Program Support Assistant: Serving Veterans in Charleston
Are you looking for a career that combines administrative expertise with a meaningful mission? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is hiring a Program Support Assistant in Charleston, South Carolina. This role is essential to the day-to-day operations of our Surgical Services, ensuring that those who have served our country receive the care they deserve.
Job Responsibilities
As a Program Support Assistant, you will serve as a backbone for the surgical support team. Your duties will include:
- Contract Support: Assisting as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) on lower-complexity contracts.
- Equipment Management: Tracking, inventorying, and coordinating the repair and delivery of medical equipment.
- Administrative Coordination: Preparing purchase requests, organizing Market Pay Review packages, and managing provider credentialing records.
- Operations: Coordinating new employee orientations and monitoring compliance systems.
Comparison: Standard Admin vs. VA Program Support
| Feature | Standard Admin Role | VA Program Support Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | General Office Support | Clinical & Contract Support |
| Impact | Internal Organization | Veteran Patient Care |
| Scope | Routine Tasks | Compliance & Regulatory Oversight |
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen and possess at least 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-05 level. You must also successfully navigate a background check and complete mandatory online assessments.
Salary Overview
The salary for this GS-06 position ranges from $45,409 to $59,031 per year, commensurate with your federal experience and qualifications.
Benefits
Employees of the VA enjoy robust federal benefits including comprehensive health, life, and retirement packages, as well as generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Keep your resume to two pages exactly.
- Documentation is Key: Ensure your SF-50 explicitly states your time-in-grade.
- Be Specific: Detail your past experience clearly; the VA will not make assumptions about your abilities.
This role offers a unique blend of administrative challenges and a rewarding mission. If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of Veterans, we encourage you to apply before the closing date.
Why This Program Support Assistant Job Matters
Support those who served by joining the VA team in Charleston. Help provide essential medical logistical and administrative support in this critical GS-06 role.
Program Support Assistant Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a detail-oriented Program Support Assistant to provide administrative and operational support within Surgical Services at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina. In this role, you will assist in contract administration, equipment inventory management, and provider support activities, ensuring the smooth delivery of health care services to our nation's Veterans.
Requirements for Program Support Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level.
- Must pass a background/security investigation.
- Must submit an SF-50 clearly documenting one year of time-in-grade.
- Participation in the annual influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
- Must register with Selective Service if male and born after 12/31/1959.
- Must complete all required online USA Hire assessments.
Preferred Qualifications for Program Support Assistant
- Experience managing medical equipment inventory.
- Background in contract administration or assisting as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).
- Strong proficiency in data entry, record maintenance, and tracking provider credentialing.
- Excellent interpersonal skills for handling customer inquiries and conflict resolution.
- Familiarity with VA administrative procedures and electronic purchasing systems.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance plans
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave
- ✓Federal retirement benefits
- ✓Flexible work/telework opportunities (ad-hoc)
- ✓Opportunities for career advancement within the VA system
💡 How to Apply Program Support Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Program Support Assistant Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or fewer.
- Upload required documents, including SF-50, transcripts (if applicable), and DD-214.
- Complete the online application and questionnaire.
- Check your email for the link to the USA Hire assessments.
- Submit your entire package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact.
- Ensure your resume includes month/year start and end dates and hours worked per week.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your resume meets the two-page limit.
- Address all KSAs specifically in your resume; do not rely on assumptions.
- Double-check that your most recent SF-50 clearly demonstrates time-in-grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an onsite position in Charleston, South Carolina, with some potential for ad-hoc telework eligibility.
What is the page limit for my resume?
Per new Federal requirements, resumes must be no longer than two pages to be considered.
Do I need a degree to qualify?
No, there is no educational substitution for the GS-06 grade level.
Is a drug test required?
Tentatively selected candidates are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is committed to fulfilling the promise to care for our Veterans and their families. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, whole-health care in an environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.