Become a Program Specialist: Supporting Veterans Health in Monterey
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a highly motivated and organized individual to serve as a Program Specialist within the Veterans Health Administration in Monterey, California. This role is pivotal in bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and patient care. By managing telehealth initiatives, you will help ensure that veterans have access to vital medical services regardless of their location.
Job Responsibilities
As a Program Specialist, your duties will be diverse and highly impactful:
- Telehealth Coordination: Acting as the primary point of contact for inpatient and outpatient telehealth referrals.
- Technical Support: Installing and maintaining video teleconferencing equipment and troubleshooting connectivity issues.
- Provider Training: Teaching clinical staff how to utilize virtual care software and hardware efficiently.
- Administrative Oversight: Managing workload captures, developing process improvements, and preparing reports for leadership.
Comparison Table: Experience vs. Education for GS-9
| Path | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Specialized Experience | 1 year at GS-7 level in an administrative or technical role |
| Education | Master's degree or 2 full years of graduate-level study |
| Combination | A mix of graduate education (after the first year) and professional experience |
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-9 position, you must demonstrate a mix of administrative acumen and technical knowledge. Beyond the academic or professional experience noted above, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet federal employment standards, including a thorough background check and vaccination requirements for healthcare personnel.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $77,161 to $100,315 per year, commensurate with qualifications and established federal pay scales.
Benefits
Working for the VA provides access to an unparalleled benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Federal retirement savings programs.
- Substantial paid leave and federal holidays.
- Professional growth within the federal health sector.
Application Tips
- SF-50 Documentation: Ensure you submit the correct SF-50 forms that explicitly document your time-in-grade.
- Clarity is Key: Since we do not make assumptions, use your resume to describe your duties in detail, noting hours worked per week for all previous roles.
- Stay Organized: Use the USAJOBS status tracker to monitor your application's progress after submission.
If you are looking to advance your career while making a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's heroes, this Program Specialist role in Monterey is an ideal fit. Apply today to bring your skills to the Veterans Health Administration.
Why This Program Specialist Job Matters
Transform the future of patient care as a Program Specialist in Monterey, CA, and support the critical mission of the Veterans Health Administration.
Program Specialist Job Overview
The Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Program Specialist to join our team in Monterey, California. In this role, you will be the cornerstone for Telehealth operations, ensuring that our Veterans receive seamless, efficient, and compassionate care through modern digital health modalities. You will serve as a vital link between clinical staff and administrative systems, troubleshooting connectivity, training providers, and optimizing workflows to improve patient outcomes.
Requirements for Program Specialist
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must be registered with the Selective Service (if male and born after 12/31/1959).
- Must possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-7 level or equivalent.
- Possession of a master's degree or two full years of graduate-level education, or a combination of both.
- Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements if currently employed by the federal government.
- Must be able to successfully complete a background security investigation.
- Must participate in mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination programs.
- Must submit an SF-50 clearly documenting time-in-grade.
Preferred Qualifications for Program Specialist
- Strong background in project management and administrative oversight.
- Experience in identifying and resolving connectivity issues with video conferencing equipment.
- Proven ability to translate complex technical procedures into simple training for clinical staff.
- Proficiency in analyzing and summarizing administrative reports for leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to function in high-pressure clinical environments.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with annual increases.
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
- ✓Retirement plans including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Generous leave policies including annual, sick, and federal holidays.
- ✓Potential for telework opportunities to support work-life balance.
💡 How to Apply Program Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Program Specialist Job
- Log into or create your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your resume detailing specialized experience and relevant accomplishments.
- Gather supporting documents: transcripts, SF-50, DD-214, or veteran preference documentation.
- Access the online questionnaire via the job posting link.
- Upload all required documentation through the application portal.
- Submit your application package before the 09/14/2026 deadline.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your SF-50 clearly shows your time-in-grade; award-related SF-50s are typically not sufficient.
- Be specific in your resume—use numbers and concrete examples of your administrative and technical contributions.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire carefully, as it heavily influences your initial rating.
- Submit early to ensure all virus scans and uploads complete well before the final deadline.
- Review your resume to ensure it reflects exactly 35-40 hours per week for full-time credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework, though it is not a fully remote role. Specific telework arrangements are determined during the interview and onboarding process based on organizational needs.
What is the primary function of the Program Specialist in this department?
The specialist serves as the point of contact for Telehealth, managing clinic setups, training providers on video conferencing equipment, and troubleshooting connectivity issues to ensure patients receive timely clinical care.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) is a Level 1a facility renowned for its commitment to clinical excellence, research, and education. Affiliated with Stanford University, the VAPAHCS serves over 67,000 enrolled veterans, offering everything from primary care and dentistry to complex oncology and surgical services. Joining this team means contributing to a mission that prioritizes those who have served our country.