Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

Duties may include but are not limited to:

• The Incumbent is the primary point of contact for Quality Assurance regarding processes that support the Nursing Qualification Standards, receive emails, messaging and direct calls related to the processes. Initiates replies as necessary. Prioritizing work to facilitate efficient and effective operation for Patient Care Services.
• Incumbent works independently overseeing and organizing communication, maintains documents and, with supervisor concurrence, advises staff on implementing time and resource saving improvement to more efficiently meet Patient Care Service objectives. Process improvements may cover recordkeeping requirements, i.e., training, adherence to current policy and interim policy changes, mail receipt and distribution processes, and the tracking and ordering of office supplies.
• Incumbent utilizes personal computers and Microsoft Office applications, i.e., word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook email, Microsoft office Teams and LEAF.
• Maintaining Probationary Review Board (PRB) tracking worksheets and coordinating monthly communication with PRB chairs and subject matter experts to ensure timely submission of required documentation. The incumbent coordinates the information from initiator and Vetpro to provide to the board members. Prepares board action forms based on board findings and directs them appropriately to board members for signature. Communicates with Human Resource (HR) related completed PRB materials and updates spreadsheet for completion. Prepares both quarterly and annual PRB summary reports for leadership review. Maintains the database for all files and documents.
• Primary point of contact for communication with Shared Services Unit (SSU) and Consolidated Classification Unit (CCU) in the Functional Statement workflows by coordinating document exchange with the CCU and SSU. Prepares signature ready documents that adhere to formatting conventions while liaising with initiator for document completion. Redirects documents within LEAF as needed to ensure communication is fluid in collaboration with the Quality Assurance Nurse. Posts finalized functional statements to the South Texas SharePoint and maintain accurate tracking spreadsheets for document completion. Prepares Annual summary report for leadership.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 0730-1600
Telework: VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Position Description Title/PD#: Program Support Asst (OA)/PD013720
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc. is required
• 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.

Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 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

Qualifications

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 or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.11/06/2026

Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-05 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Knowledge of software packages used in the organization to perform major duties, Expert knowledge in time management and prioritizing duties daily. Ability to cope with a variety of simultaneous unrelated tasks and deal with frequent interruptions, demanding change of focus while remaining task and deadline oriented, Possess strong written and oral communication skills and interpersonal relations, Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of individuals, up to and including leadership, and is effective in obtaining support for program implementation and maintenance. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:

• Administration and Management
• Clerical
• Project Management
• Technology Management

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.

Physical Requirements: Regular and recurring work is mostly sedentary involving sitting at a desk, although the position requires the ability to move from one geographic location of the facility to another. The incumbent works with a computer screen and keyboard. Some physical effort such as standing, walking, bending or prolonged sitting may be required. The incumbent may be exposed to walking to outlying areas. The work places no special physical demands on the employee.

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/.

How you will be evaluated

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

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.