Health System Specialist (Credentialing)

Summary

The Health Systems Specialist is located at the Battle Creek VAMC, Office of the Chief of Staff. The incumbent serves as the subject matter expert (SME) to LIPs and Service Chiefs on routine and complex matters related to C&P, for the ongoing OPPE and FPPE. Please be advised that this position is currently subject to an OPM consistency review, which may result in a change in grade. If the review results in a reduction in grade, you could be eligible for grade and/or pay retention.

Duties

Major duties include but not limited to: Assist in identifying the resources required for accomplishing the mission and function of the credentials and privileging program. Receives and reviews correspondence and communications for the C&P function and determines which items require immediate attention and which are confidential. Ensures accurate provider data is entered into and maintained in the VetPro computer program. Holds the credit card and is responsible for maintaining records, reconciling monthly charge statements and verifying legitimacy of requests. Manages provider applications (initial and renewals) for LIPs C&P within the VAMC. Provides guidance and instruction to hospital staff in completing the required documentation for establishing privileges for LIPs. Ensures that application packages and other documents meet the technical requirements specific to the provider's specialty and verifies that the application folder and database account comply with these requirements. Creates an automated system of program-specific data to track suspense on items such as project milestones, progress reports, and compliance strategies. Provides ongoing review of regulatory requirements, TJC Standards, changing laws, and legal precedents to review hospital regulations and make necessary recommendations for changes to ensure compliance with current VHA and TJC Standards, and in the event of an emergency declaration. Serves as technical advisor to the Executive Committee of the Medical Staff (ECMS) and, if applicable, the Credentials Committee. Prepares agendas for credential-related meetings, ensures those involved are notified of expectations, and ensures that all necessary paperwork is completed and accurately prepared for committee action. Conducts final appointment into the VetPro database, after thoroughly researching, analyzing, and validating all data, information, documents, and signature authorities. Delegated authority to initiate requests for information to the National Practitioner Data Bank, and to respond to correspondence for requests for provider credentialing information from external entities per the System of Records Notice 77VA10E2E. Develops and provides routine and special reports as requested by the C&P Manager/Analyst. Composes correspondence requiring Clinical Service Chiefs, Chief of Staff, and Medical Center Director signatures for privileging actions. Work Schedule: 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#: Health System Specialist (Credentialing)/PD91698VS Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): No Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. 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 identification 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 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 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, 10/08/2026. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-07 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: ensuring compliance with VHA policies, directives, memos, and notices, as well as The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, recommendations by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and other internal or external auditors and reviewers as appropriate; collecting relevant data and makes informed decisions utilizing established guidelines to ensure that qualified healthcare professionals provide appropriate care in the appropriate settings; serving as the subject matter expert (SME) to LIPs and Service Chiefs on routine and complex matters related to C&P, providing vital technical guidance regarding provider competence for the ongoing provider practice evaluation (OPPE) and focused provider practice evaluation (FPPE); and independently executes the critical functions of the Medical Staff Office that are essential to patient safety and to assuring the quality of patient care provided by the VAMC. OR Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have completed a Master's or equivalent graduate degree, 2 full years of progressively higher graduate education, or an LL.B./J.D. related to health administration. OR Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond the first year and specialized experience. 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/. How You Will Be Evaluated

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position: Attention to Detail Customer Service Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Reading Comprehension Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. 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. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. 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. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. 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. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator. Other Information

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. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced 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/.