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Program Support Assistant (OA)

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS)
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This position is located within Readjustment Counseling Service, and its primary purpose is to provide administrative and clerical support to a multi-disciplinary team providing counseling services to veterans with readjustment problems. By virtue of the mission of the Vet Center, the incumbent is the only administrative person located on site thus becoming responsible for many of the administrative, fiscal, and supply support functions for the Vet Center team.

Overview

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Job canceled
Open date: 10/25/2024
Closed date: 11/07/2024
Location
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$44,117 - $57,354 per year

Salary is based on the Rest of US and will be adjusted depending on locality selection.

Pay scale & grade
GS 6
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Other
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CBZY-12585261-25-RAH
Control number
815829900

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205) for this occupation.

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Duties

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Administrative Duties 50%

  • The work of the positions requires the incumbent to be proficient in the use of various Microsoft Office Suite Programs to include but is not limited to: Word, Power Point, Excel and Outlook. These programs are used for creating correspondence, presentations, spreadsheets, develop tracking systems and to communicate with others.
  • RCS has established databases (RCSNet) which the incumbent is responsible for updating assigned Vet Center data on a regular basis. The incumbent is responsible for using other programs or systems such as share drives, share points, Integrated Funds Control, Accounting, and Procurement (IFCAP), Invoice Payment and Processing System (IPPS), and FORCE to carry out the work of the position. All databases are to be kept current and complete, to allow for required reports to be accurate and timely.
  • Incumbent makes suggestions for possible modifications to improve effectiveness and efficiency of database use for the field. The position requires a qualified typist/data entry.
  • Responsible for reviewing and responding to all correspondence or inquiries the Vet Center receives via telephone, e-mail, and regular mail in a timely manner. The incumbent collaborates with Vet Center staff to aid in a complete response to the inquiry. Utilizing critical thinking skills, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring all correspondence has proper grammar, spelling, is error-free and formatting of the document is in accordance with approved RCS style guidelines.
  • Responsible for creating, updating, and maintaining all electronic documents for Vet Center staff, and Vet Center administrative folders in shared and personal folders. Incumbent create, updates, and maintains an electronic staff folder for each employee which may include position description or functional statement, in processing forms, training certificates, licensure, and the performance appraisal, etc.
Office Duties 25%
  • The incumbent is responsible for providing a welcoming environment and keeping the front lobby neat and orderly. Each day all tables are cleared of any trash, books/magazines are neatly arranged, furniture straightened, and refreshment/coffee area is cleaned and stocked.
  • Any areas that appear in need of repair are fixed if possible or removed from lobby area if a safety hazard is present. Incumbent is responsible for contacting the appropriate office to get items back to working order as quickly as possible.
  • Personally greets all visitors to the Vet Center, determines the nature of their visit, identifies Veterans arriving for appointment, confirms appointment, and contacts counselor to inform that client has arrived.
  • The incumbent uses independent judgment and Vet Center training to determine situations which require additional professional guidance by Vet Center staff. If the client appears to be in distress, the incumbent contacts the appropriate Vet Center personnel to handle the Veteran crisis.
Program Duties 25%
  • The incumbent provides administrative support for the assigned Vet Center. Incumbent is responsible for ensuring all office equipment is in working order and, if not, works with appropriate staff to have equipment replaced or fixed in a timely manner to include placing work-orders, maintenance request and ensuring repairs are completed.
  • Incumbent works independently establishing workload priorities off standing orders. Incumbent develops and maintains tracking systems on all assigned programs or projects.
  • Provides support to Vet Center staff by making copies, scanning information, and faxing information as requested.
  • Responsible for creating and maintaining the Vet Center brochures, pamphlets, hand-outs, staff business cards and other Vet Center documents which are used locally by staff under the guidance of the Vet Center Director or other staff. The creation of materials is done in compliance with RCS communication and branding guidelines.
Work Schedule: 8:00 am -4:30 pm Monday - Friday; some evenings and weekends
Telework: Ad-hoc
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Program Support Assistant (OA)/PD99903A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • 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
  • Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.
  • 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
  • Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Required Documents" below for details.
  • Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
  • Valid State Driver's License

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/07/2024.

GS-06 Grade Level:
Specialized Experience:
One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Specialized experience includes: utilizing a variety of word processing software (e.g., database or spreadsheet software) to enter, revise, sort or calculate, and retrieve data for standard reports and produce a variety of documents to manage the administrative tasks in an office in conjunction with graphics software to provide graphic symbols, charts, and graphs for viewgraphs for the preparation of a variety of special reports; selecting the most appropriate software for automating office work based on the nature of the work and the characteristics of available software types and provides instructions for other employees on the methods and procedures for using the selected software for the type of work involved; operating word processing and graphics software to prepare reports and briefing documents, using spreadsheet software to maintain the office's fiscal records, and using project management software to track the status of a number of projects assigned to the office.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

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/.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Additional information

"Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act."


Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following Competencies for this position:

  • Accountability
  • Administration and Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • Clerical
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Effectiveness
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Manages and Organizes Information
  • Problem Solving
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork


USA Hire Assessments include a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.

Your experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, duties, month and year start/end dates AND hours worked per week. A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

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.

Veterans Health Administration

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205) for this occupation.

Agency contact information

VHA National Recruitment Center
Phone
(844)456-5208
Email
VHANationalRecruitmentCenter@va.gov
Address
Readjustment Counseling Service
120 SE 6th Avenue, Ste. 102
Topeka, KS 66603
US

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