Senior Health Systems Specialist

Position Overview

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert on VA databases, information systems, and their interrelationships within the VA informatics environment
• Apply project management tools and techniques to plan, monitor, and report on program activities, milestones, risks, and deliverables
• Apply change management theory and practice to support the adoption of new systems, processes, and organizational initiatives
• Analyze existing and proposed VA informatics systems, identifying gaps, redundancies, and opportunities for enhancement
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, program plans, concept of operations (CONOPS), and status reports
• Provide authoritative guidance and recommendations to program leadership on health systems strategy, data architecture, and informatics best practices
• Coordinate across multidisciplinary teams including clinical staff, IT specialists, program managers, and external stakeholders
• Support governance and oversight activities, including participation in working groups, advisory boards, and program reviews
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of informatics initiatives and recommend adjustments to achieve program objectives
• Mentor junior team members and provide quality review of deliverables produced by less experienced staff

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Health Informatics, Healthcare Administration, Information Technology, Public Health, or a related field
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in health systems analysis, health informatics, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience supporting large-scale government health IT programs
• Expert knowledge of VA databases, data architectures, and their interrelationships within the VA informatics ecosystem
• Proficiency with project management tools and frameworks (e.g., MS Project, JIRA, Smartsheet) and PM methodologies (PMP-aligned)
• Knowledge of change management frameworks (e.g., Prosci ADKAR) and demonstrated ability to apply them in healthcare settings
• Advanced analytical skills; ability to conduct complex systems analyses and translate findings into actionable recommendations
• Familiarity with VA health information systems including VistA, CPRS, and related clinical and administrative data environments
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; experience producing executive-level briefings, technical reports, and stakeholder presentations
• Understanding of federal IT governance frameworks including FISMA, FedRAMP, and VA-specific security and privacy requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with the Veterans Health Administration or a similar federal health agency (CDC, CMS, DHA, HHS, etc.)
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one
• Project Management Professional (PMP) and/or Prosci Change Management Certification or equivalent
• Familiarity with VA's EHR Modernization (EHRM) initiative and Cerner/Oracle Health implementation
• SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) certification or demonstrated experience supporting Agile program delivery at scale
• Knowledge of VA data governance policies, VA Handbook series, and related regulatory frameworks

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Plans
• Short Term Disability / Long Term Disability / Life Insurance / Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Health Savings Account
• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• 11 Federal Holidays Off
• 401k
• We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer in all aspects of employment and do not discriminate for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Originally posted on Himalayas