Launch Your Career: Program Support Assistant at the Syracuse VA Medical Center

Are you looking for a career that combines administrative expertise with a deep sense of purpose? The Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) is currently seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional to fill a Program Support Assistant position. In this role, you will be on the front lines of assisting those who have served our country, ensuring they receive the care and financial support they deserve.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Support Assistant, your daily duties are broad and impactful:

Benefit Counseling: Advise veterans and their families on healthcare entitlements.
Eligibility Determination: Review and process applications for various VA services, including medical, dental, and long-term care.
Financial Management: Perform financial assessments, manage means tests, and resolve billing issues using VISTA software.
Coordination: Facilitate patient travel and manage sharing agreements with partner organizations like TRICARE and CHAMPVA.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, you must meet several key criteria:

You must be a U.S. Citizen.
You must submit a maximum two-page resume.
You must pass an online competency assessment.
You must satisfy background check and security clearance requirements.

Comparison of Qualifications

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Mandatory U.S. Citizenship
Experience	Equivalent to one year of GS-5 level work
Education	No specific degree substitution; focus on relevant experience
Compliance	Mandatory Influenza Vaccination Participation

Salary Overview

The salary range for this GS-6 position is $45,409 to $59,031 per year. Your exact placement within this range will depend on your background and the specific hiring policies of the agency.

Benefits

Working for the VA offers a robust benefits package that supports both your career and your personal life:

Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
Federal retirement options (FERS).
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO).
Opportunities for professional development.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you stay within the two-page limit.
Be Specific: Detail your past experience with hours worked per week; we cannot infer experience not explicitly stated.
Stay Alert: Watch your email for the USA Hire assessment link, which has a specific completion deadline.

Serving those who have served us is a noble pursuit. If you have the administrative skills and the heart to make a difference, we encourage you to apply for the Program Support Assistant position at the Syracuse VA Medical Center before the July 16, 2026 deadline.

Why This Program Support Assistant Job Matters

Join the Syracuse VA Medical Center as a Program Support Assistant and play a vital role in delivering compassionate, high-quality care to those who have served our country.

Program Support Assistant Job Overview

The Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Program Support Assistant to join the Health Benefits Center. In this essential role, you will be the backbone of administrative operations, facilitating veterans' access to critical health benefits. You will serve as a primary liaison for eligibility, financial assessments, and travel coordination, ensuring that our nation's heroes receive the benefits they have earned with efficiency and respect. This position is perfect for someone who excels in a detail-oriented, fast-paced environment and is committed to public service.

Requirements for Program Support Assistant

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Must complete the online application, questionnaire, and all required assessments.
Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must maintain a valid driver's license for travel-related job duties.
Must undergo a background/security investigation.
Must complete a mandatory 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment.
Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements if currently or formerly employed in the Federal service.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Support Assistant

Prior experience in healthcare administration or patient benefits counseling.
Demonstrated proficiency in VISTA or similar clinical/financial software systems.
Experience in eligibility determination, billing reconciliation, or medical travel logistics.
Strong technical skills in data management, analysis, and reporting.
Effective communication skills for explaining complex healthcare regulations to veterans and their families.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Health Insurance (Multiple plan options)
✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) benefits
✓Generous Annual and Sick Leave accrual
✓Paid Federal Holidays
✓Flexible spending accounts and life insurance
✓Potential for ad-hoc telework opportunities
✓Professional development and training opportunities

💡 How to Apply Program Support Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Support Assistant Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement and gather all required supporting documents.
Complete the online questionnaire via the provided link.
Upload your two-page maximum resume and necessary documents (e.g., SF-50, transcripts, DD-214).
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM (ET) on 07/16/2026.
Monitor your email for a unique link to complete the required USA Hire Assessments.
Track your application status via your USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit; longer resumes will not be considered.
Clearly document your work experience, including hours per week and start/end dates.
Ensure your SF-50 clearly verifies your time-in-grade eligibility if applying as a current or former federal employee.
Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact across systems.
Use clear, results-oriented language and align your resume with the specific competencies listed in the job description.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely in this position?

This is not a virtual position, though it may be authorized for ad-hoc telework. Eligibility for telework will be discussed during the interview process.

What is the resume length requirement?

Per current federal guidelines, resumes must be no longer than two pages to be eligible for consideration.

Is the seasonal influenza vaccine mandatory?

Yes, participation in the influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel.

What if I have a disability that prevents me from taking the online assessment?

*A: You may request a reasonable accommodation during the application process through the link provided in the vacancy announcement.*

How do I know if I qualify for Time-in-Grade?

*A: If you are a current or former federal employee, you must submit your most recent SF-50, and potentially an older one, to document at least one full year of service at the GS-5 level.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." As a member of the Veterans Health Administration, you will join a community of professionals committed to whole-health care for our nation's heroes.