Public Affairs Specialist

The Public Affairs Specialist works in coordination with the Public Affairs Officer (PAO) in maintaining an effective Public Relations Program at the Robley Rex VA Medical Center while displaying tact, common sense, diplomacy, initiative, and solid professional judgment. The Public Affairs Specialist is intricately involved as the primary spokesperson for the New Hospital Replacement Project prior to, during and after the transition from one facility to another.

Duties include, but may not be limited to the following: Serve as the Public Affairs Specialist for the Louisville Replacement Hospital Activations Team and provides overall support to the facility's Public Affairs Program. Responsible for preparing or directing the preparation of all news releases, media advisories, public service announcements, and feature articles about the medical facility and its programs and services. Serve as the spokesperson for the medical center for media interviews, events, or crisis situations as directed by, or in the absence of, the Supervisory Public Affairs Officer. Provide technical consultation in the preparation of public relations and marketing materials and publications. Serve as content manager of the Robley Rex intranet, internet, and social media platforms. Evaluate the effectiveness of the public affairs program and makes changes as necessary to improve the public image of VA and to improve media exposure of VA programs and activities. Assist the Supervisory Public Affairs Officer and Executive Leadership Team in planning, developing and implementing various programs and projects to meet special needs of veterans' organizations, affiliated educational institutions, and audiences that require public relations intervention. Serve as the Public Information Officer for the Hospital Incident Command System as directed. Establish effective relationships with local media and Veterans' organizations, community groups, and management officials; meet with these groups to disseminate information, enhance relationships, and communicate Robley Rex and VHA policies and information about specialized programs and initiatives. Act as a liaison with the VA Office of Public Affairs and Intergovernmental Affairs, VHA Office of Communications, and VISN 9 Communications. Address media inquiries and discuss complex, sensitive issues with the Supervisory Public Affairs Officer and/or Executive Leadership Team to develop health care system responses. Perform other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc only. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Public Affairs Specialist/PD403020 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. 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 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). 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. 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, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.