IT Specialist

This IT Specialist position is with Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology (Department of Veterans Affairs) in Phoenix, AZ. This position is located within the Office of Information and Technology (OIT), Product Delivery Service (PDS), Health Informatics, COTS Interface Division. The incumbent serves as an Information Technology (IT) Specialist, supporting multiple IT specialty areas for the Division. Responsibilities include delivering technical support for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software solutions, including vendor coordination and COTS interface management. Key duties: • OIT Mission: The mission of the Office of Information and Technology (OIT) is to collaborate with our business partners to create the best experience for all Veterans. OIT Vision: To become a world-class organization that provides a seamless, unified Veteran experience through the delivery of state-of-the-art technology. 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. Major Duties: Displays knowledge of the systems architecture functional processes and technical alternatives sufficient to achieve interoperability, integration, and/or system interfacing requirements while engaging in troubleshooting techniques to resolve conflicts and/or system degradation or outages. Shows knowledge of the principles and methods of integrating information systems sufficient to install, maintain and troubleshoot vendor software. Sets up and maintains a system or specific components of a system (e.g. for example, installing, configuring, and updating hardware and software; establishing and managing user accounts; overseeing or conducting backup and recovery tasks. Uses judgment and originality by interpreting data; planning the work; and refining the methods and techniques being used. Installs, maintains, monitors performance, and troubleshooting of systems and applications installed in the assigned division facility. Shows knowledge of Vista KIDS and interfaces sufficient to maintain and support Vista interfaces that tie to supported applications. Performs application troubleshooting and maintenance in accordance with approved/established application support policies and change control policies in the organization. Recommends new approaches or modifying existing ones as it pertains to continuous program changes, reductions in funding, rapidly evolving technology with lack of pertinent data. Employs advanced data collection and analytical skills to develop reports which are used by management for process improvement and/or troubleshooting analysis. Works closely with senior team members and facilities to ensure seamless implementation including resolving installation problems. This position is primarily aligned to the following NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework work roles: Cybersecurity Code: 451- System Administrator: Responsible for setting up and maintaining a system or specific components of a system (e.g. for example, installing, configuring, and updating hardware and software; establishing and managing user accounts; overseeing or conducting backup and recovery tasks; implementing operational and technical security controls; and adhering to organizational security policies and procedures). Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: As determined by the Agency Policy Telework: Adhoc telework may be authorized at management discretion. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: IT Specialist/PD17114A and PD17115A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Physical Demands: The work is sedentary, but may involve intermediate periods of walking, bending, stooping, lifting, carrying, moving (up to 50 pounds) computer components and supplies, reaching, pulling, and working at a keyboard and monitor. Subject to call back outside tour of duty. Working Conditions: The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions. Designated Drug Testing Position: Not applicable This is a bargaining unit eligible position. Qualifications: To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/21/2026. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Basic Requirements Experience: Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate. For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the five competencies listed below. The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. AND Specialized Experience: Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, Specialized Experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. For the GS-11: You must possess a minimum of one (1) year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Providing expertise support for VISTA package software, including installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and/or Health Seven (HL7) interface support. Proficient in administering and maintaining Windows Server operating systems, ensuring high availability and optimal performance. Proven ability to collaborate with stakeholders to deliver oversight for complex IT systems. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree; or an LL.M., in related field of study.. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and graduate level education that together meet 100% of the qualification requirements for this position. For the GS-12: You must possess a minimum of one (1) year of experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: proficiency in providing support for VistA package software, including installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and/or Health Level Seven (HL7) interface support. Supporting the full lifecycle of IT projects involving complex server environments and enterprise applications. Applying advanced system administration and project management techniques to implement, secure, optimize, and troubleshoot VA information systems. Working collaboratively across technical and clinical disciplines, ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope, and in compliance with all agency policies. 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/. View the full announcement and apply on USAJOBS.gov.