Government Information Specialist (TCF Trainee)
Summary The Technical Career Field (TCF) is a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions.
The incumbent serves in an intern position reporting directly to the Privacy and Freedom of Information Act Officer (FOIA), aligned under the facility Director.
The incumbent will perform Privacy Act and FOIA program support duties such as preparing, receiving, reviewing, and verifying Privacy and FOIA request documents.
Responsibilities The TCF career fields represent those technical fields where VA-specific knowledge and experience is desirable for success in the field.
Individuals selected follow a formal training plan for two years during which they are trained, coached, and supervised by a preceptor.
Preceptors are selected annually, through an extensive application process, for their technical expertise, their commitment to training and the suitability of their facility as a training location.
Selectees will be required to sign Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements.
This is a developmental position leading to a GS-12, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision.
The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met.
Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
Major duties include, but are not limited to:
Works closely with the Privacy Officer at the facility within Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) to manage a compliant facility privacy program.
Researches and prepares responses to official inquires related to privacy for a variety of communication media.
Research, prepare, and present various privacy related issues in response to official inquires using multiple communication methods.
Ensure compliance with applicable Federal privacy laws and regulations.
Participates in developing and implanting policies and procedures for processing correspondence requests in accordance with Federal, State, and local statutes.
Assists in the researching, planning, preparing, coordinating of regulations and policy directives related to Privacy Act and HIPAA Privacy Rule, release of information and confidentiality issues.
Advises management and staff on Title 38 United States Code (U.
S.
C.
) Sections 5701, 5705 and 7332, Privacy Act, FOIA and HIPAA requirements, policies, and procedures and ensure that facility managers and staff understand and fulfill their responsibilities.
Participates on the weekly Environment of Care rounds, which entails visiting various departments, assessing if staff are appropriately applying privacy practices and documenting any deficiencies found by using a nationally developed monitoring tool.
Develops facility-specific privacy and FOIA training materials and provide training within the facility to staff and programs, as required.
Processes complaints and investigate allegations of unauthorized or impermissible activities related to the handling or release of privacy protected information.
Investigates complaints, incidents and data breaches and recommends appropriate remediation.
Work schedule:
Monday-Friday, 8:
00am-4:
30pm Telework:
VA supports the use of ad-hoc telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies.
This position may be authorized for ad-hoc telework.
Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
Virtual:
This is not a virtual or remote position.
Position Description Title/PD#:
Government Information Specialist (TCF Trainee)/PD02817A and PD99633S Bargaining Unit Position:
No Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:
Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers.
This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest.
As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran.
This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community.
This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
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 Training-Service Agreement and Mobility Agreement required 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, 08/11/2023.
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-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07.
For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09.
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 education and/or experience as described below:
GS-09:
Specialized
Experience:
You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-7) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
Specialized experience includes:
assisting with the coordination of programs related to privacy, reviewing improper handling or release of privacy protected information, preparing responses to all inquiries, entering data into secure tracking system, handling confidential, sensitive information with encryption and proficient knowledge of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996).
OR, Education:
Applicants may substitute education for the required experience.
To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree OR 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.
B.
or J.
D.
, that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
(Transcripts must be submitted with your application.
) OR, Combination:
Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level.
You must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond one full year of graduate level education.
(Transcripts must be submitted with your application.
) GS-11:
Specialized
Experience:
You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-7) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
Specialized experience includes:
formulating policy for data governance programs, coordinating trainings on privacy and FOIA, and making determinations on disclosures, issuance of denials, redactions, access, use and dissemination of records.
OR, Education:
Applicants may substitute education for the required experience.
To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have completed a PH.
D or equivalent doctoral degree that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work or possess 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree.
(Transcripts must be submitted with your application.
) OR, Combination:
Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level.
You must have a combination of specialized experience and at least two full years of graduate level education.
(Transcripts must be submitted with your application.
) You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
Accountability Customer Service Information Management Teamwork 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.
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/.
Physical Requirements:
The work is basically sedentary with some walking, standing, bending and carrying items such as books and documents.
The work is performed in a typical office setting.
There are frequent interruptions by phone calls from facility staff requesting information.
At times the incumbent will be expected to travel to various VAMC sites.
Education A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note:
Only education or degrees recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment.
You can verify your education here:
http:
//ope.
ed.
gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
For further information, visit:
http:
//www.
ed.
gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.
html.
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.
Special Employment Consideration:
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.
3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities i.
e.
, intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities , and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more.
Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.
To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy.
Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http:
//www.
opm.
gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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.
Recommended Skills Infrastructure Architecture Computer Sciences Network Engineering Systems Engineering Technical Support Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
The incumbent serves in an intern position reporting directly to the Privacy and Freedom of Information Act Officer (FOIA), aligned under the facility Director.
The incumbent will perform Privacy Act and FOIA program support duties such as preparing, receiving, reviewing, and verifying Privacy and FOIA request documents.
Responsibilities The TCF career fields represent those technical fields where VA-specific knowledge and experience is desirable for success in the field.
Individuals selected follow a formal training plan for two years during which they are trained, coached, and supervised by a preceptor.
Preceptors are selected annually, through an extensive application process, for their technical expertise, their commitment to training and the suitability of their facility as a training location.
Selectees will be required to sign Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements.
This is a developmental position leading to a GS-12, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision.
The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met.
Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.
Major duties include, but are not limited to:
Works closely with the Privacy Officer at the facility within Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) to manage a compliant facility privacy program.
Researches and prepares responses to official inquires related to privacy for a variety of communication media.
Research, prepare, and present various privacy related issues in response to official inquires using multiple communication methods.
Ensure compliance with applicable Federal privacy laws and regulations.
Participates in developing and implanting policies and procedures for processing correspondence requests in accordance with Federal, State, and local statutes.
Assists in the researching, planning, preparing, coordinating of regulations and policy directives related to Privacy Act and HIPAA Privacy Rule, release of information and confidentiality issues.
Advises management and staff on Title 38 United States Code (U.
S.
C.
) Sections 5701, 5705 and 7332, Privacy Act, FOIA and HIPAA requirements, policies, and procedures and ensure that facility managers and staff understand and fulfill their responsibilities.
Participates on the weekly Environment of Care rounds, which entails visiting various departments, assessing if staff are appropriately applying privacy practices and documenting any deficiencies found by using a nationally developed monitoring tool.
Develops facility-specific privacy and FOIA training materials and provide training within the facility to staff and programs, as required.
Processes complaints and investigate allegations of unauthorized or impermissible activities related to the handling or release of privacy protected information.
Investigates complaints, incidents and data breaches and recommends appropriate remediation.
Work schedule:
Monday-Friday, 8:
00am-4:
30pm Telework:
VA supports the use of ad-hoc telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies.
This position may be authorized for ad-hoc telework.
Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
Virtual:
This is not a virtual or remote position.
Position Description Title/PD#:
Government Information Specialist (TCF Trainee)/PD02817A and PD99633S Bargaining Unit Position:
No Relocation/Recruitment Incentives:
Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers.
This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest.
As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran.
This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community.
This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
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 Training-Service Agreement and Mobility Agreement required 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, 08/11/2023.
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-09 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-07.
For a GS-11 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-09.
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 education and/or experience as described below:
GS-09:
Specialized
Experience:
You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-7) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
Specialized experience includes:
assisting with the coordination of programs related to privacy, reviewing improper handling or release of privacy protected information, preparing responses to all inquiries, entering data into secure tracking system, handling confidential, sensitive information with encryption and proficient knowledge of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996).
OR, Education:
Applicants may substitute education for the required experience.
To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have completed a master's or equivalent graduate degree OR 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.
B.
or J.
D.
, that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
(Transcripts must be submitted with your application.
) OR, Combination:
Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level.
You must have a combination of specialized experience and education beyond one full year of graduate level education.
(Transcripts must be submitted with your application.
) GS-11:
Specialized
Experience:
You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-7) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
Specialized experience includes:
formulating policy for data governance programs, coordinating trainings on privacy and FOIA, and making determinations on disclosures, issuance of denials, redactions, access, use and dissemination of records.
OR, Education:
Applicants may substitute education for the required experience.
To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have completed a PH.
D or equivalent doctoral degree that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work or possess 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree.
(Transcripts must be submitted with your application.
) OR, Combination:
Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level.
You must have a combination of specialized experience and at least two full years of graduate level education.
(Transcripts must be submitted with your application.
) You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
Accountability Customer Service Information Management Teamwork 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.
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/.
Physical Requirements:
The work is basically sedentary with some walking, standing, bending and carrying items such as books and documents.
The work is performed in a typical office setting.
There are frequent interruptions by phone calls from facility staff requesting information.
At times the incumbent will be expected to travel to various VAMC sites.
Education A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note:
Only education or degrees recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment.
You can verify your education here:
http:
//ope.
ed.
gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.
For further information, visit:
http:
//www.
ed.
gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.
html.
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.
Special Employment Consideration:
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.
3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities i.
e.
, intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities , and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more.
Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies.
To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy.
Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http:
//www.
opm.
gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required 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.
Recommended Skills Infrastructure Architecture Computer Sciences Network Engineering Systems Engineering Technical Support Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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