Health System Specialist
Performs health system administration work including healthcare program management, policy development, and system analysis.
💰GS-0671 Salary Information
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0671
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements: There are no Individual Occupational Requirements for this series.
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.
| Grade | Education | Experience | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university | 3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4 | Equivalent combinations qualifying |
| GS-7 | 1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 | Combinations of graduate education and experience |
| GS-9 | 2 years graduate education or master's degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience |
| GS-11 | 3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience |
| GS-12+ | Not applicable | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade | N/A |
Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):
- Upper third of graduating class in college/university or major subdivision
- GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript, OR 3.5 or higher in major field
- Election to membership in national scholastic honor society
Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0671
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal health system specialist position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your Grade Level
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-0671
Health Care Administrator
Healthcare systems specialist. Highlight healthcare administration, program management, and policy.
Patient Administration Specialist
GS-0671 Health System Specialist is the management-track parallel to the patient administration division. PAD operations and resource-management work map directly.
Health Services Technician
Health system specialist pathway. Focus on program administration.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Manage healthcare programs
- •Develop health policies
- •Analyze health systems
- •Coordinate healthcare services
- •Monitor program performance
- •Advise on health administration
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to analyze healthcare delivery systems, programs, and operations.
Skill in evaluating healthcare program effectiveness and outcomes.
Knowledge of government administrative systems in healthcare settings.
Understanding of healthcare regulatory and credentialing requirements.
Ability to collect and analyze healthcare data for decision-making.
Skill in implementing healthcare policies and procedures.
Ability to coordinate healthcare services across departments and facilities.
Skill in communicating healthcare information to diverse stakeholders.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0671
What is a Health System Specialist?
GS-0671 Health System Specialists manage healthcare programs, develop policies, analyze health systems, coordinate services, and advise on administration. Unlike executive administrators (0670), they focus on specific programs, quality improvement, credentialing, or system analysis at VA, IHS, and other federal healthcare organizations.
How much does a federal Health System Specialist make?
GS-0671 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) for entry to GS-14 ($106,382-$138,296) for senior specialists. Most positions are GS-9 to GS-12 ($52,205-$98,422). Program managers and senior analysts reach GS-12/13. Add locality pay of 15-40% for metro areas.
What are the requirements for GS-0671 positions?
A bachelor's degree in health administration, public health, or related field for entry. Higher grades require specialized healthcare administration experience. Knowledge of healthcare regulations, data analysis, and program evaluation. Master's degree (MHA, MPH) preferred for senior positions.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0671?
Yes. Military healthcare administration experience—Medical Service Corps, healthcare management, clinic administration—directly qualifies. Your experience with TRICARE, MTF operations, quality assurance, or credentialing translates well. Veterans with healthcare admin backgrounds understand the unique needs of serving veteran patients.
What is the career progression for Health System Specialists?
Entry at GS-5/7, journeyman at GS-9/11, senior specialists at GS-12/13, and program directors at GS-13/14. Many advance to Health System Administrator (GS-0670) executive positions. Specialization in quality, credentialing, or program evaluation creates advancement paths.
How do I apply for GS-0671 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Health System Specialist' or specific specialties like 'Quality Management Specialist.' VA is the largest employer with positions at every medical center. Emphasize your healthcare administration experience, analytical skills, and program management. Veterans with MSC or healthcare admin backgrounds are strong candidates.
Ready to Apply for GS-0671?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.