Supporting digital platforms, online tools, or customer-facing systems.
OR,
Education:
Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have master's or equivalent graduate degree
or
2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree
or
LL.B. or J.D., if related .
OR, GS-11:
Specialized Experience:
You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-9 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. May include but not limited to: at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal Service that has equipped me with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of a Public Affairs Specialist, and that is typically in or related to the work of this position?
Independently coordinating or leading Veteran-facing communication or outreach programs. Developing and executing communication strategies for digital health tools or services. Writing and editing complex materials for diverse audiences, including Veterans and clinical staff. Analyzing participation trends, utilization data, or feedback to inform program improvements. Serving as a liaison between local operations and regional or national program offices. or
Education:
Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have master's or equivalent graduate degree:
Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
or
3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree
or
LL.M., if related
Combination:
Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond:
Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for the grade levels specified in the table, and may be computed by first determining the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicant's education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grades GS-9 and GS-11. (When crediting education that requires specific course work, prorate the number of hours of related courses required as a proportion of the total education to be used.)
You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
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:
Work is primarily sedentary, but may require periods of standing during presentations, briefings,
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
VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to Veterans community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional l health care that improves their health and well-being.
Smoke-free Facility:
All department of Veteran Affairs facilities are smoke-free. Patients, visitors, and employees are not allowed to smoke in or near any facilities or on the grounds
Receiving 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.