Become a Program Specialist with the Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to those who have served our country. We are currently seeking a highly skilled Program Specialist to join the Radiation Oncology team at the Northport VA Medical Center. If you are a detail-oriented professional with a passion for process improvement and administrative excellence, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Specialist, you will act as a key support pillar for the Radiation Oncology management team. Your responsibilities include:

Data Management: Extracting, analyzing, and reporting on clinical workload metrics using systems like VISTA and PACS.
Administrative Oversight: Managing personnel actions, position descriptions, and performance standards.
Fiscal Stewardship: Monitoring budget control points, conducting reconciliations, and forecasting financial needs.
Process Improvement: Leading quality management initiatives, patient safety studies, and workflow optimizations.

Requirements

Candidates must be U.S. Citizens and satisfy the following:

Specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level.
Ability to clear a security and background investigation.
Compliance with the VHA mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Willingness to serve a one-year probationary period.

Comparison of Qualification Paths

Qualification Type	Requirement	Key Evidence Needed
Experience	1 Year at GS-07 equivalent	SF-50 or detailed experience description
Education	Master's Degree or 2 years Grad School	Official Transcripts
Combined	Partial Experience + Education	Both transcripts and work history

Salary Overview

This position is classified under the GS-09 grade level, with a competitive salary range of $72,737 to $94,563 per year, commensurate with qualifications and locality pay adjustments.

Benefits

Employees at the VA enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including:

Health and life insurance plans.
The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Professional development and training programs.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances of success:

Use the Resume Builder: This ensures your documents meet federal formatting standards.
Adhere to Page Limits: Federal agencies now enforce a two-page limit for resumes.
Detail Your Experience: Clearly state your duties and hours per week to allow HR to verify your qualifications.

The Program Specialist role at Northport VA Medical Center is more than a job—it is a chance to use your administrative skills to improve the lives of Veterans. Apply by September 10, 2026, to be considered for this vital role.

Why This Program Specialist Job Matters

Advance your career while serving those who served. Join the Northport VA Medical Center as a Program Specialist and play a vital role in our Radiation Oncology mission.

Program Specialist Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Program Specialist to support the administrative and technical operations of the Radiation Oncology Service at the Northport VA Medical Center. This position focuses on optimizing service efficiency, managing complex data analytics, and providing oversight for administrative workflows within a high-stakes clinical environment.

Requirements for Program Specialist

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be registered with the Selective Service if male born after 12/31/1959.
Must pass a background and security investigation.
Required to complete a one-year probationary or two-year trial period.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements (52 weeks at the GS-07 level for current federal employees).
Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Specialist

Master’s degree or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education.
Possession of a J.D. or LL.B degree.
Expertise in specialized VA software including Varian ARIA, Eclipse, CPRS, and ISS.
Proven experience in budgetary management, fund control, and fiscal forecasting.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and analyze complex clinical workload data.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP)
✓Paid time off and federal holidays
✓Career growth and training opportunities
✓Potential for annual leave accrual credit based on prior service

💡 How to Apply Program Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Specialist Job

Create or log in to your account at USAJOBS.
Review the full job announcement and document requirements.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including your most recent SF-50 and transcripts if applicable.
Submit your application package by the closing date of September 10, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is limited to two pages to comply with federal hiring guidelines.
Clearly articulate your experience with specific examples rather than generic duties.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Include a copy of your most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former federal employee.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onsite position in Northport, NY, though some ad-hoc telework may be authorized after discussion with management.

What is the education requirement for this role?

You may qualify via specialized experience at the GS-07 level or through a Master's degree (or equivalent graduate education).

Is the influenza vaccination mandatory?

Yes, participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for all VHA health care personnel.

What is the focus of this role?

The focus is on the administrative and operational support of the Radiation Oncology department.

Is there potential for promotion?

This specific position currently does not have built-in promotion potential beyond the GS-09 grade level.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing care to millions of Veterans, the VHA prides itself on a culture of compassion, clinical innovation, and structural integrity. Working at the Northport VA means joining a team dedicated to President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served and their families.