Health System Specialist (Credentialing)

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Health Systems Specialist at the Battle Creek VAMC serves as the SME to LIPs and Service Chiefs on routine and complex C&P matters, supporting OPPE and FPPE processes to ensure provider competence and patient safety.

This role emphasizes adherence to VHA policies, Joint Commission standards, and OIG/GAO recommendations, with evaluation of data and making informed decisions under established guidelines.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level or higher, or education substitution as allowed.
• Experience ensuring compliance with VHA policies, TJC standards, OIG/GAO recommendations.
• Ability to advise LIPs and Service Chiefs on C&P, OPPE, and FPPE matters.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME to LIPs and Service Chiefs on C&P matters, guiding provider competence decisions.
• Support OPPE and FPPE programs to ensure high-quality patient care and safety.
• Apply established guidelines to data-driven evaluations and corrective actions.

Skills

Policy compliance

Data analysis

OPPE/FPPE guidance

Provider quality

Education

Master's degree in health administration

LL.B./J.D. in health administration

Job description

The Health Systems Specialist is located at the Battle Creek VAMC, Office of the Chief of Staff. The incumbent serves as the subject matter expert (SME) to LIPs and Service Chiefs on routine and complex matters related to C&P, for the ongoing OPPE and FPPE.

Please be advised that this position is currently subject to an OPM consistency review, which may result in a change in grade. If the review results in a reduction in grade, you could be eligible for grade and/or pay retention. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/08/2026.

Specialized Experience

You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-07 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: ensuring compliance with VHA policies, directives, memos, and notices, as well as The Joint Commission (TJC) standards, recommendations by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and other internal or external auditors and reviewers as appropriate; collecting relevant data and makes informed decisions utilizing established guidelines to ensure that qualified healthcare professionals provide appropriate care in the appropriate settings; serving as the subject matter expert (SME) to LIPs and Service Chiefs on routine and complex matters related to C&P, providing vital technical guidance regarding provider competence for the ongoing provider practice evaluation (OPPE) and focused provider practice evaluation (FPPE); and independently executes the critical functions of the Medical Staff Office that are essential to patient safety and to assuring the quality of patient care provided by the VAMC.

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, 2 full years of progressively higher graduate education, or an LL.B./J.D. related to health administration.

OR

Combination

Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond the first year and specialized experience.

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/.