Lead the Future of Veteran Care: Supervisory Health System Specialist at VA Portland

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for healthcare administration and community engagement? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering a career-defining opportunity for a Supervisory Health System Specialist to serve as the Chief of the Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE) in Portland, Oregon. This role is pivotal in ensuring that our nation's heroes receive the care and respect they deserve.

Job Responsibilities

As the Chief of the CDCE, you will act as the Veteran Experience Officer (VEO) for the Portland Health Care System. Your responsibilities include:

Strategic Leadership: Overseeing the Public and Congressional Affairs, Executive Communications, and Patient Advocacy programs.
Community Engagement: Coordinating stakeholder meetings with congressional representatives and Veterans Service Organizations (VSO's).
Operational Management: Directing a multidisciplinary team responsible for customer service, facility-level patient advocacy, and communications technology.
Data-Driven Improvement: Analyzing feedback to ensure that quality customer service is consistently provided and aligned with VA strategic goals.

Requirements

To be considered for this high-level position, you must meet several key criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Experience: One full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service.
Time-in-Grade: You must have held a GS grade for at least 52 weeks.
Assessment: Completion of the Supervisory Situational Judgment Test (SSJT).

Salary and Benefits Comparison

Feature	Details
Position	Supervisory Health System Specialist (GS-13)
Annual Salary	$114,684 - $149,091
Location	Portland, OR
Work Schedule	Mon - Fri, 7:30am - 4:00pm

Working for the VA comes with a robust benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, a competitive retirement plan with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and generous paid leave accrual.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal position requires meticulous attention to detail. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer, as submissions exceeding this limit will be disqualified. Focus on quantitative results—use numbers to describe your success in program management, budget oversight, or stakeholder engagement. Finally, ensure your SF-50 forms clearly demonstrate your time-in-grade eligibility.

This position is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to directly influence the quality of care for Veterans in the Pacific Northwest. If you are ready to bring your leadership skills to the VA Portland Health Care System, submit your application before the October 26, 2026, deadline.

Why This Supervisory Health System Specialist (Center For Development & Civic Engagement, Cdce) Job Matters

Shape the future of Veteran care in Portland as a Chief of the Center for Development & Civic Engagement, where your leadership directly influences the community and patient experience.

Supervisory Health System Specialist (Center For Development & Civic Engagement, Cdce) Job Overview

The VA Portland Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Health System Specialist to serve as the Chief of the Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE). In this high-impact leadership role, you will oversee an integrated team focused on public and congressional affairs, patient advocacy, and philanthropic engagement. You will act as the Veteran Experience Officer, driving strategies that improve communication, community outreach, and the overall quality of care for those who served our nation.

Requirements for Supervisory Health System Specialist (Center For Development & Civic Engagement, Cdce)

U.S. Citizenship
Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements (52 weeks at GS-12 for GS-13 position)
One year of specialized experience in healthcare administration or management
Must complete the Supervisory Situational Judgment Test (SSJT)
Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination or medical/religious exemption
Submission of all required documents, including specific SF-50 forms if applicable
Two-page maximum limit for resumes
Subject to background and security investigations

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Health System Specialist (Center For Development & Civic Engagement, Cdce)

Experience in coordinating congressional and community relations
Proven track record in managing patient advocacy programs
Expertise in data analysis and applying management principles to improve healthcare operations
Strong communication skills for media relations, public speaking, and internal staff engagement
Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in a healthcare setting

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance options
✓Retirement savings via the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual
✓Federal holiday pay
✓Career development and training opportunities within the VA
✓Flexible spending accounts

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Health System Specialist (Center For Development & Civic Engagement, Cdce) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Health System Specialist (Center For Development & Civic Engagement, Cdce) Job

Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS website.
Ensure your resume adheres to the new two-page limit and is formatted as a PDF.
Collect necessary documents such as SF-50s, transcripts, or DD-214.
Submit the online application and complete the required questionnaire.
Complete the Supervisory Situational Judgment Test (SSJT) via the application portal.
Confirm submission before the closing date of 10/26/2026.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your resume fits the two-page constraint and includes all necessary metrics.
Be specific about your hours worked per week and the nature of your duties in your resume.
Clearly label your SF-50 forms to prove time-in-grade; do not use award SF-50s as they lack required data.
Highlight your accomplishments in data-driven decision-making and stakeholder engagement.
Check your status frequently through your USAJOBS account dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework available for this position?

Telework is available on an ad-hoc basis only.

What is the page limit for the resume?

Effective September 27, 2025, all resumes for this position must be no longer than two pages.

Do I need to be a veteran to apply?

No, this position is open to various hiring paths; however, veterans' preference is applicable to those who qualify.

What if I have prior volunteer experience?

Volunteer experience is recognized as valid experience and can be used to build your qualifications profile.

Is a pre-placement physical exam required?

No, a physical exam is not required for this role.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,300 health care facilities to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. Guided by the 'I CARE' core values—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—the VHA works tirelessly to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in the military and their families.