Program Analyst (TCF Intern)

About the role

The Technical Career Field (TCF) is a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. his position is in the TCF program and member of the project team for establishing, planning and directing implementation and ongoing management of Managerial Cost Accounting (MCA) under the supervision of the VISN MCA Program Coordinator.

What you will do

• 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.
• The TCF Intern position under the Managerial Cost Accounting (MCA), directly affects patient management by providing data on patterns of care and patient outcomes, as well as their resource and cost implications.
• The incumbent also serves as an MCA Liaison with the VISN for the Medical Center.
• The analyst is a professional who is well versed in the objectives and functionality of automated clinical and administrative applications as well as the various data repositories throughout the VHA and the interrelationship of these application and data sets to the operational goals/objectives of this Medical Center.
• Duties include but are not limited to the following: Prepares monthly supply mapping by utilizing multiple reports and service feedback to ensure all cost is assigned to the appropriate MCA department.
• Prepares labor mapping reviews bi-weekly.
• Develops reports for review by Service Chiefs and/or their designee.
• Ensures cost and encounter data is correctly aligned within the MCA organizational structure, which includes performing detail analyses of workload trends, over a large time period for larger internal program areas.
• Provides management officials with procedural and regulatory guidance concerning recording of costs and workload.
• Analyzes the existing workload capture system to determine the best source data for the MCA program.
• Analyzes payroll costing of all facility staff at the Medical Center to ensure accuracy of data through cost center and budget object code review.
• Continually monitors, identifies, and resolves costing/FTEE issues with appropriate staff and works to implement processes at the service level that will prevent similar errors from occurring in the future.
• Serves as business analyst; gathering, examining, analyzing and evaluating information related to activities requiring action by the Chief Financial Officer, other Service Chiefs, first line supervisors, and clinical administrative staff.
• Responsible for extracting, producing, and maintaining various monthly management/briefing reports that meet the operational needs of the Medical Center.
• Presents information via written memorandums and/or presentations to facility leadership and VISN MCA coordinator.
• Assesses ways to improve this monthly process and work with other MCA staff to implement changes where necessary.
• Coordinates work with other MCA staff to insure accurate and timely documentation and submission of data to prevent problems in the MCA functions.
• Performs monthly audits that involve researching source systems and documents to verify the accuracy of MCA.
• Reviews any validation efforts with services in the medical center and other MCA staff to show them the impact that their data can have on the medical center.
• Performs monthly maintenance duties and audits on MCA to ensure currency and accuracy of data.
• Assists with the Event Capture program at the VA Medical Center.
• Builds and prepares reports using Microsoft, Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Downloads files from the Internet, VISTA, and Austin Automation Center and imports them into databases for review, processing and reporting.
• Acts as a liaison between the VISN MCA team and support services within the medical centers which play a major role in the implementation and continuance of MCA.
• Serves on various committee, task forces, and project teams dealing with Medical Center issues related to information available through and generated by the MCA Program.
• Interfaces with service line supervisors and administrative personnel in order to keep current on any changes in VA Medical Center functions that may affect the MCA program.
• Collaborates with VISN MCA Coordinator to keep current on any changes in National or VISN guidance which may impact MCA, workload, and cost information systems.
• Promotion Potential: 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.
• Work schedule: Full Time, Monday- Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Available Telework: This position may be authorized for adHoc telework.
• Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
• Position Description Title/PD#: Program Analyst (TCF Intern)/PD10222A

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (***).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
• In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
• Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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: ***

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: *** Superior academic achievement.

Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): SAA at the baccalaureate level in the coursework detailed above is fully qualifying. Applicants who wish to apply under this provision must submit proof from their educational institution that they meet one of the criteria listed below.

To qualify for Special Advancement for Achievement (SAA), applicants must have completed all the requirements for a bachelor's degree in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled and meet one of the following: Rank in the upper one-third of your class in the college, university, or major subdivision.

A grade point average of "B" (a GPA of 2.95 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all completed undergraduate courses, or those completed in the last two years of undergraduate study.

A grade point average of "B+" (a GPA of 3.45 or higher out of a possible 4.0) for all courses in your major field of study, or those courses in your major completed in the last two years of undergraduate study. Membership in a national honor society (other than freshman honor societies) recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies.

For a list of recognized honor societies please visit *** For more information regarding SAA please visit ***

How you will be evaluated

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.

WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Preferred Specialized Experience: Data Analysis and Reporting: Experience using tools such as Excel, Power BI, Pyramid Analytics, or SQL for data analysis, tracking, reporting, and identifying trends. Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated ability to collaborate with internal and external partners across organizational boundaries.

Communication Skills: Skilled in preparing documents, including briefings, presentations, and reports, for upper management. Budget & Financial Management: Familiarity with VHA financial policies and workflows. Narrative responses are not required at this time.

If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully.

Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document. Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion.

The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Documents you must provide

• Resume The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position.
• Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees). documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
• You will not be contacted for additional information.
• Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Other (1) PCS Orders Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility): Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee An SF-50 showing 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 Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
• Examples of appropriate SF-50's include: Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.
• Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire.
• You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.).
• If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation.
• Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form.
• Documentation is required to award preference.
• For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met.

If initial application submission is updated and resubmitted with a new resume, only the most current resume will be reviewed for consideration. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview.

All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.

Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties.

VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities.

HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities.

HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit for 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.

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.