U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Contract Specialist (Technical Career Field (TCF) Trainee)
This job is now closed
Job Description
- Req#: 742587600
- You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
- Subject to a background/suitability investigation
- May serve a probationary period
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
- Applicants must live within 50 miles radius of the advertised duty location.
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 purpose of this position is to serve in a developmental capacity as a Contract Specialist trainee in performing professional work involving the procurement of supplies and services using procedures outlined in the Federal Acquisition Regulations, VA Acquisition Regulations, Public Laws, and agency policies.
Duties
The employee in this position serves as a Contract Specialist Trainee in either the local or VA Central Office- funded Trainee Program. The training program enhances all aspects of the procurement process. As a trainee, the employee will receive on-the-job training in the principles, procedures and techniques of the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting occupation, and will receive formal training by completing/attending training program courses. Trainee must successfully complete each of the required courses.
As part of the VA's succession planning, the Technical Career Field (TCF) training program was created to ensure individuals are trained in critical areas that have current or predicted shortages. The program is nationally funded to include salary, benefits and training/travel dollars. At the time of acceptance into the TCF program, trainees will be asked to sign mobility, training, and service agreements. Relocation expenses for acceptance into the training program or for placement are not funded by the TCF program. Please keep in consideration, the training program is meant for those individuals who plan on staying with the VA a minimum of 3 years after completion of their training program.
Selectees will be required to complete and sign the following paperwork; Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements. NOTE: This position requires the selectee to sign a two year continued service agreement, which requires the selectee to complete the full two year TCF training period. Leaving the program before completion of the program will incur financial penalties.
Although not guaranteed, with more than 150 freestanding facilities and hundreds of clinic locations, we will strive to place trainees in positions that will work for their needs and the needs of the VA.
This is a developmental position leading to a GS-9, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. You will ultimately acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of GS-9. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:Requirements
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Minimum Qualifications for Grade GS-5
Individual Occupational Requirements (Basic Requirements)
A. Possess at least a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in any field. (Transcripts Required) OR
B. Possess at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management. (Transcripts Required) OR
C. Occupied a GS-1102, Contract Specialist position in the Federal Government on January 1, 2000, in one of the following grade levels GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 or GS-12. (SF-50 Required)
Exceptions: Employees in GS-1102 positions will be considered to have met the standard for positions they occupy on January 1, 2000. Employees who occupy GS-1102 positions at grades 5 through 12 will be considered to meet the basic requirements for other GS-1102 positions up to and including those classified at GS-12. This includes positions at other agencies and promotions up through grade 12. However, employees must meet specialized experience requirements when seeking another position.
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.About the company
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a Cabinet-level executive branch department of the federal government charged with integrating life-long healthcare services to eligible military veterans at the 1700 VA medical centers and outpatient clinics located throughout the country.