Salary Range:	80,402.00 - 104,525.00 USD /year
Series & Grade:	GS-0601-13
Open Period:	Saturday, June 27, 2009 to Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Position Information:	Part Time 48 hours Term NTE 3 years
Duty Locations:	1 vacancy - St. Louis Metro area, MO
Who May Be Considered:	United States Citizens

Job Summary:

 

Vacancy Identification Number (VIN):  VZ265521 (Include on all documents)

 

Be a member of a team providing compassionate healthcare to veterans.   

The Department of Veterans Affairs is an employer of choice as a center of excellence in patient care, education and research.  We value trust, respect, commitment, compassion, and excellence; we value you.  For more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to http://www.va.gov . 

NOTE:  In order to view and/or print the entire announcement, please scroll to the bottom of this page and click on "Print Preview"; then "Print".  Otherwise, you may miss important instructions on how to apply for this position.

APPLICANT CHECKLIST:  Please use this checklist to ensure compliance with all application requirements.  We recommend that you print a copy of this checklist for reference while completing your application package.  Detailed instructions of the application process are included after the checklist.  Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully.

_____ Responses to the Assessment Questionnaire. (see Step 1)

_____ Resume (see Step 2 for the information you should include on your resume) or Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612).

_____ If you are faxing your documentation with OPM Form 1203FX answer sheet, place Form 1203FX on top of other documents and do not use a cover sheet.  If you are not using OPM Form 1203FX, the United States Government Application Cover Page must be used in order to link your documents with your on-line questionnaire.  Failure to provide this cover page - or the use of a different cover page - will prohibit your documentation from being processed.  (see Step 3 under "How to Apply" for url)

_____ If a particular level of education/certification is required OR if you are asking us to qualify you based upon your education, you must submit a copy of your college transcript or an appropriate course listing. (see Step 3)

_____ Veterans must provide a legible copy of DD-214(s) showing all dates of service as well as character of service (honorable, general, etc.).  Note:  More than one DD-214 may be needed to show all dates of service. You will be given preference based on the information you submit with your application. (see Step 3)

_____  Disabled veterans and other veterans eligible for 10-point preference must also submit an SF-15 (version August 2008) with required proof as stated on the form. (see Step 3)  10-point preference will only be given when proper documentation is submitted.

_____  An OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment (version dated January 2001 or later) must be submitted prior to appointment.  You may include this form as part of your application documents.  It is available at http://www.vacareers.va.gov/l2_Jobs_Forms.cfm .

Key Requirements:

• Please refer to the "Qualifications" section of this vacancy announcement.
• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job.
• This announcement may be used to fill one or more vacancies.

Major Duties:

This is a Part Time position, 24 hours per week/ 48 hours per pay period.

This is a Term Appointment Not to Exceed 3 years. May be extended up to 4 years.

This position is located at the St. Louis VA Medical Center, St. Louis, MO. The primary duty of this position is the initiation, direction, management, and conduct of the research design and statistical management components of a Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) program. In this position you will examine a broad range of Veterans Administration (VA) health care delivery issues, particularly focusing on those related to Pharmacovigilance, Data mining, Pharmacoepidemiology, Progression and outcomes of diabetes, and Integration of national administrative registry data. You will initiate, develop, conduct, and report innovative health services research projects, independently and in collaboration with other scientists; specify and test hypotheses related to the VA's health care delivery system, and provide guidance in advancing the body of knowledge in the HSR&D field. The designated activities require a thorough grasp of advanced research design and statistical techniques, and an ability to select and adapt analytic approaches from a variety of theoretical perspectives to complex and previously undefined health services research issues.  

***RELOCATION EXPENSES AND/OR INCENTIVES ARE NOT AUTHORIZED*** 

Qualifications:

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT FOR ALL GRADES- You must first meet the Basic Education Requirement. (Must provide transcripts)

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Must possess successful completion of a full 4 year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study or specific course requirements related to the health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of this position. (The number of semester hours required to constitute a major field of study is the amount specified by the college or university attended. If this number cannot be obtained, 24 semester hours will be considered as equivalent to a major field of study). (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT: In addition to meeting the basic education requirement, you must also possess Specialized Experience to qualify for this position as described below.

GS-13 EXPERIENCE: Must possess at least one (1) full year of Specialized Experience that equipped you with the knowledge, skill and ability to successfully perform the duties of this position, and that is typically related to the work of the position. This specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized Experience includes: performs statistical analysis of outcomes data related to the areas of pharmacovigilance, data mining, pharmacoepidemiology, progression and outcomes of diabetes, and integration of national administrative and registry data; supervises, trains and provides guidance to individuals in a health services research environment; independently applies extensive knowledge of grant requirements, agency policies for grant application, and knowledge of alternative sources of funding; authors healthcare research articles of technical merit published in peer-reviewed professional journals; and presents both invited and contributed papers at recognized professional associations. NOTE: Evidence of specialized experience, which demonstrates that you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of the position, must be supported by detailed documentation of duties performed in positions held. Please provide such documentation on your resume or OF-612. Also please provide work experience information such as hours per week, salary and starting/ending dates of employment (month and year format) to establish one (1) full year of Specialized Experience.

Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions.  It is available for your review on OPM's web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications .

APPLICANTS PLEASE NOTE: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). Therefore, applicants must report attendance and/or degrees from only these schools. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html . All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly.

Foreign Education:  To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs.

REQUIREMENTS (Failure to comply may be grounds for withdrawal of an offer of employment, or dismissal after appointment): 

• Applicants must meet any physical, language, license or degree requirements.
• Applicants must be citizens of the United States.
• Applicants tentatively selected for certain designated positions may be subject to a random drug screening for illegal drug use.  Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment.
• New Appointees may be subject to a probationary period.
• New Appointees will be subject to a background investigation to determine suitability.
• An OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment (version dated January 2001), must be submitted prior to appointment.   This form is available at www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306.pdf. 

How You Will Be Evaluated:

Please ensure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully.  Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation.  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.

Benefits:

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a comprehensive benefits program that you can customize for your individual medical and financial needs.  In addition to traditional "dollars and cents" benefits, we offer a range of benefits to help you balance life with the VA to life outside of work.  For additional information about the many benefits of a career with the VA, please visit our "Benefits at a Glance" webpage at http://www.va.gov/jobs/job_benefits/benefits.asp .

Other Information:

Area of Consideration:  All citizens of the United States of America.  Applications received under this announcement will be rated under competitive procedures in accordance with Office of Personnel Management examining regulations.  [The Human Resources (HR) Office for the facility with this vacancy may be accepting applications separately under one or more special employment authorities, such as:  Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA); Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA); hiring compensably disabled veterans with ratings of 30% or greater; hiring persons with disabilities; or reinstatement to, or transfer within, the Federal government.  If so, you may find a separate announcement covering one or more of these special authorities on http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/.  You may also contact the facility's HR Office directly to inquire if applications are being accepted under any of the special authorities for which you are eligible.] 

 

For a fact sheet explaining how Federal jobs are filled, click on http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI55.asp.

 

Priority Consideration:  Individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection.  CTAP and ICTAP eligibles will be considered well qualified if they attain an eligibility rating of 90.0 or higher, not including points for veterans' preference, from the facility with the vacancy.

 

Federal employees seeking CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit proof that they meet the requirements of 5 CFR 330.605 (a) for CTAP and 5 CFR 330.704 for ICTAP.  This includes a copy of the agency notice, a copy of their most recent Performance Rating and a copy of their most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location.  Please annotate your application to reflect that you are applying as a CTAP or ICTAP eligible.

 

Filling additional vacancies:  If additional vacancies for this position occur within 90 days, this announcement may be used without reannouncement.

 

Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual for Newly-Appointed Employees with Prior Non-Federal Experience or Active Duty Uniformed Military Service:  Selected applicants may qualify for credit towards annual leave accrual based on prior work experience or military service experience.  Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date. Please note that receipt of this benefit is at the discretion of the hiring facility and is not guaranteed.

 

How To Apply:

PLEASE NOTE: 

• It is your responsibility to insure that all application materials are RECEIVED by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of the announcement (Tuesday, July 07, 2009) in order to be considered.  We cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, interruptions in internet service, etc. 
• You must submit a complete application package.  Failure to provide complete information may result in your not receiving consideration for this position.
• You must submit your assessment questionnaire online (through Application Manager) or  on OPM Form 1203-FX (and faxed).  Do not send printouts of your Application Manager Questionnaire Answers.  If you fax your application and/or documentation, please keep a copy of your fax transmittal receipt for future verification, if necessary.
• If you upload your documents using Application Manager, DO NOT FAX the same documents.  To verify that your uploaded documents have been processed, please wait one hour to ensure they have cleared the virus scan.  You can then verify that your uploaded documents are attached to your application by checking the "Details" tab of your Application Manager account (https://applicationmanager.gov/ ) for this vacancy announcement.  Your documents will display under the "Details" tab in the Document area. 
• You will not be contacted for additional information.  DO NOT contact our offices for verification of receipt or status reports - we do not provide this information.
• Your application materials will not be returned.  Do not submit original documents that you may need in the future.
• Your application must be completed on-line or faxed. This office does not accept applications by electronic mail (e-mail), regular mail, or in person. 

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Applying for this position is as easy as 1, 2, 3...

Just by following three steps, you will submit a complete application package and receive consideration for this position.  Be sure to follow the steps carefully and complete all three.  Each step is described in detail below.

1. Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire, (which may be completed electronically or on the OPM Form 1203FX and faxed), 
2. Your resume or OF-612  (which may be completed electronically, uploaded, or faxed), and
3. Other documents specified in this job announcement (which may be uploaded or faxed).

Use Application Manager for convenience and quickest processing.  Track your progress to a Complete Application Package using My Application Packages checklist and status displays in Application Manager.  Your Application Package status must be Complete by 11:59 p.m. EST on Tuesday, July 07, 2009.

STEP 1: 

Complete and submit the Assessment Questionnaire. The questionnaire must be completed and submitted in order to receive consideration for this position.

PLEASE NOTE:  We highly encourage you to complete the Assessment Questionnaire online as it is the most efficient way to process your responses.  Using paper application forms may delay the processing of your application.  If you are unable to complete the Assessment Questionnaire online, go to STEP 3 of this announcement and refer to the alternatives described under "Alternative Methods for Completing the Application Package" 

You must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double check your application before submission and click on "SUBMIT" when it is complete.  Your application is not transmitted to us until you submit it.

To complete your Assessment Questionnaire online, click the following link:

Online Questionnaire 

or enter https://ApplicationManager.gov  You can save your work and come back later.  To return to Application Manager at any time by simply going back to this web address.  To submit your questionnaire by fax go to the Alternative Method section of the job announcement.

The Assessment Questionnaire must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on Tuesday, July 07, 2009.

ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE

Social Security Number

Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated.  Providing your Social Security Number is voluntary, however we cannot process your application without it.

Vacancy Identification Number

VZ265521

 

1. Title of Job

Research Health Scientist 

 

2. Biographic Data

3. E-Mail Address

Please enter your e-mail address in the space provided.  If you do not provide an e-mail address you may not receive a notice of your results. 

4. Work Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

5. Employment Availability

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

6. Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States?

7. Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

9. Languages

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

Enter the lowest grade (13) you will accept for this position.

13

11. Miscellaneous Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

14. Veteran Preference Claim

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

16. Availability Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

17. Service Computation Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

20. Occupational Specialties

The specialty code(s) for this position is (are):
001 Research Health Scientist

21. Geographic Availability

The location code(s) for this position is (are):

 

0224 St. Louis Metro area, MO

22. Transition Assistance Plan

23. Job Related Experience

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

BASIC EDUCATION ¿ You must first meet the Basic Education Requirement as detailed below. TRANSCRIPTS required.

1. Do you possess successful completion of a full 4 year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor¿s or higher degree that included a major field of study or specific course requirements related to the health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of this position? (The number of semester hours required to constitute a major field of study is the amount specified by the college or university attended. If this number cannot be obtained, 24 semester hours will be considered as equivalent to a major field of study). (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)

A. Yes
B. No

Specialized Experience Requirement - In addition to meeting the Basic Education Requirement, you must also possess specialized experience to qualify for this position. Please provide detailed documentation of your work experience that you feel qualifies you for this position in your Resume or OF-612 as outlined in this announcement.

2. GS-13 EXPERIENCE: Do you possess at least one (1) full year of Specialized Experience that equipped you with the knowledge, skill and ability to successfully perform the duties of this position, and that is typically related to the work of the position? This specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized Experience includes: performs statistical analysis of outcomes data related to the areas of pharmacovigilance, data mining, pharmacoepidemiology, progression and outcomes of diabetes, and integration of national administrative and registry data; supervises, trains and provides guidance to individuals in a health services research environment; independently applies extensive knowledge of grant requirements, agency policies for grant application, and knowledge of alternative sources of funding; authors healthcare research articles of technical merit published in peer-reviewed professional journals; and presents both invited and contributed papers at recognized professional associations. (Evidence of this specialized experience must be supported by detailed documentation of like duties performed in positions held on your resume or OF-612. You will also need to provide work experience information such as hours per week, salary, and starting/ending dates of employment (month and year format) to establish you have one (1) full year of Specialized Experience at the required grade level).

A. Yes
B. No

KSA #1- The following statements refer to your KNOWLEDGE OF THEORY AND METHODOLOGY RELATED TO THE STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF OUTCOMES DATA RELATED TO THE AREA OF PHARMACOVIGILANCE, DATA MINING, PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY, PROGRESSION AND OUTCOMES OF DIABETES, AND INTEGRATION OF NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE AND REGISTRY DATA
For each task in the following group, choose the statement from the list below that best describes your experience and/or training. Please select only one letter for each item.

A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have had education or training in performing the task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.

3. Initiates independent analysis using complex statistical models and independently presents findings using illustrative graphs, tables and charts to support findings.

4. Tests hypothesis related to a healthcare delivery system.

5. Selects and adapts analytic approaches from a variety of theoretical perspectives.

6. Extracts hidden patterns from data.

7. Participates in the study of the use and effects of drugs in large groups of people.

8. Participates in the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects, particularly long term and short term side effects of medicines.

9. Collects, monitors, researches, assesses and evaluates information from healthcare providers and patients on the adverse effects of medications, biological products, herbalism and traditional medicines to identify new information about hazards associated with medicines, and to prevent harm to patients.

10. Monitors for unwanted effects and other safety-related aspects of drugs.

KSA #2- The following statements refer to your ABILITY TO SUPERVISE, TRAIN AND PROVIDE GUIDANCE TO INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEES IN A HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH CAPACITY

11. Provides day-to-day supervisory functions for those employed in a research capacity.

12. Recruits those individuals employed in a research capacity.

13. Trains those in a research capacity to perform tasks with minimal oversight.

14. Resolves difficult or unusual problems identified by staff or investigators.

15. Solves administrative problems and supervises staff involved in supporting the scientific review process.

KSA #3- The following statements refer to your ABILITY TO INDEPENDENTLY SEEK APPROVAL AND FUNDING FROM APPROPRIATE FUNDING AGENCIES FOR PROJECTS DEVELOPED AS A TEAM MEMBER OR FOR THOSE DEVELOPED INDIVIDUALLY

16. Contacts health services clientele, upper management, clinical providers and academicians to seek research funding.

17. Identifies new clinical and research issues of substantial significance for the development of practice guidelines.

18. Prepares major parts of research proposals, particularly those requiring theoretical and technical knowledge in a particular field of expertise.

19. Collaborates with other research professionals in the preparation of research proposals.

20. Applies extensive knowledge of grant requirements, agency policies for grant application, and knowledge of alternative sources of funding.

KSA #4- The following statements refer to your ABILITY TO PREPARE A RESEARCH PROPOSAL, PARTICULARLY THOSE REQUIRING THEORETICAL AND TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE IN A PARTICULAR FIELD OF EXPERTISE

21. Prepares research proposals that result in approved research studies.

22. Collaborates in the preparation of sections of a research proposal.

23. Acts as a consultant to other team members in the preparation of research proposals.

24. Recommends appropriate assignment of research proposals for review.

KSA #5- The following statements refer to your ABILITY TO INDEPENDENTLY PERFORM RESEARCH IN THE HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM AND PROVIDE GUIDANCE TO OTHER HEALTH SERVICES FIELDS

25. Performs independent research in the health care delivery system.

26. Performs advanced research design and statistical techniques.

27. Identifies topics that require specific analytic skills and theoretical knowledge that address the major issues.

28. Supervises research assistants hired to work on ongoing health services research projects, whether agency funded or externally funded.

29. Recruits, trains, and provides guidance to research assistants.

KSA #6- The following statements refer to your ABILITY TO AUTHOR ARTICLES OF TECHNICAL MERIT PUBLISHED BY PEER-REVIEWED PROFESSIONAL JOURNALS AND TO PRESENT BOTH INVITED AND CONTRIBUTED PAPERS AT RECOGNIZED PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

30. Authors articles published by peer-reviewed professional journals.

31. Presents research findings at recognized professional associations.

32. Participates in scientific reviews and critiques proposals, offering suggestions for improving scientific quality and scholarly content.

33. Initiates, develops, conducts, and reports innovative health services research projects, independently and in collaboration with other scientists.

34. Participates in research with long standing issues of considerable difficulty from a research design perspective.

35. Participates in research using new approaches to problems identified that result in the identification of new but narrower clinical and research issues for publications of substantial significance both for the development of practice guidelines and for generally expanding the state of agency knowledge.

You must now complete and submit additional application materials (by Tuesday, July 07, 2009) as required by this vacancy announcement via uploading or faxing this information.  To fax application materials, refer to the instructions in Alternative Methods for Completing the Application Package after Step 3 of this vacancy announcement. 

STEP 2: 

Submit your choice of a Resume or an OF-612 - Optional Application for Federal Employment available at http://www.vacareers.va.gov/l2_Jobs_Forms.cfm .  We must receive a complete resume or OF 612 in order to determine your qualifications for this position.

Your RESUME must include the following information:

• Vacancy Information: Announcement Number (VZ265521), Position Title (Research Health Scientist), and grade (13/13);
• Personal Information:
• Your full legal name and mailing address
• Day and Evening telephone numbers including area code
• Country of citizenship
• Social Security number
• Work experience (NOTE:  You must include the following information in order to receive credit for your experience):
• Name and address of employer
• Your job title
• The beginning and ending month and year of your employment
• The average hours worked per week.  Full-time 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 number of hours a week spent in such employment
• Your supervisor's name and phone number (indicate if we may call your supervisor);
• A description of your duties that is sufficiently detailed to document the level of your experience.  If the position is (was) with the Federal government (military or civilian), state the series and grade or pay grade (rank) and the date of last promotion
• Education:  Name, location, and dates of attendance for colleges attended (if required). Type and date of degree received (if any);
• Other:  Training, license(s), or certification(s) relevant to the position

Do not submit letters of recommendation, performance appraisals, position descriptions, examples of your work, etc.  This additional information will not be forwarded to the hiring facility.

STEP 3: 

Submit other required application materials, as applicable.

- If you are using education to qualify, you must submit copies of college transcripts or a course listing that identifies for each course completed: the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade, and grade-point average received.

- If you are applying for Veterans’ Preference, you must submit evidence of eligibility, such as: DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), or Standard Form 15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference version dated August 2008), and the proof requested on the form.   For Access to DD214 and military records click on this link -  Military Information.  To print a copy of the SF15 go to http://www.vacareers.va.gov/l2_Jobs_Forms.cfm.  Veterans preference will not be given unless proper documentation is submitted with your application materials.

Submitting Documents

If you upload your documents using Application Manager, DO NOT FAX the same documents. To verify uploaded documents have been processed, please wait one hour to ensure they have cleared the virus scan. You can verify that your uploaded documents are attached to your application by checking the "Details" tab of your Application Manager account https://applicationmanager.gov for this vacancy announcement. Your documents will display under the "Details" tab in the Document area.

 

Faxed documents will take 2-3 business days to process. To fax documents, you MUST use the United States Government Application Cover Page.  Print the pre-populated cover page on the upload documents screen of Application Manager ~or~ you may click this link http://www.vacareers.va.gov/l2_Jobs_Forms.cfm to print a blank copy of the cover page. When faxing documents, follow the procedures outlined below.  

 

• You may submit multiple documents for the same vacancy announcement using one cover page.
• Include the 8-character Vacancy Identification Number VZ265521
• Provide your Social Security Number and full name in the spaces provided or we will not be able to associate your document(s) with the rest of your application.
• Place the cover page on top of the document(s) you are faxing.
• Fax your cover page and documents to 1-478-757-3144.

 

Faxed documents submitted with missing information will not be processed. The following will prevent your documents from being processed: 

 

• Not using the United States Government Application Cover Page mentioned above.
• Missing, incomplete, or invalid Vacancy Identification Number
• Missing or incomplete Social Security Number or name

 

Note: If you have documents in your Application Manager account from a previous vacancy announcement they can be opened, copied and saved then reused as an upload file for this vacancy. Uploading your documents will speed the processing of your application for this announcement.

  

Be sure to complete all THREE STEPS of the application process described above in order to submit a complete application package and receive consideration for this position. 

 

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ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR COMPLETING THE APPLICATION PACKAGE

To Complete the Assessment Questionnaire manually, you will need a copy of the questionnaire answer sheet, referred to as the Occupational Questionnaire - OPM Form 1203-FX, which can be obtained electronically at

http://www.vacareers.va.gov/l2_Jobs_Forms.cfm ;

or by calling USAJOBS at 703-724-1850; follow the instructions given;

or by visiting the Human Resources Management Service of the VA Medical Center at the duty location. 

You will also need a copy of the vacancy announcement to use as a guide in answering the questions.  You must provide responses to all required questions. Some questions may request an additional written response to support your answer, such as "Please explain or provide additional information to support your response to the above question."  When additional information is requested, please provide your answer(s) on a separate sheet of paper with the corresponding questionnaire number indicated, and type or print your answers legibly.  You may omit any sections marked “optional” and be sure to double check your application before submission.  NOTE:  The Questionnaire answer sheet is six pages long -- all six pages MUST be submitted even when the number of questions does not exceed page 5.  In this case, please complete the top of Page 6 with your social security number and the vacancy ID number. 

You may submit the Form 1203-FX, resume and any supporting documents by fax.

If you are faxing a Form 1203-FX, do not use a separate cover sheet.  Simply make sure the Form 1203-FX is on top of any other documents you are faxing.

If you are faxing any documents without the Form 1203-FX on top, you MUST use the United States Government Application Cover Page.  Print the pre-populated cover page on the upload documents screen of Application Manager, or you may click this link ( http://www.vacareers.va.gov/l2_Jobs_Forms.cfm ) to print a blank copy of the cover page.  When faxing documents, follow the procedures outlined below: 

• Place the cover page on top of documents being faxed.
• Include the 8-character Vacancy Identification Number VZ265521
• Provide your Social Security Number and full name in the spaces provided or we will not be able to associate your document(s) with the rest of your application.
• Place your documents in the following order:  United States Government Application Cover Page; Resume or OF-612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment; Other required application materials.
• You may submit multiple documents for the same vacancy announcement using one cover page.

Fax your cover page and documents to 1-478-757-3144. 

Feed all documents into your fax machine top first so that we receive them right-side up.  If you fax your documents using any other cover page, you may not receive consideration.

Mailed, e-mailed or hand delivered applications will not be accepted.  If you are unable to upload your documents after completing the Occupational Questionnaire online, you may FAX your documents (resume, transcripts, etc.) as instructed above.

Required Documents:

All of the government forms mentioned in the above statements can be downloaded from the following web address:  http://www.vacareers.va.gov/l2_Jobs_Forms.cfm or obtained at the Human Resources Management Office of the duty station.

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Contact Information:

VHA Nationwide DEU-TOP Phone: (501)257-4134 TDD: 800-877-8339 Email: cavhs.deu@va.gov

Or write: VHA DEU Topeka PLEASE DO NOT MAIL APPLICATIONS APPLY ONLINE OR FAX ONLY Thank you, KS 66604

What To Expect Next:

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire.  The questionnaire is designed to capture the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.  The evaluation you receive is based on your responses to the questionnaire and is a measure of the degree to which your background matches the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of this position.

If your application does not support your responses to the questionnaire, or if you are not able to provide verifying documentation, it may affect your evaluation or result in your name being removed from further consideration.

If you are eligible for veterans' preference, you will be given preference based on the documentation you submit.  Please see the "Veterans Information" section of this announcement for details.

This office will not contact you to discuss missing or illegible documents. 

Once your qualifications have been evaluated, your application will be assigned a numeric score.  Candidates will be ranked in score order with appropriate points added for veterans' preference. 

An ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION LETTER will be sent to applicants who provide an e-mail address.  If you do not provide an e-mail address, you will receive a notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service.  Normal processing time is 4 - 6 weeks.  This office is responsible for initial evaluation ONLY.  Facilities are responsible for contacting eligible applicants thereafter.