Veterans Health Administration Logo
Position Title
Public Affairs Specialist - Clinical Research
Agency
Veterans Health Administration
Announcement Number
CARZ-11717612-23-LMP Opens in new window
Open Period
Wednesday, November 9, 2022 to Tuesday, November 15, 2022
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • your grade is equivalent to or below the grade level of the vacancy; AND, 
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.

For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
(limit characters)
3. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from a position in a federal agency other than the Department of Veterans Affairs?  If yes, confirm:
  • you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
  • your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent.
For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
(limit characters)
4. Are you an active duty service member expected to be discharged or released under honorable conditions within the next 120 days who will be eligible for Veterans' preference?  You may eligible to apply through the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act based on tentative preference.

To verify your eligibility, you must submit a "certification" on appropriate letterhead from your branch of service that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed.  Note: If selected, prior to appointment you will be required to provide your DD-214 and/or other supporting documentation to verify that you are eligible for Veterans' preference.

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.
(limit characters)
Preferences
1. Would you accept a term appointment? (limit characters)
2. Which of the following items describes your current or recent (within the last five years) political appointee service?

If you responded yes to any of the items below, you will need to include a SF-50 specifying your prior service.
(limit characters)
Resume Reminder- Your resume must include the following information for each job listed:
  • Job title Duties (be as detailed as possible)
  • Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
  • Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
  • Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held
Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.

Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.
(limit characters)
Veterans' Preference Documentation Reminder: In order to receive appropriate consideration, you should submit proper documentation if you are claiming eligibility for Veterans' Preference, which includes a copy of your DD-214 (member copy 4 or earlier version that shows character of service). Applicant's claiming 10-Point preference should also submit an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference along with the required documentation listed on the form (such as verification of service-connected disability percentage). (limit characters)
Accuracy of Application Reminder:
By submitting your application, you are certifying, to the best of your knowledge and belief, all the information submitted by you with your application for employment is true, complete, and made in good faith, and that you have truthfully and accurately represented your work experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education (degrees, accomplishments, etc.). The information you provide as part of your application may be investigated. You are also certifying, and acknowledging, that misrepresenting your experience or education, or providing false or fraudulent information in, or with your application, may affect your eligibility for appointment and/or continued employment. False or fraudulent statements may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001).
(limit characters)
Assessment 1
Select the appropriate answer to each of the following questions based on your current level of experience and/or education or training that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. When answering the questionnaire, remember that your experience and education are subject to verification by investigation. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation of experience or education as proof to support your answers, or you may be required to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed ability to perform a task. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). (limit characters)
Minimum Qualification Requirements: Select the one statement below that best describes your current level of experience and/or education to meet the minimum requirements for this position. Please refer to the Qualifications and Duties sections of this announcement for detailed information. (limit characters)
1. Do you have: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience that equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position, and that is typically in or related to the work of a Public Affairs Specialist? To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-7 level of Federal service. Specialized experience is experience where you were responsible for applying advanced communication and analytical practices, methods and techniques to the solution of complex public affairs problems; planning, developing, and producing a variety of materials and publications (including print, visual, Web-based, social medical, multimedia, and video materials) to achieve understanding of various points of view or concepts from those in the public with varying levels of understanding and different interests and perspectives on the subjects; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with local media representatives and community groups; presenting information to individuals, and large and small groups; and gathering and evaluating information for communication to media. Note: Your experience must be detailed in your resume to receive full credit.
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2. Have you successfully completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree, that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of this Public Affairs Specialist position? Note: Transcripts must be submitted at time of application.
(limit characters)
3. Do you have equivalent combinations of successfully completed graduate level education (beyond the first full year) and specialized experience, as described above, which meet total qualification requirements for this grade level? Note: Transcripts must be submitted at time of application.
(limit characters)
Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) are skills, knowledge, abilities, or other worker characteristics which could be expected to result in superior performance on the job. Quality ranking factors will not be used for screening, but may be used as ranking criteria. Applicants with higher proficiency levels may rank above those with lower proficiency levels on a quality ranking factor. (limit characters)
4. Do you have Public Affairs experience in a clinical environment?
(limit characters)
For each task in the following groups, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
5. Develops and manages an annual strategic communications plan focused on research objectives
(limit characters)
6. Responds to public queries, information requests to provide information via email, social media channels and website
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7. Coordinates web streaming
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8. Ensures the organizational Mission, Vision, and Values of are present in all communication efforts
(limit characters)
9. Writes and edits all internal and external materials, to include educational material, web content, research descriptions, brochures, newsletters, etc.
(limit characters)
10. Maintains relationships with partners, public, media, key officials, and community groups in order to communicate and disseminate program information
(limit characters)
11. Independently writes, creates, and implements high-quality communication plans, messaging and copy for research teams and programs
(limit characters)
12. Writes and complies content for newsletters, social media channels and websites.
(limit characters)
13. Interviews experts on a variety of subjects for print and video pieces
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14. Publishes and distributes electronic and print newsletters
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15. Identifies and summarizes national and regional news items having a direct impact on Center programs and activities
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16. Writes, edits and disseminates timely press materials, including news releases, op-eds and letters-to-the-editor
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17. Develops strong relationship with consortium partners for development of ongoing multi-institutional campaigns, joint press releases and programs
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18. Utilizes content management systems/social platform management dashboards to publish to social media, website and internal communications platforms
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19. Develops and manages vendor relationships and contracts to meet project timelines and budget objectives
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20. Works with researchers and teams to coordinate media interviews, lab visits, and filming schedules
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21. Assists as a contact for media inquiries
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22. Escorts and coordinates local media, film and video crews as required
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23. Maintains and grows relationships with media contacts who cover public health
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24. Provides timely news information and publications to regional administration and key regional officials
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25. Supports scientific meeting efforts, including coordinating and staffing events, attending networking and other events, creating and acquiring collateral and other materials and managing volunteers
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26. Oversees program planning and execution of scientific conferences, webinar series and meetings
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27. Manages multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced dynamic environment
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28. Creates and manage the development and delivery of a variety of publications, journals, and print/online content
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29. Maintains a variety of databases
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30. Plans and implements strategies, campaigns, and events to attract media attention
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The following statements pertain to (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
31. Utilizes graphic design skills to create content for publications
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32. Develops a video library of seminars and presentations
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33. Takes photos for internal publications, social media channels and digital billboards
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34. Collaborate with key stakeholders to build alignment and support for communications campaigns
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35. Collaborate with Investigators and research teams to ensure that programs and services receive appropriate recognition from target audiences
(limit characters)
RESUME REMINDER -

Your resume must include the following information for each job listed:
  • Job title
  • Duties (be as detailed as possible)
  • Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008)
  • Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week)
  • Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held.

Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail. Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.
(limit characters)
Transcript Reminder - If you are basing your qualifications on education (or a combination of education and experience) or if the position requires a college education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts with your application. (limit characters)
Veteran's Preference Documentation Reminder - When applying for Federal jobs, eligible veterans should claim preference on the Occupational Questionnaire in the section provided and provide a legible copy of DD-214(s) showing all dates of service as well as character of service (honorable, general, etc.). Additionally, veterans with service-connected disability of 10% or more must also submit a copy of their official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying their service-connected disability and/or their receipt of compensation for service-connected disability. If the military member is within 120 days of separation and does not yet have a DD214, the member may instead submit any written document from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is signed. (limit characters)