Serves as the Executive Assistant to the SES Executive Director of the VA Systems Redesign Logistics Program Management Office (VALOR). Functions as a consultant and confidential advisor to the VALOR PMO Executive Director on policy, planning, organization, management, administration, and technical matters of exceptional difficulty. Serves as the VALOR Chief of Staff. Is delegated signature authority for the Executive Director and has the authority to commit the support and concurrence of their office in assigned areas and on specific projects. Direct responsibility for assisting the Director in all management matters to include liaison to VHA HR for personnel matters and the Assistant Under Secretary of Health for Support Services for administrative management of the VALOR PMO; Receives assignments that are very broad in scope, long term in nature and have significant impact; Based on extensive knowledge of program office management and its roles and responsibilities, anticipates potential problems and recommends alternative solutions for top management action to ensure a high level of decision-making accuracy; Advisor in strategic communication, analyzes a wide range of primary source materials to ensure the Executive Director is briefed accurately, objectively informed, and is prepared for decision-making; Undertake special studies, direct projects, and carry out assigned missions of the very highest priority, many of which are of direct concern to VALOR senior leaders; Liaison with VHA HR support service entities, relieves the Executive Director of a multitude of details by exercising managerial responsibilities in the form of coordinating, reviewing, and evaluating the effectiveness of administrative and operating policies, regulations, and procedures; Advises on a variety of substantive, procedural and policy matters pertaining to HR such as recruitment, classification, compensation, performance management, employee relations, labor relations, and training.

Is responsible for the environmental care daily operations which includes all facility cleaning activities, bed management, infection control, pest management, linen & laundry management, employee training within Environmental Management Services.

Covers the hospital (533 authorized beds) includes long term care beds (118), and clinics (22) in regards to quality management. As part of my responsibilities, I evaluate the hospital and CBOCs areas in regards to EOC, Risk, and Safety Joint Commission and other regulatory standards, and VHA directives compliance. Areas of my responsibility in regards to QM include Logistics, EMS/EVS, FMS, Nutrition & Food, Canteen (VCS), Prosthetics, HBPC, and Home Care Oxygen. I am also the accreditation manager back-up, so I am involved with the accreditation process (JC, CARF). Other responsibilities as the QM manager include developing reports, conducting trends and conducting tracers, analyzing data, and making recommendations.

Functions as the key driver and champion for developing, maintaining, and enhancing the Veteran Experience Program, including physical changes in the environment to ensure an exceptional Veteran experience. Defining the new processes and practices of the healthcare model, that are centered around the Veteran experience from beginning to end. Possess a positive attitude and firm belief grounded in the concept that improving the Veteran experience is paramount. Assess current environment, develop action plans/milestones and deliverables, as well as create systems to deliver, demonstrate, and study the outcomes. Oversees and provides supervisory and program direction for the Patient Advocacy Program, MyHealtheVet Program and Veteran Education Resource Center Staff. Advising and providing counsel to employees regarding policies, procedures, and directives of management responsibilities. Advises Facility Leadership in the planning, development, and operation of programs, this includes executive leadership as well as service chiefs and key program managers as stakeholders. Provides technical expertise in the field of healthcare planning and comprehensive advice and assistance to the BPVAHCS Director regarding possible need for revision of memorandums and policies governing specific Veteran experience planning activities. Works with various clinicians to research, plan, and develop complementary and conventional approaches to healthcare services that will assist Veterans in meeting their personal health goals.

Trains and implements accreditation processes to clinicians, management, and all relevant support personnel. Provides direct support in the development, maintenance, and operation of all accreditation processes. Maintains clear communication between the facility and accreditation bodies and for coordinating applications procedures, surveys, self-assessments, response to deficiencies, complaint process and other requirements. Performs staff support work in short and long-range planning efforts.Leads, directs and assists medical center staff in the operation of the accreditation programs.Plays a critical role in developing and coordinating internal review systems to assure that both clinical and administrative activities are in compliance with agency and accrediting and regulatory requirements. Works closely with Hospital Leadership and Service Chiefs. Responsible for organizing audits and surveys (OIG, VISN, VACO, Joint Commission, CARF, LTCI, GAO, and other governing compliance organizations). Responsible for preparing the Hospital and 22 Clinics for Accreditation process and surveys/audits. Analyzes data, identifies trends and communicates concerns or issues. Ensures that monitoring of processes that are required by standards occurs and that this data is analyzed and acted upon, if needed.

Six month program based on the new VA Leadership competencies and managed through the VISN 8 Education Workgroup, CDL promotes personal and professional leadership development within the VA Leadership competencies, targeting the intermediate level behaviors.