Launch Your Federal Career as a Program Support Assistant in Murfreesboro
Are you looking to transition into a stable federal role where your administrative expertise directly supports our nation's Veterans? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented individual to serve as a Program Support Assistant (Time Keeper) at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This position is a perfect match for professionals who excel at data management, payroll coordination, and building cross-functional relationships.
Job Responsibilities
As a Time Keeper, you are the backbone of nursing administrative operations. Your primary duties include:
- Payroll Management: Maintaining accurate records for payroll, leave, and overtime.
- Technical Proficiency: Utilizing specialized software like AcuStaf and Gov TA.
- Data Reporting: Generating statistical reports and tracking administrative clearances.
- Policy Education: Training supervisors on payroll processes and providing consistent information based on VA policy.
- Effective Communication: Serving as a liaison between frontline nursing staff and service leadership.
Core Competencies Comparison
| Skill Category | Importance | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Data Accuracy | High | Maintain integrity of payroll records |
| Communication | High | Educate staff on timekeeping procedures |
| Technical Skill | Medium | Utilize AcuStaf and MS Office |
| Time Management | High | Meet strict federal deadlines |
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet specific federal standards:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Time-in-Grade: Current federal employees must demonstrate 52 weeks of experience at the GS-5 level.
- Resume Limits: Resumes are strictly limited to two pages.
- Vaccination: Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Salary Overview
This position is classified under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale at a GS-6 grade. The annual salary range is $45,409 to $59,031, commensurate with experience and federal pay regulations.
Benefits
Working for the VA comes with a robust federal benefits package:
- Health and Wellness: Access to comprehensive health insurance plans.
- Financial Security: Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching and a defined pension plan.
- Leave: Generous accrual of annual and sick leave, plus federal holidays.
- Work-Life Balance: Options for ad-hoc telework based on facility needs.
Application Tips
- Be Concise: Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your resume stays within the two-page limit.
- Quantify Everything: Always list the hours worked per week for every position on your resume.
- Document Everything: Ensure your SF-50s clearly show your tenure if you are a current federal employee.
This role offers a unique opportunity to provide essential administrative support in a high-impact environment. By ensuring payroll accuracy and administrative efficiency, you play a direct role in the success of the VA’s mission. Apply today to begin your federal career journey in Murfreesboro.
Why This Program Support Assistant (Time Keeper) Job Matters
Join the Department of Veterans Affairs in Murfreesboro, TN, and play a pivotal role in supporting the healthcare teams that serve our nation’s heroes.
Program Support Assistant (Time Keeper) Job Overview
The Tennessee Valley Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Program Support Assistant (Time Keeper) to manage payroll, leave reporting, and operational records for the Nursing Service. This role is essential to ensuring our healthcare staff are supported effectively, allowing them to focus on providing top-tier care to Veterans.
Requirements for Program Support Assistant (Time Keeper)
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements if you are a current or former Federal employee.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent.
- Submission of a complete application package, including a resume (maximum two pages).
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
- Completion of a one-year probationary or two-year trial period.
- Ability to complete mandatory online competency assessments.
Preferred Qualifications for Program Support Assistant (Time Keeper)
- Documented experience with timekeeping and leave management processes.
- Proficiency in data collection, tracking, and database management.
- Strong research and problem-solving skills.
- Proven experience coordinating administrative duties within a healthcare or office setting.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Generous paid time off, including federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits, including pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and training.
- ✓Stable career path within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
💡 How to Apply Program Support Assistant (Time Keeper) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Program Support Assistant (Time Keeper) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages, highlighting relevant experience and hours worked per week.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including your most recent SF-50 (for current/former federal employees) and transcripts if applicable.
- Submit your application package by the closing date of July 20, 2026.
- Complete the required USA Hire assessment if prompted via email.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise; any resume exceeding two pages will result in immediate ineligibility.
- Explicitly state hours worked per week in your resume to ensure credit for part-time experience.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting complies with federal standards.
- Double-check your SF-50s to ensure they clearly demonstrate your one-year time-in-grade eligibility.
- Set aside at least 3 hours for the online competency assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this is not a virtual position. However, ad-hoc telework may be available per facility policy.
What happens if I submit a resume longer than two pages?
Per new federal hiring requirements, resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration.
Do I need a background check?
Yes, selected applicants will be subject to a background and security investigation.
What is the closing date for this application?
Applications must be submitted by July 20, 2026.
Is physical labor involved?
No, the work is primarily sedentary, though light office tasks may be required.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing comprehensive care to over 146,000 Veterans, the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) operates two major medical centers and numerous outpatient clinics. Working here means joining a mission-driven community that values the service and sacrifice of our Veterans.