Career Opportunity: Equal Employment Specialist at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System

The VA Central Iowa Health Care System is seeking a passionate and skilled Equal Employment Specialist to join our Executive Director's Office. This is a unique opportunity to shape the workplace culture of a premier healthcare organization dedicated to the men and women who have served our nation. If you possess a strong background in EEO compliance, diversity initiatives, and conflict resolution, this role offers a path to contribute significantly to federal service.

Job Responsibilities

As an Equal Employment Specialist, your primary objective is to facilitate a fair and inclusive environment. Your core duties include:

EEO Program Administration: Providing technical and administrative support for EEO, Affirmative Employment, and D&I programs.
Advisory Services: Acting as a subject matter expert for leadership on complex EEO and anti-discrimination policies.
Complaint Management: Collaborating with the Office of Resolution Management to navigate discrimination complaint processes.
Data Reporting: Preparing essential reports like the FEORP and DVAAP to ensure institutional compliance.
Training: Developing and presenting educational programs for staff regarding EEO issues.

Requirements

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens and satisfy specific criteria to be considered:

Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level (or equivalent).
Education: A Ph.D. or three years of graduate studies, or a combination of both.
Documentation: Submission of an SF-50 is required for current or former federal employees.
Assessments: Completion of the online USA Hire Assessment is mandatory.

Salary Overview

Grade	Salary Range (Annual)
GS-11	$75,284 - $97,875

Benefits

Working for the VA comes with significant benefits that prioritize employee well-being:

Competitive federal salary structure.
Comprehensive healthcare, dental, and vision insurance.
Enrollment in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Accrual of annual leave and sick leave.
Access to professional development programs.

Application Tips

Two-Page Limit: Ensure your resume does not exceed two pages to comply with federal requirements.
Be Specific: Quantify your experience with specific achievements and duties performed.
Assessments: Set aside at least 3 hours for the USA Hire assessment.
SF-50: Ensure your most recent SF-50 clearly shows your tenure for time-in-grade requirements.

Join us in Des Moines, Iowa, and apply your skills to support those who served our country. This role is more than just a job; it is a vital part of maintaining the standards of equity and compassion that the VA represents. Apply via the USAJOBS portal today.

Why This Equal Employment Specialist Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served: Join the VA Central Iowa Health Care System as an Equal Employment Specialist and champion diversity, inclusion, and fair opportunity for all.

Equal Employment Specialist Job Overview

The VA Central Iowa Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Equal Employment Specialist to join the Executive Director's Office in Des Moines. This role is pivotal in managing EEO, Affirmative Employment, Diversity and Inclusion, and Alternative Dispute Resolution functions. You will serve as a technical advisor to leadership, ensuring equitable practices across our multi-campus healthcare system that serves thousands of Veterans.

Requirements for Equal Employment Specialist

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must complete an online application, questionnaire, and assessment.
Must be able to provide SF-50 forms proving time-in-grade (for federal employees).
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must successfully complete a background and suitability/fitness investigation.
Requirement to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must adhere to a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Resume must not exceed two pages.

Preferred Qualifications for Equal Employment Specialist

Prior experience in planning, implementing, and supporting EEO and Affirmative Employment programs.
Proficiency in analyzing statistical data related to discrimination complaint processes.
Strong background in providing advisory services to management on D&I and EEO regulatory implications.
Experience managing Special Emphasis Programs.
Advanced education (Ph.D. or 3 years of graduate study) in a relevant field.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Generous retirement plans, including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
✓Work-life balance through agency-supported telework policies.

💡 How to Apply Equal Employment Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Equal Employment Specialist Job

Create or log in to your account at USAJOBS.
Prepare a two-page resume that clearly highlights specialized experience.
Gather necessary documentation, including SF-50s and academic transcripts.
Complete the online questionnaire and mandatory USA Hire Assessment.
Submit your complete application package via the USAJOBS portal by 11:59 PM ET on July 17, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting integrity.
Use clear, results-oriented language and align your bullet points with the specific duties listed in the job description.
Ensure your resume includes your job title, start/end dates (month/year), and average hours worked per week.
Complete your USA Hire Assessment early, as it may take several hours to finish.
Double-check that your SF-50s clearly demonstrate the required one-year time-in-grade eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use education to qualify for this GS-11 position?

Yes. You may qualify through a Ph.D., three years of progressively higher-level graduate education, or a combination of specialized experience and graduate-level education.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

No, this is not a virtual position. However, it may be eligible for ad-hoc telework, which will be discussed during the interview process.

What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?

In accordance with the Merit Hiring Plan, resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for the position.

What is the closing date for this application?

Applications must be submitted no later than July 17, 2026.

Is a pre-placement physical required?

No, a pre-placement physical is not required for this role.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The VA Central Iowa Health Care System provides a wide range of services including primary care, surgery, and behavioral health across multiple campuses. As an employee, you will be part of a team that prioritizes a "Whole Health" approach to care.