Job Details

Program Support Assistant

The Department of Veterans Affairs is implementing a streamlined 30-Day Hiring Model designed to accelerate hiring while maintaining the highest standards of merit-based selection. This improved process reduces traditional hiring timelines by integrating early coordination, faster assessments, and efficient pre-employment actions. Applicants can expect a more transparent, predictable, and efficient hiring journey from announcement to entry on duty. What Applicants Can Expect:

Expedited Candidate Review Once the announcement closes, Human Resources will quickly review applications, issue certificates of eligible candidates the day after the announcement closes and refer applicants for hiring manager consideration.

Quick Interviews & References

HR may arrange interviews and will request references within 3-5 days after being referred to the hiring manager.

Streamlined Pre-Employment Requirements: Following a tentative offer, applicants should be prepared to complete required steps, such as fingerprinting and background check, credentialing, and medical examination within 3 days of the offer.

Clear and Timely Communication: Applicants will receive clear communication at key milestones, including referral, tentative offer, and onboarding instructions.

After meeting pre-employment requirements, candidates will receive a final job offer and start date. Onboarding tasks may continue after starting, with HR ensuring timely completion for a smooth transition into VA service. If selected, applicants should be prepared to come onboard within 30 days of the announcement closing. The Program Support Assistant performs work that supports budget analysis and administration and the incumbent also uses office automation programs and software such as word processing, spreadsheet and database management in support of the clerical and administrative work as well as copy machine, fax machine, scanner and email.

Major duties of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Collects, Compiles, and/or tracks data and statistical information
• Organizes data into Access databases or spreadsheet formats
• Prepares a wide variety of recurring and nonrecurring correspondence, reports, and other documents
• Establishes, updates, and maintains office files and records
• Keeps and types meeting minutes, agendas and reports
• Prepares, executes, and/or tracks program specific information
• Performs office automation duties using such software applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, electronic mail, desktop publishing, calendar, database, and/or graphics
• Uses spreadsheet software to develop and change spreadsheets in order to graphically display data
• Schedules nutrition clinic appointments, prepares appointment confirmation letters, and enters appointment data
• Provides clerical support such as answering the telephone, referring visitors, or providing information about the office, its functions, and standard operating procedures, and similar information
• Maintains the appointment calendar, schedules appointments, reminds supervisor/staff members of the subject matter prior to meetings, and makes administrative arrangements as required
• Edits letters, composes letters and reports, reviews correspondence for accuracy and completeness, prepares public presentation outlines and meeting minutes, develops standard or form letters and replies to inquiries
• Serves as official timekeeper - notifying supervisors when leave limits are exceeded, posting staff time and attendance, processing timecards
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 7:30am - 3:00pm

Position Description Title/PD#: Program Support Assistant - Office Automation (OA)/PD99930A and PD99930S

Physical Requirements: The work area is usually an adequately lighted, heated and ventilated office of a medical facility setting. The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions. The work is sedentary but may require some walking, standing, bending, carrying and/or lifting of light items like papers or books. The work requires light to moderate levels/times performing keyboarding to prepare correspondence.