Launch Your Career as a Program Specialist with the Veterans Health Administration

Are you looking for a career that combines administrative expertise with a meaningful mission? The Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan, is currently hiring for a Program Specialist. This position plays a critical role in the operations of the facility, ensuring that medical education programs run smoothly and that future healthcare providers receive the training they need to serve our nation’s heroes.

Job Responsibilities

The Program Specialist oversees a vast array of institutional affiliation agreements. You will be responsible for:

Managing 21 academic programs in health-related fields, including Psychiatry, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Social Work.
Analyzing procedural issues and implementing techniques to improve operational efficiency.
Synthesizing complex data for supervisory review and audit preparation.
Coordinating with academic affiliates to ensure curriculum compliance.

Requirements

To be considered for this competitive position, you must meet several key requirements:

Requirement Type	Criteria
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Experience	One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level
Documentation	Transcript for all degrees and most recent SF-50
Resume Limit	Two-page maximum
Assessment	Completion of USA Hire Assessments

Salary and Benefits

This role is graded at the GS-09 to GS-11 level, offering a salary range of $68,081 to $107,090 annually. Beyond the salary, employees enjoy the comprehensive federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning, and generous paid time off.

How to Apply

Prepare: Update your resume to focus on results-oriented achievements.
Documentation: Gather your SF-50 and transcripts.
Application: Submit your package through the official USAJOBS portal before the deadline.
Assessment: Watch your email for the link to the USA Hire assessment.

This position offers a unique chance to influence the future of healthcare education while supporting the VA mission. If you possess strong analytical skills and a desire to serve, we encourage you to review the full announcement and submit your application today.

Why This Program Specialist Job Matters

Launch a meaningful career supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals by joining the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center team.

Program Specialist Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Program Specialist to oversee critical educational operations at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan. This role is pivotal in managing affiliation agreements and ensuring high standards for a diverse range of medical trainees, including residents, nursing students, and clinical support staff. You will analyze program data, streamline administrative workflows, and serve as a key liaison to foster an environment of educational excellence that directly impacts the quality of care for our nation's Veterans.

Requirements for Program Specialist

U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements if you are a current or former federal employee.
Must submit a complete resume (maximum two pages) clearly documenting specialized experience.
Successful completion of an online assessment is mandatory.
Must be able to provide transcripts for all education used to qualify.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Subject to a background and security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Specialist

Demonstrated experience in program management and process analysis.
Advanced proficiency in office and data analysis software applications.
Strong ability to interpret complex federal regulations and policies.
Expertise in resource allocation and organizational project management.
Proven track record of preparing comprehensive briefings and executive reports.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with promotion potential to GS-11.
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave accrual.
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance packages.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Predictable work scheduling (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
✓Opportunities for professional development within the VA network.

💡 How to Apply Program Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Specialist Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Attach all required documentation, including your most recent SF-50 and transcripts.
Submit your online application and questionnaire before the closing date.
Follow the provided email instructions to complete the USA Hire Assessment within the required timeframe.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your format meets the two-page limit.
Highlight specific, results-oriented achievements rather than just listing duties.
Ensure your resume explicitly states hours worked per week and specific date ranges for each position.
Save and upload your documents in PDF format to maintain layout integrity.
Double-check your SF-50 dates to ensure you demonstrate one full year of time-in-grade eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onsite position located in Saginaw, Michigan, and is not eligible for full-time remote work.

What is the education requirement?

Requirements vary by grade level. Generally, a Master's degree or equivalent (for GS-09) or a Ph.D. or equivalent (for GS-11) may be used to qualify, though relevant specialized experience can also be used.

What documentation is required for current federal employees?

You must submit your most recent SF-50. If the date is within the current calendar year, you must provide an additional SF-50 dated at least one year prior to prove your time-in-grade.

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 is committed to the "I CARE" values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Working here means more than just a paycheck; it is a commitment to the men and women who have sacrificed for our country.