Launch Your Career as a Program Specialist at the VA

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact while building a stable career in the federal government? The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas, is currently hiring a Program Specialist (GS-9) to support our vital clinical and operational initiatives. This role is a unique chance to combine administrative excellence with a passion for serving our nation's veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Specialist, you will play a central role in the Epilepsy Center of Excellence. Your primary duties will include:

Data Management: Maintaining and analyzing operational databases to ensure clinical activities are tracked effectively.
Process Improvement: Designing dashboards and reports to monitor program performance and identifying areas for efficiency.
Operational Support: Coordinating between clinical and administrative staff to ensure seamless healthcare delivery.
Reporting: Preparing clear, actionable summaries for leadership to support data-driven decision-making.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following baseline requirements:

U.S. Citizenship: Required for all federal appointments.
Assessment: Completion of an online competency-based assessment.
Experience/Education: One year of specialized experience at the GS-7 level OR a Master’s degree (or equivalent graduate work).
Time-in-Grade: Current federal employees must have held a GS-7 position for at least 52 weeks.

Comparison of Qualification Pathways

Qualification Type	Requirements
Experience	1 Year of specialized experience at GS-7 level
Education	Master's degree or 2 years of graduate study
Combination	Mixing specialized experience with graduate level credits

Salary Overview

This position is classified under the General Schedule (GS) at the GS-9 grade level. The annual salary range for this role is $71,181 to $92,541, depending on experience and regulatory guidelines.

Benefits of Federal Employment

Working at the VA comes with a suite of robust federal benefits, including:

Extensive health insurance choices.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Stability and potential for career growth within the agency.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Prioritize your most recent and relevant accomplishments.
Documentation: Include all required SF-50 forms and transcripts. The agency will not reach out to request missing items.
Be Specific: Quantify your results. Instead of saying you "managed data," say you "managed a database of 500+ records, improving reporting efficiency by 20%."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the work schedule? A: Typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, though this may adjust based on agency needs.

Q: Is there relocation assistance? A: No, relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.

If you have a background in healthcare analytics or program coordination and a desire to contribute to a mission-driven organization, we encourage you to apply. The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center offers a professional home where your skills can change lives.

Why This Program Specialist Job Matters

Elevate your career while serving those who served: Join the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center as a Program Specialist and shape the future of veteran healthcare delivery.

Program Specialist Job Overview

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is seeking a detail-oriented Program Specialist to join our Epilepsy Center of Excellence (ECoE). In this role, you will be a vital link in managing operational data, coordinating clinical programs, and improving the efficiency of care provided to our nation's veterans. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply your analytical skills to real-world healthcare challenges in a dynamic, supportive environment located in the heart of Houston, Texas.

Requirements for Program Specialist

U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
Must pass a background and security investigation.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-7 level or equivalent.
Completion of a Master's degree or two full years of progressively higher graduate education (if qualifying by education).
Current federal employees must meet 52-week time-in-grade requirements.
Must participate in the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.
A two-page maximum limit for resumes applies.
Completion of an online assessment is required.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Specialist

Demonstrated experience in clinical informatics or health informatics.
Proven track record in managing healthcare program data and dashboards.
Strong proficiency in utilizing tools like SQL or PowerBI for data-driven decision-making.
Experience in coordinating multidisciplinary teams and operational workflows.
Excellence in written communication and the ability to prepare detailed management reports.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance options
✓Federal Retirement Benefits (FERS)
✓Paid Annual and Sick Leave
✓Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Work-life balance with standard daytime office hours

💡 How to Apply Program Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Specialist Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a two-page, results-oriented resume.
Complete the online questionnaire and required assessments.
Upload all required supporting documents (transcripts, SF-50s, etc.).
Submit your application package by the closing date of September 9, 2026.
Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly details duties, month/year start and end dates, and hours worked per week.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting, and keep it strictly under two pages.
Review your SF-50s to ensure they clearly demonstrate your one-year time-in-grade eligibility.
Practice using the resources available at the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center.
Proofread your application to avoid assumptions—be specific about your achievements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position remote?

No, this is an onsite position located at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas.

What is the maximum length for my resume?

Federal regulations now require that resumes for this position be no longer than two pages.

Can I use education to qualify for this GS-9 role?

Yes, you may qualify with a Master's degree or two full years of graduate education leading to a degree, provided you submit an official transcript.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is one of the most prestigious healthcare facilities in the country, serving over 151,000 veterans in the southeast Texas region. Our mission is to honor our military veterans by providing world-class, compassionate care. Joining our team means becoming part of a community that values integrity, innovation, and total commitment to those who have served.