Serving Those Who Served: Secretary (OA) Career Opportunity at the VA

The VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) is currently seeking a highly organized and motivated professional to join our team as a Secretary (OA). This is a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the largest and most active healthcare systems in the country. If you are passionate about administrative excellence and want to support the critical mission of serving our nation's Veterans, this role could be the perfect fit for your career goals.

Job Responsibilities

As a Secretary (OA) for the Medical Administration Service (MAS), your role will be multifaceted. You will serve as the primary administrative point of contact for the Chief and Assistant Chief of MAS. Your daily duties will include:

Administrative Management: Coordinating office operations, managing complex calendars, and scheduling meetings.
Communication: Acting as the primary receptionist, handling incoming calls from stakeholders, and screening requests for information.
Documentation: Reviewing outgoing correspondence for grammatical accuracy and formatting, and preparing routine reports.
Technical Support: Managing staffing databases, entering 2247 forms, and utilizing medical software programs like DHCP/VISTA and CPRS.
Project Coordination: Assisting with travel arrangements and tracking departmental vacancies.

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Typing Skill	Minimum 40 Words Per Minute
Time-in-Grade	52 weeks at GS-05 for current Federal employees
Investigation	Must pass a background/security check
Vaccination	Participation in the annual influenza program is mandatory

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $49,365 to $64,175 per year. This salary is aligned with the GS-06 grade level under the Federal General Schedule pay system.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible for a robust suite of benefits, including:

Health insurance packages tailored to your needs.
Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
A collaborative work culture focused on high-quality patient outcomes.

Application Tips

Submitting a federal application can be competitive. To stand out:

Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly states your duties, hours worked per week, and dates of employment.
Keep it Concise: Follow the two-page limit strictly.
Proofread: Double-check your grammar and spelling to mirror the attention to detail required on the job.
Don't Forget Documentation: Include all required SF-50 forms to prove your federal employment history.

Working as a Secretary at the VA North Texas Health Care System is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the well-being of the men and women who have sacrificed for our country. If you possess the organizational prowess and desire to serve, we encourage you to submit your application before the September 2nd, 2026, deadline.

Why This Secretary (Oa) Job Matters

Join the VA North Texas Health Care System as a Secretary and play a vital role in supporting our mission to serve those who have served our nation.

Secretary (Oa) Job Overview

The VA North Texas Health Care System is seeking a dedicated and organized Secretary (OA) to provide essential administrative and clerical support to the Medical Administration Service (MAS) leadership team. Based in Dallas, Texas, this role is integral to the efficient operation of one of the nation's busiest VA systems, ensuring that our medical professionals and staff can focus on providing world-class care to our Veterans.

Requirements for Secretary (Oa)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must pass a background/security investigation.
Required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period.
Must be able to type at least 40 words per minute.
Must meet time-in-grade requirements (for current/former Federal employees).
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must submit a complete application package including a resume and relevant SF-50 forms.

Preferred Qualifications for Secretary (Oa)

Experience in medical administration or similar high-volume environments.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
Familiarity with medical terminology and healthcare office protocols.
Proven ability to manage office databases, track statistical trends, and coordinate complex schedules.
Excellent interpersonal skills for interacting with Veterans, families, and executive leadership.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP).
✓Paid annual and sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional growth within the VA system.
✓Supportive work environment dedicated to Veteran care.

💡 How to Apply Secretary (Oa) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Secretary (Oa) Job

Create a USAJOBS account if you do not have one.
Prepare a resume that specifically details your relevant experience (including hours worked per week and specific duties).
Gather necessary documentation such as SF-50s, transcripts, or DD-214.
Complete the online application and questionnaire.
Complete the required online assessment when prompted.
Submit your application by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of 09/02/2026.

💡 General Tips

Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages.
Be specific and clear; the agency will not make assumptions about your experience.
Double-check that your SF-50 clearly demonstrates time-in-grade eligibility.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet formatting requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework authorized for this position?

No, this position is not eligible for telework.

What is the typing requirement?

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to type at least 40 words per minute.

What happens if I forget my SF-50?

Failure to provide necessary documentation like the SF-50 may result in your application being ineligible.

Is there an educational substitution for this role?

*A: No, there is no educational substitution for this GS-06 position.*

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: No, relocation/recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.*

How long is the probationary period?

*A: You will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The VA North Texas Health Care System is a powerhouse of healthcare innovation, serving approximately 500,000 Veterans across 40 counties. With four main facilities, including the Dallas VA Medical Center, we offer a comprehensive continuum of care. Our partnership with UT Southwestern Medical Center allows us to function as a premier teaching and research facility, providing our employees with a dynamic and fast-paced environment.