Nurse (VA Liaison for Healthcare)

Summary

The VA Syracuse Healthcare System's Social Worker Service is seeking an experienced VA Liaison for Healthcare Nurse. The primary role of the VA Liaison is to ensure the transfer of health care, both inpatient and outpatient, from the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) at Fort Drum, NY to the appropriate VA health care facility. The VA Liaison is accountable for clinical program effectiveness and modification of service patterns.

Duties

There is a nationally recognized initiative to seamlessly transition the health care of injured and ill Servicemembers and Veterans from the Department of Defense (DOD) to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. The initiative is led by the VA Central Office, Care Management and Social Work Services, Office of Patient Care Services (10P4C). The VA Liaison for Healthcare (hereinafter referred to as VA Liaison) is seen as the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) representative to the military installation and must represent the VA in all aspects of patient care, transfer and outreach. The VA Liaisons must work on-site at the MTF with staff, Servicemember(s), families, Caregivers, and Veterans to ensure priority access to needed health care services and education regarding VHA benefits. Servicemembers and Veterans returning from combat theaters may have severe and complex illnesses and injuries, minor illnesses and injuries, and mental health needs. Although the VA Liaisons must report administratively to the VA health care facility closest to the MTF, they must report programmatically to the VHA Care Management and Social Work Services, Office of Patient Care Services (10P4C). Lists the major duties and responsibilities of the position: Working closely with the MTF treatment team as an independent practitioner; using advanced practice skills and expertise to provide ongoing consultation regarding complex discharge planning issues; and VA health care benefits, resources and facilities. This requires an intimate knowledge of VHA programs and services nationwide, and the ability to match Veterans' needs with appropriate resources. Developing relationships and collaborating with the MTF social workers, nurses, case managers, managed care staff, and discharge planners to identify Servicemembers and Veterans ready for discharge to a VA health care facility and to obtain clear referral information and authorization for VHA to treat those still on active duty. This referral needs to: Include the MTF Medical Records; VA Referral Form (entitled Military Treatment Facility Referral Form to VA Liaison); Admission Sheet; Clinical and Consult Orders; or other authorization for VHA to provide services and bill TRICARE or other appropriate entity through a VA-DOD Sharing Agreement. Clearly identify the Servicemember's/Veteran's health care and psychosocial needs, and include requests for VHA health care services to ensure Clinical and Consult Orders or authorizations, specifying which VHA services are authorized and are completed prior to the transfer of any Servicemember(s)/Veteran(s) to a VA health care facility. Meeting with the Servicemember/Veteran and family to provide education and an overview of VA health benefits and resources, and to address current medical and psychosocial issues identified as part of the Servicemember's/Veteran's treatment plan. In collaboration with the MTF treatment team, the Liaison must use advanced clinical skills to assess the Servicemember/Veteran and family's psychosocial situation, their ability to comprehend and comply with VA's treatment plan determined by the MTF staff, and any special needs of the Servicemember/Veteran and family that may impact reaching optimal psychosocial functioning. Coordinating with the VA Liaison's home VA health care facility Enrollment Coordinator and Post-9/11 Military2VA (M2VA) Team, to initially register active duty Servicemembers or enroll Veterans at their facility utilizing the referral information. Registering active duty Servicemembers and enrolling Veterans in the VA computer system eases transfer of care to the VA health care facility. Collaborating with MTF social workers, nurses and case managers to identify the VA health care facility where care will be transferred to an accepting physician at that facility. To ensure ease of registration or enrollment procedures, information is transmitted using Patient Data Exchange (PDX) or Network Health Exchange (NHE) from the VA Liaison's facility to the identified receiving VA health care facility. Identifying and communicating with the M2VA Program Manager and Lead Coordinator, if applicable, at the receiving VA health care facility to initiate and process referrals and linkages for transfers of care. NOTE: Regular onsite collaboration and coordination is critical to provide effective consultative services with the referral, linkage, education, and assessment functions. The provision of direct services may be necessary to enhance the communication and relationship with Servicemembers/Veterans and their families. Performs other duties as assigned. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards Work Schedule: Mon to Fri 7:30am -4pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. 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). You may be required to serve a probationary period. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

Qualifications and evaluation

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. NOTE: Candidate's education, scope, and length of nursing practice (experience) will be considered in determining the grade and salary of the applicant selected. The recommended salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy. Experience as an RN will be evaluated to determine if the experience is of an acceptable level of quality with regard to the following five dimensions of nursing: Practice, Veteran/Patient Driven Care, Leadership, Professional Development, and Evidence/Based Practice/Research. Each dimension of practice has criteria that demonstrate essential core competencies for VHA Nursing Personnel. 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. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/16/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13107193. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all questions by addressing your work experience in detail. Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications. The following documents are accepted and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) License Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) Other (1) Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.