Launch Your Federal Career as an Administrative Officer with the VA

Are you a detail-oriented professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking an Administrative Officer to join the Care Management and Social Work (CMSW) service in Marion, Illinois. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply your analytical and organizational skills in support of those who have served our country.

About the Veterans Health Administration

The VHA is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Beyond providing world-class medical care, the VHA is tasked with the 'Fourth Mission': preparing the nation for emergencies, disasters, and national security crises. By joining this agency, you become part of a mission-driven team dedicated to the well-being of Veterans, their families, and caregivers.

Job Responsibilities

The Administrative Officer serves as the heartbeat of the CMSW service. Your daily tasks will be diverse and highly consequential:

Budget and Finance: Managing complex service budgets and procurement contracting.
Policy Development: Creating and formatting health care system policies to ensure regulatory compliance.
Operations Support: Collaborating with management to oversee clinic access, utilization, and scheduling.
Administrative Oversight: Acting as a liaison between department heads and staff to facilitate personnel and administrative requirements.

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must meet several key criteria:

Comparison Table: Qualifications

Qualification Type	Requirement Details
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Experience	One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level
Education	Master’s degree or 2 years of graduate-level education
Assessment	Completion of required online competencies
Documentation	Valid SF-50 (if applicable) and transcripts

Salary Overview and Benefits

This position is graded at the GS-09 level, offering an annual salary range of $61,722 to $80,243. Employees enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including robust health insurance, retirement options with matching contributions, and a generous leave policy. Newly appointed federal employees may also be eligible for leave accrual credit based on prior non-federal or military service.

How to Apply

Applying for federal employment requires careful attention to detail. Start by visiting the USAJOBS portal. Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and clearly outlines your job duties and hours per week. Because the VA will not make assumptions about your experience, be explicit in describing your contributions.

Becoming an Administrative Officer with the VHA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the mission of caring for America's Veterans. If you possess the leadership, finance, and analytical skills needed to streamline operations, we encourage you to apply and contribute to this vital federal health care team.

Why This Administrative Officer Job Matters

Join the Veterans Health Administration as an Administrative Officer and play a pivotal role in delivering compassionate, high-quality care to those who have served our nation.

Administrative Officer Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Administrative Officer to support the Care Management and Social Work (CMSW) Service in Marion, Illinois. In this key operational role, you will act as a primary assistant to the Service Chief, managing financial workflows, personnel administration, and critical policy development. This position is essential to maintaining the high standards of care provided to our Veterans and requires a candidate with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to mission-driven service.

Requirements for Administrative Officer

U.S. Citizenship
Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements (if currently or previously a federal employee)
Completion of a required online assessment
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
Ability to pass a background/security investigation
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
Must be able to submit a maximum two-page resume
One-year probationary or two-year trial period

Preferred Qualifications for Administrative Officer

Experience in human resources, procurement, or budget management
Advanced proficiency in program analysis and long-range planning
Ability to interpret complex federal regulations and policies
Previous experience serving as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with medical and administrative leadership

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance options
✓Comprehensive retirement planning
✓Paid annual and sick leave
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Potential credit for job-related non-federal or military experience for leave accrual

💡 How to Apply Administrative Officer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Administrative Officer Job

Create or log in to your account at USAJOBS.
Review the full vacancy announcement and prepare your documents.
Draft a concise, two-page resume highlighting your relevant experience.
Submit your application and required documentation through the online portal.
Complete the required online assessment when prompted.
Monitor your application status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Focus your resume on results and skills relevant to the position.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the two-page limit requirement.
Clearly list hours worked per week for all previous experience.
Submit all required SF-50 forms if you are a federal employee to prove Time-in-Grade.
Set aside three hours of uninterrupted time for the online assessment.
Double-check your email notifications for any follow-up requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of the Administrative Officer?

The Administrative Officer serves as the lead assistant to the Chief of the Care Management and Social Work Service, managing personnel, budgets, contracts, and clinic operations.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an onsite position in Marion, Illinois, though limited ad-hoc telework may be available at the manager's discretion.

How long should my resume be?

Federal regulations now require resumes for this position to be no longer than two pages.

What is the probation period?

New hires must complete a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and conduct.

Is a security clearance required?

This is a non-sensitive/low-risk position; however, a background investigation is mandatory.