Subject Matter Expert – Facility Planning, Management, and Environment of Care Safety

Job Description:

Blue Water Thinking is seeking an experienced and dedicated Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Facility Planning, Management, and Environment of Care (EOC) Safety to join our team, supporting the Integrated Healthcare Transformation (IHT) initiative. This position requires expert-level knowledge in infrastructure and capital management, with a focus on maintaining and modernizing VA facilities through market-based planning and safety-focused design strategies. The SME will play a pivotal role in supporting the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Healthcare Environment and Facilities Program with expert consultation on capital asset management, EOC safety programs, facility risk assessments, and policy guidance.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide expert consultation in infrastructure and capital asset management to maintain and modernize VA facilities.
• Conduct market-based facility planning, including demand forecasting and build-vs-buy analyses to support strategic infrastructure decisions.
• Assess the adequacy and performance of VA facility engineering, safety, and Environment of Care (EOC) programs.
• Perform root cause analyses on safety and engineering issues, providing evidence-based recommendations to senior leadership.
• Evaluate capital asset condition, facility risk, and environmental safety through formal facility condition assessments.
• Support the development and review of policies related to capital asset management, EOC, and healthcare facility safety.
• Identify gaps in infrastructure and safety protocols and propose corrective strategies that enhance patient and staff safety.
• Collaborate with VA stakeholders and cross-functional teams to ensure EOC and facility planning priorities align with broader healthcare transformation goals.
• Interpret and apply VA, federal, and industry standards related to healthcare infrastructure and safety.
• Provide input into strategic facility modernization initiatives, including renovation, construction, and space utilization projects.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Healthcare Administration, Safety Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in facility planning, capital asset management, or healthcare safety within VA, federal agencies, or a large integrated healthcare system.
• Proven experience leading or advising on capital asset and infrastructure programs in large healthcare settings.
• Deep understanding of facility condition assessments, risk analysis methodologies, and healthcare safety regulations.
• Demonstrated expertise in evaluating and improving EOC and safety programs in compliance with VA and national standards.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and presentation skills to deliver insights to senior leadership.
• Strong knowledge of VA infrastructure and capital planning frameworks and tools.
• Experience conducting root cause analyses in healthcare or facility safety contexts.
• Familiarity with federal and VA policies related to EOC, facility safety, and engineering compliance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting VHA’s Office of Healthcare Environment and Facilities Program (HEFP) or VA’s Office of Capital Asset Management, Engineering, and Support (OCAMES) or similar federal facility oversight bodies.
• Certification in facility management, safety, or risk assessment (e.g., CHFM, CSP, PMP, PE).
• Familiarity with The Joint Commission standards and other healthcare accreditation bodies as they relate to EOC and safety compliance.
• Experience with VA's Strategic Capital Investment Planning (SCIP) process and systems.
• Proficiency in using facilities management software and tools (e.g., IBM TRIRIGA, VFA Facility).
• Prior involvement in integrated project delivery (IPD) or capital project lifecycle management in the federal space.

Eligibility:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the required federal public trust clearance for this role.

Compensation:

Salary for this position is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, location, the candidate’s particular combination of knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. 

Benefits:

Blue Water Thinking offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), paid time off, federal holidays, and a matching 401(k) plan.

This is a unique opportunity to support the modernization of VA infrastructure and advance healthcare safety for Veterans nationwide. If you are a highly skilled facility and safety expert with experience in complex healthcare environments, we encourage you to apply.