Summary The Emergency Management Specialist (EMS) manages the health care system in sustaining national and regional support to the Comprehensive Emergency Management Program (CEMP). The EMS is a high-profile position requiring daily interaction with the highest levels of VAMC leadership, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), VHA and the VHA Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and community stakeholders. Responsibilities The Emergency Management Specialist works with the VISN in coordinating and administering duties required to execute the roles and responsibilities under the VA's national level partners, Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as well as federal, state and local agencies in the public and private sector. The EMS is responsible for preparing for and carrying out or coordinating emergency functions to prevent, protect from, mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. The incumbent serves and assists the various program coordinators relating to Emergency Management (EM), Safety, Pharmacy Cache, Clinical Support, and Law Enforcement. Major Duties include but is not limited to: The incumbent develops and coordinates all VAMC emergency plans and exercises in accordance with VHA Directive 0320 and supporting appendices, and the VHA Emergency Operations Plan which encompasses Continuity of Operations (COOP). Collaborates with community partners to support the execution of national objectives. The incumbent is the primary point of contact and Liaison in managing intra and interagency VA contingency support of Department of Defense (DoD), VA health and medical support of the National Response Framework (NRF) and other applicable authorities and support provided through the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS). This position interacts in a professional and competent manner daily with individuals of executive level responsibilities and authority. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating the Healthcare System efforts and engaging staff, as well as the functions required to manage the Comprehensive Emergency Management Program (CEMP). Develop, implement, sustain, and maintain policies and guidance within the VHA, local, and community. The incumbent is further responsible for ensuring the emergency response results and conclusions lead to a continual improvement of the emergency management program throughout the healthcare system. Provides leadership with direction management, professional and technical expertise regarding the development and implementation of the CEMP. Participates in the development, coordination and review of directives, white papers, Medical Center Memorandum, service support agreements, standard operation procedures, policy matters and related documents issued by the VHA and the Healthcare System. The incumbent plans, organizes, implements, oversees and provides technical assistance for projects relating to emergency management programs. Reviews documents received for review, concurrence and/or signature by EMS. Utilizes EM principles ensuring accurate and proper documentation and anticipating possible inquiries from VHA OEM, VISN, and VAMC Executive Leadership. Analyzes, maintains, synchronizes, and sustains the CEMP with national and local stakeholders; all the same, as the Office Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), The Joint Commission (TJC), Office of Information Technology, National Fire Protection Association (NPFA), and Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). The incumbent is responsible for managing and maintaining the health care system's automated alert and notification system, coordinating, and monitoring results with the Communication Support Team. Consults and advises on creating subgroups, training requirements and message building. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring Cascade Calling Systems are updated and prepared for immediate use during any type of emergency or exercises. Maintains calling rosters for Medical Response Team, Incident Management Team, Decontamination Team, and any other specialized teams requiring activation. The incumbent functions as the local program manager for the Disaster Emergency Personnel System (DEMPS), which is a program comprised of qualified volunteers who register and train in disaster management and support national deployment requirements. The incumbent recruits, evaluates, identifies, and trains specifically qualified volunteers to support national task orders. Approval for DEMPS deployments are coordinate through VHA OEM, VISN and Medical Center Director. Incumbent reviews, analyzes and coordinates the implementation and evaluation of exercises to test and analyze the healthcare system's comprehensive emergency management plans and associated programs which includes collaboration and integration with the Safety, Patient Safety, Office of Public Affairs, VA Police programs. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Emergency Management Specialist/PD99789S Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/27/2024. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-12 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-11. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. You may qualify based on your experience as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-11 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Knowledge of the pertinent laws, objectives, precedents, guidelines and policies governing various emergency management programs and operations enough to assist with development and execution of a comprehensive emergency management program. Knowledge of analytical and evaluation methods and thorough understanding of how regulatory programs are administered to select and apply program evaluation and measurement techniques (data gathering methodologies) in determining compliance with emergency preparedness and management rules and regulations. Ability to respond quickly to emergency situations where degree of hazard could be of a high nature; knowledge of a variety of emergency, contingency and operations plans, policies, and directives enough to provide advice and assistance. Previous experience in emergency management is required. Skill in applying basic data gathering methodologies to collect various types of information and knowledge of database entry programs and management. Preferred Experience: Hospital Incident Command System and/or Incident Command System experience, practice and knowledge. Communications Decisiveness Emergency Management Technical Competence Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary during non-emergency situations. However, participation in field exercises and operational support missions may require strenuous physical activity to include carrying persons and equipment, walking long distance, climbing, working long hours, long periods of standing, and bending and stooping. May include various housing and living conditions to include non-climate controlled, limited privacy sleeping facilities (for example, cots, tents, "hot-bunking", gymnasiums, or similar), limited shower and laundry facilities, and limited feeding options (such as shelf-stable meals, meals-ready-to-eat (MRE's), and field kitchens). Incumbent must have and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license. During emergency situations the incumbent may be required to remain available 24 hours per day, seven days per week for multiple weeks. Incumbent is subject to work under emergency notification and contact procedures. EMS will be provided and must carry a government provided mobile communication device. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Education There is no educational substitution at this grade level. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.