Become a Program Support Assistant with the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to those who have served our nation. As a Program Support Assistant (OA) in the Ann Arbor Healthcare System, you will play a foundational role in maintaining the safety and environmental integrity of our facility. This position is ideal for individuals with strong administrative backgrounds who are looking to contribute to a meaningful mission in a professional medical environment.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Support Assistant, your duties include:

Coordinating reports, surveys, and briefing materials for the Safety Program.
Maintaining tracking systems for environmental compliance, radiation safety, and industrial hygiene.
Data entry into automated systems for chemical inventories and dosimetry records.
Assisting safety staff in the development of training materials.
Facilitating meetings, including preparing agendas and taking minutes for safety committees.
Managing office administrative needs and acting as an automated data processing coordinator.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-6 position, you must meet the following:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level.
Proficiency: Must be able to type 40 words per minute.
Background: Ability to pass a low-risk suitability investigation.
Vaccination: Adherence to seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.

Comparison: General Support vs. Program Support

Feature	General Clerk	Program Support Assistant (OA)
Focus	Basic Data Entry	Programmatic & Compliance Support
Responsibility	High Supervision	Minimal Supervision
Specialized Knowledge	General Office	Safety Policies & Procedures

Salary Overview

The pay range for this position is $50,087 to $65,113 per year. As a federal employee, you may also qualify for annual leave accrual based on prior federal service or qualifying military experience.

Benefits

Employees of the VHA enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) participation.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
Federal holidays and generous paid time off.

Application Tips

Resume Length: Note that as of September 2025, resumes must be limited to two pages.
Documentation: Ensure your SF-50 forms clearly demonstrate your time-in-grade.
Clarity: Clearly state the number of hours worked per week in previous roles.

Serving as a Program Support Assistant at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System is more than just a job; it is a chance to support the wellness of the heroes who served our country. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to join a dedicated team, review your application materials and apply before the September 1, 2026, deadline.

Why This Program Support Assistant (Oa) Job Matters

Join the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System team and play a vital role in ensuring a safe, supportive environment for our nation’s heroes.

Program Support Assistant (Oa) Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Program Support Assistant (OA) to provide essential administrative and operational support to the Safety Service. This role is pivotal in maintaining safety programs, tracking environmental compliance, and ensuring that our medical center remains a secure facility for both patients and staff.

Requirements for Program Support Assistant (Oa)

U.S. Citizenship
Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements if a current or former federal employee
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level
Proficiency in office automation: 40 words per minute typing speed
Ability to pass a background/security investigation
Completion of the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service

Preferred Qualifications for Program Support Assistant (Oa)

Experience in occupational health, industrial hygiene, or radiation safety support
Proven ability to analyze and interpret safety data, charts, and graphs
Familiarity with VA or clinical environment safety regulations
Experience in administrative coordination and office management

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary
✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Generous paid leave and vacation time
✓Retirement savings plans including TSP
✓Opportunities for professional growth within the VHA

💡 How to Apply Program Support Assistant (Oa) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Support Assistant (Oa) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account
Prepare a resume that is no longer than two pages
Gather required documents, including SF-50s and transcripts
Submit your online application by the closing date
Complete the required online assessment if notified

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes month/year start and end dates for every position
Quantify your experience and highlight results-focused language
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting
Check your USAJOBS status page regularly for updates
Verify that your SF-50 clearly demonstrates your time-in-grade eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this position?

The role supports the facility's Safety Service, managing documentation, tracking compliance, and assisting safety specialists in areas like industrial hygiene and environmental health.

Is telework available?

No, this is not a virtual position and requires on-site work.

What is the typing speed requirement?

Applicants must demonstrate a typing speed of 40 words per minute.

Is relocation assistance offered?

No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.

Can I use education to qualify?

No, there is no educational substitution for the experience requirement at this grade level.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) operates the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing care to millions of Veterans, the VHA is driven by the mission to care for those who have served in our military and their families. At the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, we focus on a 'Whole Health' model, emphasizing healing relationships and environments.