Career Opportunity: Program Support Assistant at Birmingham VA Medical Center

Are you seeking a career that blends administrative excellence with a mission-driven purpose? The Birmingham VA Medical Center is currently looking for a motivated Program Support Assistant to join our Business Management Service team. This role is essential to our facility, as it serves as the bridge between our nation's Veterans and the healthcare benefits they rely on.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Support Assistant, your day-to-day duties will be varied and impactful:

Eligibility Interviews: Conduct thorough interviews to determine healthcare benefit eligibility.
Benefit Education: Clearly explain complex VA healthcare options and financial means testing requirements.
Administrative Support: Maintain program files, process correspondence, and update electronic databases.
Customer Service: Act as the face of the facility for Veterans and their families, ensuring every interaction is handled with respect and professionalism.
System Expertise: Utilize internal software such as VISTA and CPRS to manage patient data effectively.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following baseline requirements:

U.S. Citizenship
Successful completion of a background investigation
Adherence to the seasonal influenza vaccination policy
Submission of a resume no longer than two pages

Comparison of Qualifications

Requirement Type	Details
Education	No specific educational substitution at this grade level.
Experience	1 year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level equivalent.
Assessment	Mandatory USA Hire competency-based testing.

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $45,866 to $59,626 per year. Compensation is structured within the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, which rewards progression and service within the federal government.

Benefits

Working for the VA provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your work-life balance:

Generous leave accrual (annual and sick leave).
Federal health and life insurance options.
Competitive retirement benefits through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
A supportive culture that values professional growth.

Application Tips

Focus on Quality: Highlight your most relevant experience. Keep language results-focused.
Mind the Page Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer to avoid automatic disqualification.
Use the Builder: The USAJOBS resume builder is a great tool for ensuring you meet formatting standards.
Proofread: Errors or omissions in your application package can negatively affect your ranking.

This role offers more than just a paycheck; it offers a chance to serve those who have served. If you are organized, compassionate, and ready to make a difference, we encourage you to review the application details and apply before the August 24, 2026, deadline.

Why This Program Support Assistant Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on those who served. Join the Birmingham VA Medical Center as a Program Support Assistant and help our Veterans navigate their healthcare benefits with compassion and expertise.

Program Support Assistant Job Overview

The Birmingham VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Program Support Assistant-Enrollment Specialist to join our Business Management Service team. In this pivotal role, you will be the primary point of contact for Veterans and their families, determining their eligibility for healthcare services and guiding them through the enrollment process. This is a unique opportunity to use your administrative and interpersonal skills to ensure our nation's heroes receive the care they have earned. You will work in a fast-paced environment where your attention to detail and ability to interpret complex regulations will directly impact the patient experience.

Requirements for Program Support Assistant

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must pass a background and security investigation.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
Must provide a valid, REAL ID-compliant form of identification.
Must participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements if you are a current or former Federal employee.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Support Assistant

Experience equivalent to a GS-5 level in a related administrative or clerical role.
Proficiency in office automation software including database and spreadsheet management.
Ability to interpret and explain complex regulations, policies, and procedures.
Excellent communication skills for handling telephone inquiries and greeting visitors.
Experience with VA systems such as VISTA, CPRS, and EPAS is highly desirable.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance plans
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Retirement savings program (TSP)
✓Paid annual and sick leave
✓Opportunities for professional development
✓Ad-hoc telework flexibility

💡 How to Apply Program Support Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Support Assistant Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Submit your online application, including the questionnaire.
Complete the required online assessment (USA Hire).
Upload all supporting documents, such as SF-50s or transcripts.
Submit your completed package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting stays intact.
Ensure your resume includes start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position.
Avoid overstating qualifications; the agency will verify all claims.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the two-page length requirement.
Read the announcement thoroughly before starting your application to avoid omissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is not a virtual position. However, ad-hoc telework may be authorized based on discussions during the interview process.

What is the length limit for my resume?

Per current policy, resumes must be no longer than two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will result in automatic disqualification.

Do I need to be a veteran to apply?

While this position uses Direct-Hire Authority, which simplifies the process, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. Veterans' preference rules are adapted under this authority, but veterans will receive full consideration.

What happens after I submit my application?

Once the announcement closes, your application is reviewed for eligibility. If qualified, you may be invited for an interview. Referred candidates will receive notifications regarding their status.

Are testing accommodations available?

Yes. If you have a disability covered by the Rehabilitation Act, you can request an accommodation for the online assessment in your application.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to honoring America's Veterans by providing world-class healthcare. At the Birmingham VA Medical Center, we prioritize compassion and whole-health care. By joining our team, you contribute to a legacy of service and support for those who have sacrificed for our country.