Advance Your Career as a Health System Specialist with the VA
Are you a detail-oriented professional looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of American veterans? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is currently seeking a dedicated Health System Specialist to join the Office of Research and Development. This role is pivotal in maintaining the regulatory integrity of medical research and ensuring that every project adheres to the highest standards of safety and compliance.
Job Responsibilities
As a Health System Specialist, you will act as a subject matter expert, guiding researchers and leadership through the complex web of federal compliance. Key responsibilities include:
- Regulatory Management: Applying knowledge of 21 CFR Parts 11/50/56 and HIPAA regulations to ensure all research protocols are compliant.
- Quality Assurance: Designing and implementing monitoring programs to identify trends and address non-compliance issues proactively.
- Committee Support: Managing review calendars for IRB, IACUC, and other regulatory committees.
- Program Development: Creating and refining tracking systems to manage the lifecycle of research projects from submission to completion.
Role Comparison
| Feature | GS-09 Level | GS-11 Level |
|---|---|---|
| Oversight | General supervision | Independent work |
| Compliance | Routine protocol support | Institutional subject matter expertise |
| Decision Making | Escalates novel questions | Resolves ambiguous/novel questions |
Requirements
To qualify, you must possess a strong foundation in hospital or public health administration. Specialized experience is required, focusing on analytical or administrative work in a healthcare setting. Essential requirements include:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- A two-page resume max.
- Successful completion of a one-year probationary period.
- Ability to demonstrate one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $67,722 to $97,087 annually, depending on your qualifications and grade level.
Benefits
Working for the VA comes with significant benefits, including:
- Competitive health and life insurance.
- Comprehensive retirement savings through FERS and TSP.
- Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
- Work-life balance with telework options.
Application Tips
Success in your application begins with a polished, compliant resume. Ensure you explicitly list your duties, hours worked per week, and accomplishments. Always convert your documents to PDF and ensure your resume does not exceed two pages, as required by recent federal mandates.
If you are ready to apply your administrative expertise to a mission that matters, the Health System Specialist position at the Ann Arbor VA is an ideal next step. Apply today to contribute to a legacy of care and innovation for our veterans.
Why This Health System Specialist Job Matters
Join the Veterans Health Administration as a Health System Specialist and play a vital role in ensuring excellence and regulatory compliance in critical medical research for those who have served our nation.
Health System Specialist Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a detail-oriented Health System Specialist to support the Office of Research and Development at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center. This position is essential to maintaining the integrity and regulatory compliance of our research programs. You will serve as a subject matter expert, managing regulatory committees, overseeing compliance frameworks, and providing administrative and procedural support to ensure that VA research meets the highest federal standards.
Requirements for Health System Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
- Must meet Individual Occupational Requirements (Undergraduate/Graduate study in health/business administration or specialized experience)
- Must meet one-year Time-In-Grade requirements if a current or former federal employee
- Must submit an SF-50 demonstrating time-in-grade eligibility
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period
- Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages in length
- Participation in the seasonal influenza program
Preferred Qualifications for Health System Specialist
- Experience with regulatory frameworks such as 21 CFR Parts 11/50/56, 45 CFR Part 46, and HIPAA Privacy Rule
- Experience managing committee review calendars for R&D, IRB, or IACUC
- Proven track record of resolving complex compliance issues for research protocols
- Ability to analyze research submissions for adherence to federal regulations including FDA, OHRP, and ORO guidelines
- Strong communication skills for negotiating with investigators and regulatory bodies
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance options
- ✓Retirement plans including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
- ✓Opportunities for telework based on supervisor discretion
- ✓Professional development and training programs
💡 How to Apply Health System Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Health System Specialist Job
- Create or update your account on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Review the job announcement and questionnaire requirements.
- Complete the online assessment if prompted by the USA Hire system.
- Submit your resume and supporting documents (transcripts, SF-50, etc.) through the USAJOBS portal.
- Monitor your application status for updates and notifications.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is formatted clearly and does not exceed the two-page limit.
- Be specific in your resume by including job titles, duties, and exact hours worked per week.
- Upload supporting documents like transcripts or SF-50s as PDF files to maintain formatting.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet technical requirements.
- Highlight your experience with specific regulatory frameworks to stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, ad-hoc telework is authorized at the discretion of your supervisor, though this is not a fully remote position.
What is the maximum resume length allowed?
As of September 2025, federal resumes for this position must be no longer than two pages.
Does this position offer promotion potential?
Yes, this position has a promotion potential to the GS-11 level.
What if I have a disability?
The VA encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and offers reasonable accommodations during the assessment process.
Is a physical exam required?
A pre-placement physical is not required for this role.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By working at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center, you become part of a compassionate team providing world-class health care and cutting-edge research opportunities for veterans.