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Mail Clerk

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Columbia VA Health Care System

Summary

This position is located in the Supply Chain Management within the Columbia VA Health Care System. The principal duties and responsibilities of the position has seven (7) main components: Internal /External Distribution; Facility Reproduction; Mail Analysis; Process Outgoing Mail; Controlled Mail; Facility Education; ADP/Mail Security and CMOP/Pharmacy processing.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted yesterday · Apply by 07/09/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 9, 2026
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$40,736 - $52,957 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 5
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
CBTB-12991964-26-NDS
Control number
874468700

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Duties

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Major duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Receives all facility mail from external sources; e.g., US Postal Service (USPS); United Parcel Service (UPS); Federal Express (FedEx); etc.
  • Responsible for ordering, receiving, processing and shipment of burial flags to 237 US Post Offices within the State.
  • Drives a motorized mail truck to delivery points which are in different buildings within the 97-acre complex. External ( off station) mail delivery is accomplished by means of driving a government issued vehicle with as many as IO delivery/pickup points at different locations within the city of Columbia.
  • Solely responsible for checking out the government vehicle, ensuring all vehicle systems are operating satisfactorily and signing the vehicle back in upon completion of the mail run.
  • Responsible for returning the vehicle with a full tank of gas. Incumbent has extensive knowledge of the operation of reproduction equipment (machines) and electric cutting machines as part of the daily operation processes.
  • Provides print services for the reproduction of printed materials. Reviews printing specifications for less complex publications and forms.
  • Answers queries and resolves problems which occur during production and delivery.
  • Logs mail piece identification and date/time mail piece was received or identified through mail analysis. Signs receipt for mail piece when required by carrier delivering to the facility.
  • Responsible and accountable for all Pharmacy packages that have been received or picked up for shipment by the mailroom, to include scanning packages daily into the Send Suite Packaging Tracking System for complete tracking.
  • Delivers mail piece to addressee within time frame appropriate to the time sensitivity of the mail piece (i.e. does the piece require immediate messenger service or may it be delivered during the next regularly scheduled mail delivery).
  • Enters date/time of delivery and obtains signature of addressee or designee. Incumbent ensures that the person signing for and receiving the mail piece is authorized to accept such deliveries on behalf of the addressee
  • Responsible for syncing information for the mailroom Scanner and Pharmacy docking station to allow upload of downloaded information from Pharmacy's scan into the mailroom' s scanner.
  • Responsible for ensuring every package being picked up matches a previous scan uploaded by Pharmacy (Average number of packages per pick-up is 110 and this is done twice per day).
  • Ensures all packages are scanned and selects "routed" status on scanner, which triggers a signature requirement, and signs the scam1er with a stylus.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Work Schedule subject to change based on agency needs.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Mail Clerk/PD01908A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
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 position places several physical demands upon the incumbent. Deliver; routes require extensive walking and travel outside between eight (8) buildings regardless of the weather.
  • 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.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/09/2026.

You may qualify based on your experience and as described below:

  • Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-4 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: a complete and thorough understanding of mail classes and special mail services. This knowledge must extend to the uses and applications of various classes of mail used independently or in conjunction with special services and their comparative economics.
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: Work requires standing and walking for extended periods and may require using stairs. In addition, bending, lifting and carrying of moderately heavy mail bags and packages (up to 70 pounds); pushing mail carts and mail tubs to deliver mail and packages throughout the hospital, and pushing mail tubs outside the building for the USPS carrier to load. The position requires the operation of a Cushman motorized vehicle, Cushman Electric Tug with a trailer on the facility grounds and a government owned vehicle to provide mail delivery and to pick up multiple points in downtown Columbia. Mail Clerks must possess the physical stamina to load and unload these vehicles by themselves on the external run.

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.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.

Receiving Service Credit for 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.

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/.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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:

  • Customer Service
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Self-Management
  • Teamwork


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.

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.

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?

Come join our team at the William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical center in Columbia, South Carolina. Columbia is the geographic center of South Carolina, with easy access to mountains (two hours west) and nationally recognized beach resorts (two hours east). Columbia boasts a nationally acclaimed library system, highly rated schools, and many outstanding golf courses. Big time college sports abound with two major schools - the University of South Carolina, Columbia, in the Southeastern Conference and Clemson University, Clemson, Atlantic Coast Conference (two hours away). Professional sports NFL Carolina Panthers and NBA Charlotte Hornets are less than 1 ½ hours north.

Agency contact information

Nadia Stanley
Email
nadia.stanley@va.gov
Address
Columbia VA Health Care System
6439 Garners Ferry Road
Columbia, SC 29209
US

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