Advance Your Career as a Health System Specialist with the VA

Are you a dedicated healthcare administrator looking to make a lasting impact? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Health System Specialist to support the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan. This position is central to the facility’s academic mission, managing the programs that train the next generation of medical professionals who will provide care for our nation’s heroes.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will serve as the administrative backbone for Health Professions Education (HPE) at the facility. Your primary duties include:

Program Management (50%): Overseeing the lifecycle of HPE programs, including funding management, accreditation, and administrative onboarding for trainees.
Compliance (25%): Ensuring all educational activities adhere to VHA and national accreditation standards through rigorous audits and documentation.
Strategic Planning (25%): Developing 5-year strategic plans to ensure the facility remains agile in the face of technological and regulatory changes.

Core Competencies Comparison

Competency	Focus Area	Impact
Strategic Planning	Long-term operations	Future-proofing the facility
Compliance	Regulatory standards	Ensuring accreditation status
Stakeholder Management	HPTs and Affiliates	Enhancing training partnerships

Requirements

To be eligible for this GS-12 role, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Time-In-Grade: Federal employees must have held a GS-11 grade level or higher for at least 52 weeks.
Experience: Demonstrated progressively responsible administrative or clinical management experience within a healthcare environment.
Documentation: A maximum 2-page resume and a valid SF-50 confirming your professional history.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal salary range of $98,729 – $128,350 per year, commensurate with experience and federal pay scales.

Benefits

Employees of the Veterans Health Administration enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Robust health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for retirement savings.
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Opportunities for career growth and professional development within the federal healthcare system.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your resume is concise and under the 2-page limit.
Be Specific: Quantify your achievements. If you managed a budget, state the dollar amount; if you led a team, mention the size.
Use Keywords: Align your language with the specific competencies mentioned in the job announcement.

Serving as a Health System Specialist in Detroit offers a unique opportunity to blend administrative excellence with a profound sense of purpose. If you possess the experience and dedication to support the VHA’s mission, apply today to start your journey.

Why This Health System Specialist Job Matters

Advance your career in medical administration while directly supporting the academic mission that prepares the next generation of healthcare providers for our nation's Veterans.

Health System Specialist Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Health System Specialist to join the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan. In this pivotal role, you will lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Health Professions Education (HPE) programs. You will serve as a key administrative liaison, ensuring that educational initiatives align with organizational goals, accreditation standards, and the overall mission of providing world-class care to those who have served.

Requirements for Health System Specialist

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must meet all qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.
Current federal employees must meet 52-week Time-In-Grade requirements at the GS-11 level.
Must submit a professional resume (maximum 2 pages).
Must submit an SF-50 clearly demonstrating Time-In-Grade eligibility.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Completion of an online assessment is required.
Subject to a background and security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Health System Specialist

Experience in an operating healthcare facility with advisory or directional authority.
Proven track record in analytical, administrative, or clinical management within a healthcare system.
Demonstrated ability to develop internal review systems ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Experience with strategic planning and change management related to technological advancements in healthcare.
Strong background in managing educational program budgets and accreditation processes.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance plans
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Retirement programs including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
✓Professional development and training opportunities
✓Participation in the Whole Health System initiative

💡 How to Apply Health System Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Health System Specialist Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
Prepare a 2-page resume highlighting relevant experience.
Complete the online questionnaire.
Upload required documents, including transcripts and SF-50s.
Submit your application before the closing date.
Monitor email for notifications regarding required USA Hire assessments.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your format complies with the 2-page limit.
Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position listed.
Save and upload your documents as PDFs to preserve formatting.
Set aside at least 3 hours for the online assessment if requested.
Clearly link your past responsibilities to the qualifications listed in the announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onsite position located in Detroit, Michigan.

What is the education requirement for this role?

Candidates must have a background in hospital administration, public health administration, business, or public administration, with specific coursework in healthcare administration.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No, federal agencies are currently capping resumes at two pages; exceeding this will make you ineligible for the position.

What is the closing date for this application?

*A: The application period closes on November 9, 2026.*

Is the influenza vaccine required?

*A: Yes, annual influenza vaccination is a condition of employment for all VHA healthcare personnel.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our military. The Detroit VAMC is a Level 1B complexity facility serving approximately 330,000 Veterans in the Southeast Michigan area. As a teaching hospital, the center integrates state-of-the-art technology, groundbreaking research, and comprehensive patient care ranging from primary medicine to specialized mental health and surgical services.