Program Support Assistant

Summary

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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.

This job is open to

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The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

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

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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.
  
• Assigned as Primary Timekeeper for the Vet Center responsible for the bi-weekly time and leave records.
  
• Assigned as the Purchase Card Holder for the Vet Center, responsible for preparing and maintaining all all logs, forms, and documentation for the Vet Center use of official vehicles, and purchase card transactions.
  

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.
  

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.
  

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Program Support Assistant/PD59893A

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 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. 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 dentification 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) - See "Required Documents" below for details.
  

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/19/2025.

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

GS-07 Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-06 level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Applicants must meet two out of the three examples of Specialized experience listed below:

• Providing administrative and technical support for the management of various programs.
  
• Maintaining databases and utilizing various software programs.
  
• Scheduling appointments and typing a variety of correspondence.
  

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.

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.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

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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.

Required Documents

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Documents Accepted:

• Cover Letter
  
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
  
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  
• Disability Letter (VA)
  
• Other (1)
  
• Performance Appraisal
  
• Resume
  
• Separation Notice (RIF)
  
• SF-15
  
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  

Documents Required:

• Resume
  

Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).

You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

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All applicants are encouraged to apply online.

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/19/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12774031.

1. To begin, click

Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

2. Click

Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

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 Next steps

After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.

Overview

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Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

08/07/2025 to 08/19/2025

Salary

$52,243 to - $76,543 per year

Actual salary range will vary slightly, depending on location

Pay scale & grade

GS 7

Locations

2 vacancies in the following locations:

Buffalo, NY

Valhalla, NY

Remote job

No

Telework eligible

No

Travel Required

25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

Appointment type

Permanent

Work schedule

Full-time

Service

Competitive

Promotion potential

None

Job family (Series)

• 0303 Miscellaneous Clerk And Assistant
  

Supervisory status

No

Security clearance

Other

Drug test

No

Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process

• Credentialing
  
• Suitability/Fitness
  

Financial disclosure

No

Bargaining unit status

Yes

Announcement number

CBZY-12774031-25-BJL

Control number

842776200