Advance Your Career as a Program Specialist with the VA in Oklahoma City

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class, compassionate care to those who have served our nation. If you are an administrative professional with a passion for clinical operations, the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System has an opening for a Program Specialist. This position offers a unique chance to play a behind-the-scenes, yet critical, role in ensuring the efficiency of the Surgical Care Service Line.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Specialist, you will wear many hats, serving as the bridge between clinical leadership and administrative support. Key responsibilities include:

Contract Administration: Acting as the Contracting Officer’s Representative for the Eye Clinic.
Logistics & Planning: Overseeing equipment procurement, inventory tracking, and clinical space activation.
Operational Support: Managing personnel actions, coordinating recruitment, and ensuring compliance with Standard Operating Procedures.
Data Management: Analyzing administrative data to provide actionable reports to hospital leadership.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Experience	One year of specialized experience at the GS-7 level or equivalent
Education	Masters degree or equivalent graduate education may substitute for experience
Compliance	Must complete an online competency assessment
Documentation	Two-page maximum resume required

Salary Overview

This position is graded at the GS-9 level. The salary range for this role is $61,722 to $80,243 per year, depending on qualifications and prior federal experience.

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health and life insurance.
Retirement savings via the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Accrued annual and sick leave.
Opportunities for career advancement within the VA system.

Application Tips

Focus on Quality: Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your resume hits all the requirements.
Be Quantitative: Use results-focused language when describing your past achievements.
Formatting Matters: Stick to a 0.5-inch margin and a clean sans-serif font to ensure your two-page resume is easily readable.

This role is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to contribute to the mission of caring for our nation’s Veterans. With its location in the heart of Oklahoma City and the support of a nationwide health system, you will find both professional challenge and personal satisfaction. Apply before the closing date to start your journey with the VA.

Why This Program Specialist Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on Veteran care by joining the Surgical Care team at the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System—where professional growth meets a vibrant community lifestyle.

Program Specialist Job Overview

The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Program Specialist to support the Surgical Care Service Line. This role serves as a vital link between administrative operations and clinical delivery, focusing on the Eye Clinic’s equipment lifecycle, contract management, and personnel coordination. You will work in a matrixed environment to ensure that our Veterans receive the high-quality, compassionate care they deserve while operating within a top-tier teaching hospital facility.

Requirements for Program Specialist

U.S. Citizenship
Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level
Current Federal employees must meet 52-week Time-in-Grade requirements
Ability to complete an online assessment of critical general competencies
Completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Submission of a resume no longer than two pages

Preferred Qualifications for Program Specialist

Demonstrated experience with VA/VHA acquisition and contracting regulations
Proficiency in managing clinical space activation and equipment planning projects
Experience with human resources processes and position management
Strong background in inventory management and logistics for clinical departments
Master’s degree or higher in a related field may be substituted for experience

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package
✓Opportunities for professional development in a teaching hospital environment
✓Access to Federal employee retirement and insurance programs
✓Paid annual and sick leave
✓Eligibility for service credit for prior job-related experience for leave accrual

💡 How to Apply Program Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Specialist Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or fewer.
Upload required documents, including SF-50s if you are a federal employee.
Submit your application and complete the required online questionnaire.
Complete the mandatory USA Hire assessment if notified.
Monitor your application status via your USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; longer resumes will not be accepted.
Ensure your resume explicitly lists job titles, duties, and specific start/end dates for each position.
Clearly document your hours worked per week, as 35-40 hours is considered full-time.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Highlight experience that aligns directly with the specific duties of a Contracting Officer's Representative and clinical support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute my education for the experience requirement?

Yes, you may qualify based on a master's degree or higher, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education, or a combination of specialized experience and education.

What is the page limit for the resume?

Per current merit hiring regulations, resumes must be no longer than two pages to be considered eligible for this position.

Do I need to submit an SF-50?

Yes, if you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit an SF-50 that clearly demonstrates your time-in-grade eligibility.

What is the most important document to attach?

Your resume and, if you are a current federal employee, your most recent SF-50 showing your time-in-grade.

Can I apply if I have no VA experience?

Yes, as long as you meet the specialized experience or educational requirements outlined in the job announcement.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Oklahoma City VA Health Care System is a premier teaching hospital providing comprehensive health care to over 81,000 Veterans. With a 192-bed facility, the system serves as a hub for state-of-the-art research and education. Working here means more than just a job; it means joining a community that values clinical complexity, professional growth, and the vibrant culture of Oklahoma City.