Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection

Role Description The Management and Program Analyst (Intake Specialist) supports OAWP's Intake Division. The Intake Specialist serves as a Senior Management and Program Analyst on analytical projects in support of administrative investigations of allegations of whistleblower retaliation, senior leader misconduct or poor performance, and/or whistleblower disclosures, within the VA. - Serves as a Senior Management and Program Analyst on analytical projects in support of administrative investigations, governed by VA Directive 0500. - Responsible for a myriad of organizational duties, including: - Preparing, monitoring, and determining the accuracy of matters requiring coordination with leadership, VHA, VBA, NCA, and all Staff Offices. - Identifying discrepancies and ensuring proper addressing of all matters prior to case closure. - Independently identifies, obtains, and evaluates relevant data, including: - Agency investigative reports - Open-source reporting - Commercial and governmental databases - Case files - Information from VA's Administrations and all Staff Offices - Case law databases - Personnel files - Time and attendance records - Email and internet records - Functions with a high degree of autonomy, assessing incoming matters, making informed case decisions, and providing advice based on detailed knowledge of law and regulations. - Establishes long and short-term objectives designed to meet the needs of the organization. - Must have expert writing, analysis, and presentation skills. - Coordinates with VA Administrations, Program Offices, VISN, Regional Offices, and other entities to obtain complex, sensitive, and voluminous data and evidence. - Processes digital evidence and prepares it for access and use by investigators and OAWP staff. - Prepares investigative scope reviews, new matter assessments, statistical compilations, and other materials in support of case disposition. - Uses critical thinking to identify patterns and relationships across datasets and generates new insights. - Independently interprets and evaluates information from various sources, synthesizes results, and presents conclusions. - Prepares and communicates visualizations and other representations to convey analytical results. - Submits initial assessments and other products in response to external Congressional and stakeholder requests. - Develops concise and accurate work products, ensuring compliance with internal governance and quality reviews. - Manages a large number of complex and dynamic projects and cases, consistently meeting established timeframes. - Supports multiple ongoing cases and may act as an informal team lead for ad-hoc teams of other analysts. - Provides oral and written briefings to organizational leadership and VA Administrations and Staff Offices. - Serves as a subject matter expert on government, commercial, and open source databases and tools. - Identifies information source search strategies to enhance databases and improve processes. - Identifies division training needs, develops and conducts training, and creates reference materials on database uses and tools. - Maintains awareness of new data sources relevant to the organization. - Develops and recommends digital products to offer innovative solutions and improved organizational databases and tools. - Provides mentoring and guidance to junior analyst staff. - Develops internal governance practices to ensure quality and accuracy of work produced by others. - Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications - Applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/01/2026. - Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements. - Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-13). - Experience includes: - Conducting or providing oversight of complex administrative investigations. - Conducting reviews of administrative investigations for procedural thoroughness. - Analyzing procedures and events for compliance with applicable laws and regulations. - Receiving complaints and whistleblower disclosures involving retaliation or misconduct. - Evaluating statutory authorities for investigations involving potentially criminal and administrative complaints. - Handling sensitive and potentially controversial matters with tact, discretion, and confidentiality. Requirements - At least five (5) years of experience receiving and reviewing employee whistleblower disclosures. - At least five (5) years of experience conducting administrative investigations or oversight of investigations. - At least five (5) years of experience working with case management applications or electronic evidence files. Benefits - Work Schedule: Required to work Monday through Friday with various tours available pending supervisory approval. - Compressed/Flexible: Yes - Remote: Yes - Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized - Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Role Description The Investigations Division is responsible for reviewing and investigating allegations of misconduct, retaliation, or poor performance involving VA's senior leaders and whistleblower retaliation allegations against all VA supervisors. The Investigations Division makes recommendations for disciplinary, non-disciplinary, and corrective actions to leadership. The incumbent provides comprehensive expert advice to senior leadership on matters under investigation and develops legally sufficient evidence and analysis to support disciplinary, non-disciplinary, and adverse action recommendations. When appropriate, recommends corrective action for the Complainant in substantiated whistleblower retaliation and other cases when appropriate. - Independently investigates complex, highly visible, sensitive matters that may have the direct interest of the Secretary, members of Congress, non-government organizations, and/or media. - Receives, evaluates, and independently investigates allegations of senior leader misconduct, poor performance, and allegations of whistleblower retaliation by senior leaders or supervisors. - Researches applicable laws, regulations, and VA policies during the formation of investigative plans. - Takes sworn recorded testimony and collects documentary evidence. - Analyzes evidence for credibility, relevance, and sufficiency, makes findings of fact and draws conclusions based on requirements of law, rule, regulation, and policy. - Ensures case files are complete, organized, and include documents sufficient to complete the full scope of the investigation and make recommendations. - Prepares and executes requests for information to obtain evidence from various forms of electronic communications, personnel records, and other documents necessary to conduct the investigation. - Conducts sworn recorded interviews with complainants, witnesses, and respondents and analyzes transcripts. - Responsible for analyzing the veracity and relevance of witness testimony regarding allegations related to senior leader misconduct, poor performance, and whistleblower retaliation. - Plans and manages major investigations involving the VA's most senior executives and complex, sensitive senior leader accountability cases. - Determines efficient investigatory methods, determines the scope of complex investigations, develops investigative plans, maintains comprehensive evidentiary records, makes ultimate findings, analyzes key policy questions resulting in recommendations, and provides technical advice to senior management on matters investigated. - Reviews investigative reports and findings from various boards and agencies to determine if further OAWP action is required. - Drafts and prepares detailed reports of investigations that clearly, concisely, and logically present relevant facts, analysis, conclusion, and recommendations for action. - Makes recommendations to OAWP senior executive leadership in convoluted and complicated investigations requiring extreme discretion. - Demonstrates expert application of statutes, relevant precedents, regulations, rules, and investigative practices and theories. Qualifications - Applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 05/26/2026. - Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. - Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade, GS-12, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. - Evidence of specialized experience must be supported by detailed documentation of like duties performed in positions held on your resume. - A writing sample will be required, if determined to be best qualified. - Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs. Requirements - Must provide work experience information such as hours per week, salary, and starting/ending dates of employment to establish one (1) full year of specialized experience at the required grade level. - Resume must include job title and employer name, number of hours worked per week, start and end dates, and list of duties and responsibilities for each position held. - Physical Requirements: Work is primarily sedentary, although some slight physical effort may be required. Travel may be required. Benefits - Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. - Work Schedule: Required to work Monday through Friday with various tours available pending supervisory approval. - Compressed/Flexible: May be authorized by supervisor. - Remote: Yes - Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized - Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Role Description The Investigations Division is responsible for reviewing and investigating allegations of misconduct, retaliation, or poor performance involving VA's senior leaders and whistleblower retaliation allegations against all VA supervisors. The Investigations Division makes recommendations for disciplinary, non-disciplinary, and corrective actions to leadership. - Serve as the first line supervisor and manage the day-to-day operations of a staff of investigators in the conduct of administrative investigations and related activities. - Supervise case management and provide technical advice on matters referred to OAWP for investigation. - Develop general investigative strategies and tactics to resolve complex investigative issues. - Investigate matters related to conduct, performance, attendance, whistleblower disclosure, and retaliation. - Investigate allegations of misconduct, retaliation, or poor performance involving: - Individuals in a senior executive position. - Individuals employed in a confidential, policy-making, policy-determining, or policy-advocating position in the Department. - Supervisory employees if the allegation involves retaliation against an employee for making a whistleblower disclosure. - Receive referred disclosures from the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), Medical Inspector, Inspector General, or other investigatory authorities and conduct investigations as appropriate. - Conduct high priority/sensitive fact-finding or investigations requiring tact, diplomacy, and extensive experience. - Make recommendations regarding the assignment, evaluation, and approval of the Director's investigative plan. - Develop, review, approve, coordinate, and distribute detailed reports as appropriate. - Participate in individual and/or group interviews to gather information and data. - Perform the full range of supervisory functions for a staff of investigators, including: - Directly supervising and developing performance plans. - Rating the performance of assigned staff. - Assigning work based on priorities, difficulty, workload, and employee capabilities. - Providing leadership, mentorship, training, and administrative oversight. - Identifying developmental and training needs of employees. - Provide presentations, briefings, case updates, and/or reports to the Director and Senior OAWP leadership. - Maintain communication between field personnel and the Director. - Prepare written communication on behalf of the Director regarding operational procedures. - Assist in oversight of the integrity of data input into OAWP's electronic official system of records. - Develop and/or edit written reports detailing all facts and circumstances affecting Investigations program planning and organizational improvements. - Advise/brief the Director on highly complex and sensitive investigations. - Ensure division employees adapt to changes and guidance in investigations. - Maintain and monitor the case management system for receipt and accountability of information regarding alleged misconduct. - Coordinate cases with internal staff and external offices such as OSC, OIG, MSPB, OPM, and others as requested. - Administer the proper opening and closing of administrative investigations. - Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications - To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 05/19/2026. - Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must meet time-in-grade requirements. - For a GS-14 position, applicants must have served 52 weeks at the GS-13 level. - Specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-13 in the normal line of progression for the occupation is required. - Examples of specialized experience include: - Oversight of case management and provision of technical guidance on complex investigations. - Application of general investigative standards and principles. - Leadership in planning, prioritizing, and conducting investigative work. - Drafting clear, logical, and analytically sound written reports. - Conducting reviews of investigative reports and providing constructive feedback. - Maintenance of strict confidentiality. - Briefing senior leadership on high-impact cases. - Establishment and maintenance of professional relationships with stakeholders. Requirements - At least five years of experience leading and supervising administrative investigative teams focused on high profile, complex cases. - A track record of meeting or beating deadlines without compromising investigative integrity. - At least three years of supervisory experience conducting personnel actions. - Experience coordinating investigations with investigative attorneys. - Significant experience using e-discovery tools such as Relativity. - Exceptional ability to prioritize competing deadlines and utilize tracking systems. Benefits - Work schedule: Required to work Monday through Friday with various tours available pending supervisory approval. - Compressed/Flexible: May be authorized by supervisor. - Remote: Yes. - Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. - Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.

Role Description The Investigative Attorney provides legal advice and assistance to OAWP investigators, reviews investigative work-product, and assists in preparing reports of investigation and recommendations, including for disciplinary action against VA senior leaders and supervisors. - Legal Advice and Assistance: - Provides thorough expert legal advice and assistance to OAWP investigators and staff related to the collection and documentation of facts, documents, witness testimony, and other information necessary to develop an evidentiary record. - Independently conducts extensive legal research and evaluation of various theories and subjects, applying legal analysis to the facts obtained. - Memorializes factual and legal analyses in various work products, including reports of investigation, correspondence, legal opinions, and memoranda. - Assists in preparing reports of investigation and recommendations for disciplinary action, ensuring they are succinct, legally sufficient, and appropriately represent the facts gathered. - Advises OAWP investigators and staff on possible courses of action for complex and controversial issues. - Provides legal support for complex, large scale, and multi-jurisdictional investigations. - Policy Development: - Provides proactive legal advice and assistance on establishing and revising standard operating procedures and policies related to OAWP investigations. - Displays an understanding of various considerations, such as policy and operational factors, in developing analyses. - Training: - Develops and presents OAWP training on laws relating to administrative investigations, senior leader accountability, and whistleblower rights. - Assists with developing whistleblower rights and protections training for VA Administrations and Staff Offices. - Must possess superior communication skills. - Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications - Active member in good standing of the bar of a state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia. - Current, unrestricted license to practice law. - Four years of progressively responsible experience, which can include one year of relevant experience gained before admission to the bar. - Experience in the practice of law, including private, state, or Federal practice in any field of law. - Experience conducting legal research, analyzing statutes, and writing legal opinions. - Demonstrated experience in conducting investigations, providing legal advice on investigations, or preparing and/or reviewing reports of investigation. Requirements - Qualified applicants must possess four (4) years of progressively responsible experience as described in Quality of Experience. - Experience may include volunteer work through National Service programs and other organizations. - Physical requirements: The work is primarily sedentary. Benefits - Promotion potential to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. - Full-time work schedule, Monday through Friday with various tours available pending supervisory approval. - Remote position.

Role Description The Investigative Attorney provides legal advice and assistance to OAWP investigators, reviews investigative work-product, and assists in preparing reports of investigation and recommendations, including for disciplinary action against VA senior leaders and supervisors. - Legal Advice and Assistance: - Provides thorough expert legal advice and assistance related to the collection and documentation of facts, documents, witness testimony, and other information necessary to develop an evidentiary record. - Independently conducts extensive legal research and evaluation of various theories and subjects. - Memorializes factual and legal analyses in various work products, including reports of investigation, correspondence, legal opinions, and memoranda. - Assists in preparing reports of investigation and recommendations, ensuring they are succinct, legally sufficient, and cite all applicable law and evidence. - Works closely with OAWP investigators and staff, advising on possible courses of action for complex and controversial issues. - Provides legal support for complex, large scale, and multi-jurisdictional investigations. - Policy Development: - Provides proactive, thorough expert legal advice on establishing and revising standard operating procedures and policies related to OAWP investigations. - Considers the importance of establishing or changing precedent and incorporates various considerations into analyses. - Training: - Develops and presents OAWP training on laws relating to administrative investigations, senior leader accountability, and whistleblower rights. - Assists with developing whistleblower rights and protections training for VA Administrations and Staff Offices. - Must possess superior communication skills. - Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications - Active member in good standing of the bar of a state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia. - Current, unrestricted license to practice law. - Four years of progressively responsible experience, which can include one year of relevant experience gained before admission to the bar. - Experience in conducting legal research, analyzing statutes, and writing legal opinions. - Demonstrated experience in conducting investigations, providing legal advice on investigations, or preparing and/or reviewing reports of investigation. Requirements - Qualified applicants must possess four years of progressively responsible experience as described in Quality of Experience. - Experience must demonstrate professional and administrative abilities required to perform similar work and responsibilities. - Applicants will be rated on various competencies including Analytical Reasoning, Attention to Detail, and Communications. Benefits - Promotion potential to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. - Full-time work schedule, Monday through Friday, with various tours available pending supervisory approval. - Remote position.