Technical Writer - Editor

The Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Investigations Division is responsible for receiving, investigating, and referring allegations of senior leader misconduct or poor performance, whistleblower retaliation or whistleblower retaliation by a supervisor. This position requires an advanced level of skill in written communication, editorial analysis, and the application of federal style standards to complex, sensitive, and legally significant documents.

Serves as the authoritative technical advisor on investigative writing standards within OAWP. Establishes and implements organization-wide editorial policies and investigative reporting standards. Reviews, edits, and finalizes investigative reports and related products produced by the Investigations Directorate, ensuring accuracy, completeness, logical structure, and compliance with applicable VA and the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) standards. Performs substantive editing of complex investigative documents, including restructuring content for clarity and logical progression, resolving internal inconsistencies, and ensuring that findings, conclusions, and recommendations are clearly supported by the evidentiary record. Conducts line-by-line editorial review for grammar, syntax, punctuation, spelling, and style in accordance with the Government Publishing Office (GPO) Style Manual and OAWP editorial standards. Evaluates the tone, readability, and appropriateness of investigative reports for their intended audiences, which includes senior VA and Department leadership, Congressional staff, and the public. Coordinates with investigators and team leads to reconcile editorial changes, resolve ambiguities in the record, and ensure reports accurately convey the scope and results of each investigation. Tracks the editorial review and clearance status of multiple concurrent investigative products, manages competing deadlines, and escalates issues affecting report quality or timeliness to the appropriate supervisor. Develops, maintains, and updates Investigations Division editorial style guides, writing templates, and standard operating procedures that govern the preparation of investigative reports and Congressional products. Remains current on CIGIE quality standards for investigations, GAO report standards, and Congressional correspondence protocols, incorporating changes into OAWP editorial guidance as needed. Independently researches and verifies factual, legal, and regulatory content cited in investigative reports, including references to U.S. Code, VA Directives and Handbooks and applicable federal regulations. Resolves discrepancies between source documents and draft text through direct review of case files, applicable regulations, and coordination with subject-matter experts. Ensures that graphics, exhibits, and supporting data tables included in written products are accurate, properly formatted, and appropriately referenced in the text. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor, including special writing and editing projects, contributions to organizational initiatives, and support for time-sensitive products at the direction of senior leadership. Work Schedule: Required to work Monday through Friday with various tours available pending supervisory approval. May be subjected to change based on operational needs. Compressed/Flexible: May be available. Telework: May be authorized in accordance with agency policy. Virtual: This position may be authorized for Virtual Work. Virtual Work eligibility is for current VA employees that are already subject to the return to in person work mandate in their current position. Definition of Virtual Work: Employee works outside of original hiring duty station at a VA owned or leased space. Return to Office (RTO): RTO mandates are in affect and selectees will be required to report to in person work unless they have an approved exemption already in place. Position Description/PD#: PD002640 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary period 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. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a one year probationary period or two year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your one year probationary period or two year trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.