Veterans Health Administration
Administrative Assistant
Apply on USAJOBSThis announcement is sourced from the official USAJOBS API. Federal Job Alerts is not affiliated with OPM, USAJOBS, or any U.S. government agency.
Summary
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/26/2026. 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 by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-6 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-5. For a GS-07 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-06. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: GS-6 Grade Requirements: Specialized Experience: You must have one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-05 in the Federal Service, that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of an Administrative Assistant, GS-6 position, and that is typically in or related to the work of this position and that is typically in or related to the work of the positions. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Knowledge of the missions, policies, goals, and operating programs of the organization, as well as governing regulations, principles, and policies. Knowledge of clerical and administrative skills and service procedures, policies, priorities, program goals, organization, and functions of the office necessary to coordinate the procedural work within the office, as well as coordinate work with other offices and agencies. Ability to perform non-routine assignments, draft brief responses to routine correspondence, locate information in files, and prepare summary reports. Skill in communicating both orally and in writing, to include preparing and presenting both formal and informal reports and correspondence, coordinating and interacting with other activities, VA clinic staff and Veterans, and implementing new or changed procedures and policies. GS-7 Grade Requirements: Specialized Experience: You must have one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-06 in the Federal Service, that has equipped you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of an Administrative Assistant, GS-7 position, and that is typically in or related to the work of this position and that is typically in or related to the work of the positions. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Practical knowledge of the missions, policies, goals, and operating programs of the organization, as well as governing regulations, principles, and policies. Broad working knowledge of the complex care provided by the diverse specialty Service lines and providers in Nursing Service. Knowledge of various office automation applications such as Excel spreadsheets, word processing, graphics, and databases. Ability to perform non-routine assignments, draft brief responses to routine correspondence, locate information files, and prepare summary reports. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Major Duties
Major Duties are but not limited to: This position is responsible for a broad range of administrative duties required to administratively support seven clinical specialty service lines within the Nursing Service. Provides guidance to managers, supervisors and staff in personnel matters involving staffing, leave administration, employee relations, and training issues. Effectively enhances the ability of the office to support overall mission requirements through developing methods for automating administrative data collection requirements and reports. Acts as an Automated Data Processing Application Coordinator (ADPAC) for the specialty service line(s) assigned. Performs several roles as a VA TMS Administrator. Serves as a Key Coordinator for the Service Key Control Program. Performs time and attendance duties when staffing levels dictate the need for additional support. Prepares memos as needed for employees who need to request advance leave. Data Collection, Management and Analysis: Performs work involving the collection, compilation, review, tracking, and provision of real-time data and statistical information in support of the organization's program operations. Evaluates internal programs, policies, procedures, and guidelines for administrative support program activities performed in all Patient Care service lines. Resource Management: Plans and coordinates a variety of general office support services, including but not limited to requisitions, purchases, storage, maintenance of stock levels, installation repair, and maintenance and disposal of office equipment. Serves as the Fund Control Point Clerk/Requestor and manages office supply functions by initiating local purchases, sole source procurement, and GSA catalog purchases. Government Purchase Card Duties: The incumbent is an authorized user of a Government Purchase Card (GPC), and maintains the card for the assigned Service line in accordance with all requirements for meeting the standards of documentation and reconciliation as set forth by VA Handbook 1730.1, Use, and Management of Government Purchase Card, dated August 27, 2008. Initiates purchases in support of events and supply needs of the Office of the Director of Nursing Services. As mandated by VACO and VISN 5, cardholders will be held accountable for the following but not limited too: Complying with all Federal, VA, and local acquisition regulations, using mandated socioeconomic entities and complying with the Javis-Wagner-O'Day Act and using mandatory sources. Ensuring the acquisition of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-designated products. Verifying funds availability prior to making purchases and complying with single purchase and monthly cardholder limits placed on card. Inputting of order into IFCAP, within one (1) workday of purchase with vendor, to include correct control point, cost center, and budget object class (BOC) for that transaction. Undelivered or partial and unmatched payments pending beyond thirty (30) days must be reviewed and necessary action taken. Reconciling payment charge from Government Purchase Card vendor within fourteen (14) calendar days of receipt of IFCAP purchase card message. All payments must be reconciled within 40 days. Ensuring purchases represent reasonable prices unless a premium is justified and documented. Preferred Experience: Administrative experience within the last 3 years within medical setting Experience with timekeeping for a large unit Demonstrated customer service skills Physical Demands: Work is primarily sedentary. Work will involve some walking between various offices as well as standing, bending, and lifting of objects or boxes weighing 20 pounds or more. Duties include a significant amount of work that will require viewing large amounts of information on a computer screen, and involve a considerable volume of typing. Work Environment: Most duties will be performed in an office setting. The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts, which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting, and training rooms, etc. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Work Schedule: 7:30am - 4:00pm, Monday - Friday Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Authorized. AD-HOC Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Administrative Assistant/PD21021O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
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 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. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-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 probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information. Cover Letter Other (1) Other (2) Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility): Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade. Examples of appropriate SF-50's include: Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old. Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities. Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.
How to Apply
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include the initial online questionnaire and submission of the required documentation specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To preview the application questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13087400. The application process is as follows: To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date, 10/26/2026. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link. NOTE: Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused. Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center for practice assessments and assessment preparation resources at https://support-usahire.opm.gov/hc/en-us. To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed. To view the announcement status or your application status: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application. Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed. Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement. Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started. Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume: Prioritize most relevant and recent experience Use concise, results focused language Align language from the job announcement Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies Remove outdated or unrelated experience Use the USAJOBS resume builder Additional guidance on this new requirement and resume building tools can be found at https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit