Become an Executive Secretary (OA) at the Veterans Health Administration

Are you an experienced administrative professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) is seeking a dedicated Secretary (OA) to join our team. This position serves as a critical partner to executive leadership, ensuring that our mission—to care for those who served—is fulfilled through efficient office management and professional support.

Job Responsibilities

As a Secretary (OA), your work is the backbone of the Executive Suite. You will:

Act as the primary point of contact for the Chief of Staff and the executive leadership team.
Manage complex calendars, schedule video-teleconferences, and prepare comprehensive meeting minutes.
Handle inquiries from patients, stakeholders, and other federal agencies with professionalism.
Develop and maintain filing systems and tracking databases to ensure office efficiency.
Prepare and edit high-level correspondence, reports, and memorandums.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet the following criteria:

Specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level.
Proficiency in typing at 40 words per minute.
Ability to clear a security and background investigation.
Completion of required online assessments.
Adherence to the seasonal influenza vaccination policy.

Salary Overview

This position is graded at the GS-08 level. Please see the salary breakdown below:

Pay Detail	Amount
Minimum Annual Salary	$55,882
Maximum Annual Salary	$72,644
Pay Interval	Per Year

Benefits

Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
Federal Retirement System (FERS) participation
Generous Paid Time Off (Annual and Sick Leave)
Flexible scheduling and potential for telework
Career advancement opportunities within the federal system

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must be strictly two pages or less.
Be Specific: Detail your duties, including hours worked per week and specific dates (month/year).
Use the Resume Builder: This tool ensures your formatting meets federal requirements.
Proofread: Errors in documentation can lead to disqualification.

Serving as a Secretary (OA) for the Veterans Health Administration is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the service members who have given so much. If you are a detail-oriented professional ready to contribute to a life-changing mission, apply today via the official USAJOBS platform.

Why This Secretary (Oa) Job Matters

Elevate your career as a vital administrative partner within the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System, directly supporting our nation’s heroes.

Secretary (Oa) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented individual to serve as a Secretary (OA) within the Executive Suite of the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System in Tuskegee, AL. In this pivotal role, you will act as the principal clerical and administrative support for the Chief of Staff, managing complex office operations, high-level correspondence, and executive scheduling to ensure the seamless delivery of compassionate care to our Veterans.

Requirements for Secretary (Oa)

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Must be able to pass a background/security investigation.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level.
Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements (52 weeks at GS-07).
Proficiency in typing (40 words per minute).
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications for Secretary (Oa)

Experience in an executive or front office administrative role.
Proven proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Demonstrated ability to manage high-level scheduling, meeting minutes, and travel coordination.
Strong background in administrative policy development and complex office procedures.
Excellent communication skills for handling inquiries from patients, staff, and external organizations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary and pay scale advancement.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual policies.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Potential for telework flexibility based on agency needs.

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

Application Steps for Secretary (Oa) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a two-page maximum resume highlighting specialized experience.
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Submit your resume, SF-50 (if applicable), and other supporting documentation.
Complete the required USA Hire Assessments if prompted via email link.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes month/year start and end dates for every position listed.
Clearly define your hours worked per week for each role (a full year is 35-40 hours per week).
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet the two-page length requirement.
Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting.
Proofread all documents to ensure they are legible and relevant to the position duties.
Complete all required assessments within the provided 48-hour window if triggered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I am not a current federal employee?

Yes, this position is open to various hiring paths including veterans and competitive service candidates. Please check the 'Who May Apply' section to verify your eligibility.

Is telework available for this role?

Yes, this position may be authorized for telework. Eligibility will be discussed and determined during the interview process.

What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?

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

How do I verify my Time-in-Grade?

*A: You must submit your most recent SF-50. If it does not demonstrate 52 weeks of experience, you must include additional SF-50s from previous roles.*

What is the onboarding process?

*A: Selected applicants will complete a formal onboarding, which includes verifying identity through real-ID compliant documents and a possible probationary period.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare and support services to our nation's military veterans. By joining the Veterans Health Administration, you become part of a network committed to excellence, integrity, and compassion. Our mission is to honor the men and women who have sacrificed for our country by providing them with the best possible care.