Voluntary Services Officer - Remote Eligible

Voluntary Services Officer

The incumbent serves as Voluntary Service Officer (VSO) with full delegated authority and responsibility for developing, managing, and administering a large, comprehensive voluntary services program within the VA Central Ohio Health Care System (VACOHCS). This position is located in the Office of the Associate Director, at the VA Central Ohio Health Care System. The area of oversight includes the main ambulatory care center, as well as five outpatient clinics throughout the state of Ohio.

Program Oversight

The incumbent serves as the Voluntary Service Officer (VSO) with full delegated authority and responsibility for designing and implementing a voluntary services program that meets the needs of a complex VA healthcare delivery system. This includes planning, establishing and implementing policy; developing program goals and objectives; managing the gifts and donations program; resolving sensitive and complex situations; coordinating with (internal and external) sources to establish and maintain effective relationships; and has responsibility for the operation, coordination, and evaluation of the facility VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) program. The VSO develops short and long-range plans for the accomplishment of the VAVS program goals and objectives; develops and implements programs and program changes that impact the ability to meet the medical center's needs; develops innovative and creative community outreach programs that provide volunteers as well as financial resources to the facility.

Staffing

The VSO serves as full advisor to top management on the VAVS program. The incumbent takes a proactive role in meeting the voluntary service needs of the hospital and affiliated satellite clinics and establishes a vital link with the community. The incumbent assumes full authority for the promotion, recruitment, and recognition of volunteers; evaluates staff requests for volunteers; develops a formal orientation, education, and/or training programs for both volunteers and utilizing services; and identifies/obtains resources.

Technical and Administrative Supervision

Incumbent provides direct technical and administrative supervision to the VA Central Ohio Health Care System Voluntary Service Staff: Two Voluntary Service Specialist (GS-09), two Program Support assistants (GS-7 and GS-6), One Information Receptionist (GS-4) and one Motor Vehicle Operator (WG-5). This responsibility includes development of performance standards, writing position descriptions, evaluating work performance, counseling of employees whose performance is marginal or unsatisfactory, and initiating disciplinary actions when necessary. Hears and resolves complaints from employees. Plans and assigns work to be accomplished by subordinates; sets short and long-term goals; assigns work based on priorities; approves leave, instructs employees on work and administrative matters. Initiates recruitment actions, interviews and selects new employees. Obtains resources for continuing education of employees and determines their training needs.

Committee Duties

The VSO serves as Deputy Chairperson of the facility Committee and provides information about the medical center and the VAVS program to various VACOHCS representatives and deputy representatives from affiliated veteran's service organizations, civic groups, and local community organizations. Provides orientation and training to newly appointed VAVS representatives and deputy representatives. The VSO establishes and maintains relationships with the members of the committee for the purposes of motivating increased attendance and participation at the committee meetings, as well as for increasing volunteer involvement in hospital programs. Conducts Annual Joint Reviews with the representatives from the VACOHS Committee organizations. Arranges official visits from national, state and local organizations.

Expenditure/Purchase Approval

The VSO, as a designee of the Medical Center Director, is the sole employee authorized to accept or reject offers of gifts and donations for this facility in accordance with established procedures and regulations. Ensures gifts and donations are accepted, recorded and disbursed appropriately according to VA policy. The incumbent is the approving official for expenditures/purchases for general post fund accounts.

Program Development

Has sole responsibility for developing and implementing a wide range of programs and services within the VACOHS program, including volunteer recognition ceremonies and awards programs, volunteer recruitment fairs, student volunteer programs, community outreach activities, special events, recruitment presentations, official visits/tours, and fundraisers. Manages, plans, and coordinates all aspects of National Salute to Veterans Week, Memorial Day, Flag Day, POW/MIA Program, Veterans Day Program, VACOHS Holiday visits and gift distribution, and National Volunteer Week, etc.