Administrative Support Assistant: Serve Those Who Served at the VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling the promise made by President Lincoln to care for those who have served our nation. As an Administrative Support Assistant at the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center, you will play a critical role in this mission. You will be the backbone of the Chief of Staff’s office, ensuring that administrative operations run efficiently so that our medical professionals can focus on what matters most: patient care.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will manage a wide variety of vital administrative functions, including:

Supporting the Administrative Officer (AO) with human resources, fiscal, and contract management.
Overseeing records management according to federal VA standards.
Coordinating office activities, scheduling meetings, and documenting critical action items.
Serving as a backup timekeeper and ensuring accurate payroll validation.
Acting as a primary liaison between the service line and external stakeholders.

Comparison of Key Qualifications

Requirement	Description
Experience	1 Year of GS-6 level specialized experience
Education	None (no educational substitution permitted)
Citizenship	Mandatory U.S. Citizenship
Assessment	Online USA Hire Competency Assessment required

Requirements

To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet the specialized experience requirement. Because this is a federal role, you must also satisfy Time-in-Grade requirements if you are a current or former federal employee. All applicants must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.

Salary Overview

The salary for this GS-07 position ranges from $50,460 to $65,599 per year, depending on qualifications and standard federal pay schedules.

Benefits

Working for the VA comes with a robust federal benefits package:

Comprehensive health and life insurance.
Federal retirement pension and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Paid annual and sick leave.
Professional training and development.

Application Tips

Keep it short: Your resume must be two pages or less. Use the USAJOBS resume builder to stay compliant.
Be specific: When describing your work history, include the hours worked per week and clear start/end dates.
Upload the right documents: Ensure your SF-50 is current and clearly demonstrates your time-in-grade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this a remote position? A: No, this position is onsite at Fort Harrison, Montana. Q: Do I need to be a veteran to apply? A: While we love hiring veterans, this position is open to qualified applicants regardless of veteran status, provided they meet all eligibility requirements.

If you are an organized, detail-oriented professional looking to make an impact, this role offers the perfect mix of career stability and purpose. Apply today to become a vital part of the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center team.

Why This Administrative Support Assistant Job Matters

Launch a rewarding career supporting those who served our nation at the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center.

Administrative Support Assistant Job Overview

The Fort Harrison VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Administrative Support Assistant (GS-07) to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will provide critical support to the Chief of Staff’s office, ensuring the smooth delivery of healthcare services to our Veterans. This is an excellent opportunity for an organized professional to contribute to a mission-driven environment in the scenic landscape of Montana.

Requirements for Administrative Support Assistant

U.S. Citizenship
One year of specialized experience at the GS-06 grade level (or equivalent)
Must meet time-in-grade requirements for current or former federal employees
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat
Registration with Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
Completion of a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Administrative Support Assistant

Demonstrated experience in records, publications, and reports management
Prior experience with VA-specific systems such as VISTA or VATAS
Proven ability to manage calendars, meeting minutes, and action items
Strong interpersonal skills for serving as a liaison to internal and external stakeholders
Experience in fiscal/contract management or budgetary support tasks

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Federal retirement pension plan
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style investment)
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave
✓Federal holiday pay
✓Life and long-term care insurance
✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth

💡 How to Apply Administrative Support Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Administrative Support Assistant Job

Create or update your account on USAJOBS.
Prepare a federal-style resume (max 2 pages).
Gather required documents, including SF-50s and transcripts.
Complete the online questionnaire via the provided link.
Submit your application before the closing date of September 2, 2026.
Check your email for notifications regarding mandatory USA Hire assessments.

💡 General Tips

Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting integrity.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the two-page limit.
Be specific about your hours worked per week, as full-time is calculated as 35-40 hours.
Upload your most recent SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade eligibility.
Review your application for accuracy before the submission deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework authorized for this position?

No, this position requires an on-site presence and is not authorized for telework.

What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?

As of September 2025, federal agencies are restricted to two-page resumes. Submissions exceeding this limit will result in automatic ineligibility.

Can I qualify with education instead of experience?

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

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Montana VA Health Care System is a premier employer offering a unique blend of professional challenge and quality of life. Located at the historic Fort Harrison, our facility is surrounded by the natural beauty of Montana, offering easy access to world-class outdoor recreation like Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Our team enjoys a patient-centered, compassionate work environment.