Launch Your Career: Program Support Assistant at the Veterans Health Administration

Are you looking for a career that combines administrative excellence with a profound sense of purpose? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking a Program Support Assistant to join our team in Huntington, West Virginia. This role is essential to our mission of providing compassionate, whole-health care to those who have served in the military.

Job Responsibilities

Your day-to-day work will be fast-paced and impactful, consisting of:

Administrative Support (50%): You will manage databases, utilize Microsoft Office Suite, and ensure all correspondence is error-free.
Program Duties (25%): You will maintain tracking systems, handle office equipment maintenance, and manage communication materials.
Office Operations (25%): You will ensure the lobby remains welcoming, greet visitors, and assist in crisis triage by contacting appropriate personnel.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GS-06).
Assessment: You must complete the USA Hire competency-based assessment.
Probation: All new hires must complete a one-year probationary period.

Comparison: General Clerk vs. Program Support Assistant

Feature	General Clerk	Program Support Assistant
Focus	Filing/Basic Tasks	Complex Program Support
Independence	High Supervision	Independent Priority Setting
Tech Usage	Basic Entry	Advanced (Databases/Accounting)
Client Interaction	Limited	High (Front-line Triage)

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $50,460 to $65,999 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the federal government offers a robust benefits package, including comprehensive health coverage, a generous retirement plan (FERS), and paid leave that grows with your years of service.

Application Tips

Keep it Brief: Your resume must be two pages or less.
Be Specific: Do not leave room for assumptions. Clearly list hours worked per week and specific duties.
PDF Format: Save your documents as PDF files to ensure they retain formatting.
Practice: Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to familiarize yourself with the assessment format.

If you are ready to use your administrative skills to support the men and women who have sacrificed for our country, we invite you to apply. This role offers not just a job, but an opportunity to serve a mission that truly matters.

Why This Program Support Assistant Job Matters

Launch a meaningful career supporting our nation's heroes as a Program Support Assistant with the Veterans Health Administration in Huntington, WV.

Program Support Assistant Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Program Support Assistant to provide vital operational support to the Vet Center Director and staff. In this role, you will be the cornerstone of an office that provides compassionate care and services to Veterans. You will manage daily administrative workflows, maintain critical data systems, and serve as the primary point of contact for individuals visiting the center. This position is perfect for a detail-oriented professional who excels in a collaborative environment and is committed to the mission of serving those who have served our country.

Requirements for Program Support Assistant

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Completion of a one-year probationary period.
Must pass a background and security investigation.
Completion of an online application, questionnaire, and assessment.
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level.
Resume must be two pages or fewer.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Support Assistant

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).
Experience with database management and electronic document maintenance.
Strong critical thinking and communication skills.
Ability to manage workload priorities independently.
Experience with timekeeping systems and office equipment maintenance.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Health Insurance
✓Retirement Savings Plans (FERS/Thrift Savings Plan)
✓Paid Annual and Sick Leave
✓Federal Holidays
✓Life Insurance Options
✓Flexible Work Arrangements (Ad Hoc Telework)
✓Career Advancement Opportunities

💡 How to Apply Program Support Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Support Assistant Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, following formatting guidelines.
Submit your application and required supporting documents before the closing date.
Complete the mandatory USA Hire online assessment as instructed.
Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting integrity.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet all layout requirements.
Focus your resume on results-oriented language and specific competencies.
Set aside at least three hours for the USA Hire assessment, but know you can save and return.
Check for any required documentation like SF-50s or DD-214s early in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework available for this position?

Yes, this position is eligible for Ad Hoc telework, though it is not a fully remote position.

What happens if I don't complete the assessment?

Completion of the USA Hire assessment is a mandatory requirement. Failure to complete it will result in your application being ineligible for consideration.

Does this job provide veterans preference?

This position uses Direct-Hire Authority; while traditional veterans' preference rules do not apply, qualified veterans will be given full consideration.

Is there educational substitution?

*A: No, this grade level does not allow for educational substitution for the required specialized experience.*

How long do I have to finish the assessments?

*A: You will have a specific window provided upon application; however, the portal allows you to save and return to the assessment.*

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. The Readjustment Counseling Service (RCS) is a vital part of this network, and as an assistant at a Vet Center, you are the front line for our Veterans and their families.