Program Specialist (Operating Room) – A Career Impacting Veterans' Lives

Are you a dedicated professional looking to apply your administrative and organizational skills in a mission-critical environment? The South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) is currently hiring a Program Specialist (Operating Room) to facilitate the seamless operation of surgical services at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans' Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. This role is essential to our ability to provide world-class, life-saving care to the men and women who have served our nation.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Specialist, you are the backbone of surgical support operations. Your daily duties will include:

Operational Analysis: Evaluating workflows, staffing, and resource utilization to boost efficiency.
Procurement & Logistics: Coordinating with Sterile Processing, vendors, and clinical staff to ensure necessary surgical equipment and supplies are available.
Data Reporting: Translating complex data into actionable reports for hospital management.
Project Oversight: Planning and leading projects related to OR infrastructure and equipment upgrades.
Policy Interpretation: Ensuring compliance with accreditation standards and institutional policies.

Comparison: Standard vs. Specialized OR Coordination

Feature	Administrative Support	Program Specialist (OR)
Focus	General Office Duties	Clinical/Surgical Support
Stakeholders	Internal Dept Only	Surgeons, Nurses, Vendors, Logistics
Equipment Knowledge	Basic Office Supplies	Specialized Surgical Instrumentation
Operational Impact	Routine Workflow	Immediate Impact on Surgical Readiness

Requirements

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Time-in-Grade: Current federal employees must have 52 weeks of experience at the GS-07 level.
Education: If qualifying via education, a Master’s degree or equivalent graduate work is required.
Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is mandatory.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-09 grade level, offering a competitive annual salary ranging from $62,629 to $81,423. This pay scale reflects the expertise required to manage high-stakes surgical environments within a federal medical system.

Benefits

Working for the Veterans Health Administration offers more than just a paycheck. Employees enjoy:

Robust health, dental, and vision insurance.
Generous leave accrual, including vacation and sick leave.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.
Opportunities for continuous professional growth within a massive healthcare network.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: The VA now strictly enforces a two-page limit on resumes. Prioritize your most recent and relevant experience.
Be Data-Driven: When describing past success, use numbers. For example, detail how you improved inventory turnaround times or reduced equipment downtime.
Tailor Your Content: Align your resume keywords directly with the competencies listed in the job announcement (e.g., Analysis, Attention to Detail, Teamwork).

If you are ready to apply your talents to a cause that truly matters, this Program Specialist role at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System offers a rewarding career path. Apply by the closing date to join our mission of serving those who have served us.

Why This Program Specialist (Operating Room) Job Matters

Play a vital role in surgical excellence by coordinating the operational heartbeat of the operating room at a top-tier VA facility.

Program Specialist (Operating Room) Job Overview

The South Texas Veterans Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Program Specialist to manage the complex administrative and logistical operations of its surgical suites. You will be the bridge between clinical teams, procurement, and management, ensuring that instrumentation, equipment, and resources are always prepared to support high-quality care for our nation's Veterans.

Requirements for Program Specialist (Operating Room)

U.S. Citizenship
Current Federal employees must meet 52-week time-in-grade requirements at the GS-07 level
Must be able to pass a background and security investigation
Must complete an online assessment and onboarding process
Must provide proof of eligibility (e.g., transcripts, SF-50s, DD-214)
Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination requirements
Completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period

Preferred Qualifications for Program Specialist (Operating Room)

Master's degree or two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education
Proven experience in medical supply chain or inventory management
Demonstrated ability to analyze operational data and report findings to management
Experience interpreting and applying accreditation standards in a healthcare setting

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Generous paid time off and federal holidays
✓Federal retirement savings plans (TSP)
✓Opportunities for professional development
✓Supportive and inclusive work environment
✓Service credit for annual leave accrual based on prior experience

💡 How to Apply Program Specialist (Operating Room) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Specialist (Operating Room) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less.
Complete the online application and mandatory questionnaire.
Attach all required documents, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
Submit your application package by the closing date.
Complete the required online assessment if prompted by the hiring agency.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; the VA strictly limits resumes to two pages.
Be specific about your experience, including hours worked per week.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your documents meet all formatting requirements.
Clearly highlight your specialized experience relative to the operating room environment.
Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Program Specialist in the Operating Room?

You act as the primary coordinator for surgical resources, including instrumentation, equipment availability, workflow analysis, and vendor relations, ensuring the OR runs efficiently and safely.

Is this a remote position?

No, this position is onsite at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans' Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.

What documentation is required to prove my eligibility?

You must provide an SF-50 if you are a current or former federal employee, transcripts for education-based qualifications, and a DD-214 if you are claiming Veterans' Preference.

What is the work schedule?

*A: The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.*

Can I apply if I don't have federal experience?

*A: Yes, provided you meet the specialized experience requirements or educational qualifications outlined in the posting.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to the mission of honoring the men and women who have served in our military. The South Texas Veterans Health Care System is one of the nation's largest providers of healthcare for Veterans, serving over 114,000 individuals across 35 counties. With an active affiliation with UT Health San Antonio, we pride ourselves on delivering comprehensive primary, secondary, and tertiary care.