Voluntary Services Specialist - Make a Difference at the VA in Fort Harrison, Montana

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to serving those who have served our nation. At the Fort Harrison VA Health Care System in Montana, an exciting opportunity exists for a motivated and compassionate individual to join the team as a Voluntary Services Specialist. This vital role is at the forefront of connecting the community with our veterans, enhancing the care and support they receive through coordinated volunteer efforts and civic engagement. If you are passionate about making a tangible impact and possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills, this position offers a rewarding career path.

About the Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the second-largest federal department, committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for our nation's veterans. Its mission is to provide veterans with comprehensive healthcare, benefits, and memorial services. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), a key component of the VA, operates one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the world. The Fort Harrison VA Health Care System, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Montana, provides a full spectrum of medical and surgical services to veterans in the region, emphasizing patient-centered care and a commitment to excellence.

Job Responsibilities

The Voluntary Services Specialist serves as a key member of the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE)/Voluntary Service office, reporting directly to the Chief. This multifaceted role encompasses the full scope of business operations, including Voluntary Service, Philanthropic Engagement, and Partnership Solutions. You will be responsible for independently managing specific programs or aspects of larger initiatives, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of federal government operations, VA policies, and relevant laws and regulations.

Key duties include:

• Program Development and Management: Assist in the development, coordination, and management of CDCE/Voluntary Service programs. Develop and implement programs and program changes to meet facility and other VA-affiliated program needs.
• Community Outreach: Develop and implement innovative community outreach programs to recruit volunteers and secure financial resources. Build and foster a robust network with internal and external stakeholders to create working coalitions supporting the VA mission.
• Volunteer Coordination: Responsible for interviewing, scheduling, placing, and evaluating volunteers. Conduct follow-up activities to ensure adequate supervision and training. Resolve volunteer-related issues and consult with leadership on policy reviews.
• Donation Management: Coordinate and manage all monetary and in-kind donations. Conduct needs assessments to align development activities with the facility's strategic plan. Develop tax deductibility documentation for donations and provide education on donation expenditure policies.
• Event Planning: Plan and execute complex internal and external special events, including VISN-wide and national events, to secure donations and volunteer support.
• Reporting and Analysis: Prepare volunteer personnel files in accordance with accrediting standards. Consult with various healthcare system services and agency representatives to publicize programs and recommend improvements. Conduct fact-finding and analysis to recommend potential community partnerships.
• Presentation Delivery: Develop and deliver presentations to diverse groups within the facility and in the community.

Requirements

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, applicants must meet the following requirements by the closing date of the announcement:

Basic Eligibility:

• U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Online Assessment: Completion of a mandatory online assessment is required.
• Background Investigation: Selected applicants must undergo a background and security investigation.
• Probationary Period: A 1-year probationary period or a 2-year trial period is required.

Qualification Standards (GS-07, GS-09, GS-11):

To qualify at the GS-07 level, you must meet one of the following:

• Specialized Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 level, directly related to volunteer/philanthropic activities, community communication, technical program development, record-keeping, and recognition.
• Education: One year of graduate-level education or Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) in a related field. Transcripts are required.
• Combination: An equivalent combination of education and experience.

To qualify at the GS-09 level, you must meet one of the following:

• Specialized Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-07 level, including planning, supervising, and coordinating volunteers; evaluating program effectiveness; recruiting and evaluating volunteers; utilizing interpersonal communication skills; and understanding program trends.
• Education: Two years of progressive graduate-level education or a Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in a related field. Transcripts are required.
• Combination: An equivalent combination of education and experience.

To qualify at the GS-11 level, you must meet one of the following:

• Specialized Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-09 level, including managing volunteer programs in a medical setting; developing marketing plans; managing program budgets and donation lists; understanding relevant laws and regulations; and applying personnel management practices for volunteers.
• Education: A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, or three years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a related field. Transcripts are required.
• Combination: An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Note: For Federal employees, Time-In-Grade requirements must be met. A full year of work is considered 35-40 hours per week. Part-time experience is credited proportionally.

Salary Overview

The Voluntary Services Specialist position is graded at the GS-07, GS-09, or GS-11 levels, with a corresponding annual salary range from $50,460 to $97,087. The specific grade and step will be determined based on the selectee's qualifications and experience.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being and professional growth. Benefits may include:

• Health Insurance: A choice of Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans.
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), a defined benefit plan, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a retirement savings and investment plan.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, continuing education, and career advancement.

For more detailed information, please visit VA Careers Benefits.

Application Process

To apply for the Voluntary Services Specialist position, follow these steps:

1. Review Announcement: Carefully read the entire job announcement and all instructions.
2. Create/Log In to USAJOBS: Access your USAJOBS account or create a new one.
3. Complete Application: Fill out the online application and questionnaire accurately.
4. Upload Documents: Submit all required supporting documents, including your resume (max 2 pages), SF-50 (if applicable), and transcripts (if applicable).
5. Submit: Click 'Submit Application' before the closing date: October 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
6. Assessments: Complete any required USA Hire assessments within the given deadline.
7. Track Status: Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS account.

Important Note: Resumes must be two pages or less. Ensure your resume clearly details your qualifications and experience relevant to the position.

Application Tips

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to match the specific duties and qualifications listed in the job announcement. Use keywords and phrases directly from the announcement.
• Be Specific: Clearly describe your responsibilities, accomplishments, and the duration of your experience, including hours worked per week. Do not assume the hiring manager will infer your qualifications.
• Document Experience: Include all relevant paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, internships, and academic projects.
• Federal Employees: If you are a current or former federal employee, ensure you provide the correct SF-50 form to document Time-In-Grade and eligibility.
• Proofread: Carefully review your entire application for any errors or omissions before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What is the salary range for this position?	The annual salary range is $50,460 - $97,087, depending on the grade level (GS-7, GS-9, or GS-11) and the selectee's qualifications and experience.
What are the basic requirements to apply?	You must be a U.S. Citizen and meet the specialized experience or education requirements for the specific grade level (GS-7, GS-9, or GS-11). Federal employees must also meet Time-In-Grade requirements.
Do I need to submit transcripts?	Yes, if you are qualifying based on education or a combination of education and experience, you must submit a copy of your official or unofficial transcripts. Foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
Is telework an option for this position?	Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. The position may be authorized for telework.
Where is the job located?	The position is located at Fort Harrison, Montana.
What kind of experience is considered 'specialized experience'?	Specialized experience is defined as work directly related to the position's duties, such as volunteer management, program development, community outreach, fundraising, or coordination of philanthropic activities, that has equipped you with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
What are the key competencies assessed for this role?	Key competencies include: Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Decision Making, Flexibility, Integrity/Honesty, Interpersonal Skills, Learning, Reading Comprehension, Reasoning, Self-Management, Stress Tolerance, Teamwork, and Time Management.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. Citizen?	No, U.S. Citizenship is a mandatory requirement for this position.
What is the application closing date?	The application closing date is October 5, 2026. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on this date.
Will I be contacted if I am missing required documents?	No, you will not be contacted for additional information. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents are submitted with your application by the closing date.

The Voluntary Services Specialist position at the Fort Harrison VA Health Care System offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the well-being of our nation's veterans while enjoying a fulfilling career in a beautiful location. By leveraging your skills in program management, community engagement, and volunteer coordination, you can make a significant difference. If you are driven by service and seeking a challenging yet rewarding role, we encourage you to apply and become a vital part of the VA team.