Excel in Public Service: Program Support Assistant (OA) at the Memphis VA Medical Center

Are you an organized, detail-oriented administrative professional looking to make a genuine impact? The Department of Veterans Affairs has opened a crucial vacancy for a Program Support Assistant (OA) within the Surgical Service of the Veterans Health Administration in Memphis, Tennessee. This GS-06 level position is perfect for someone who excels in high-stakes clinical administration, values exceptional customer service, and is passionate about supporting our country's veterans.

Working within a specialized clinic, you will serve as the primary administrative engine, freeing clinical providers to focus on what they do best: saving lives. Let’s explore the details of this rewarding opportunity, including job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and step-by-step guidance on navigating the competitive federal application process.

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About the Agency: The Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) operates under a powerful mandate, echoing the words of President Abraham Lincoln: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors."

The Veterans Medical Center (VAMC) in Memphis is a complex, Level 1 clinical referral facility and an active teaching hospital. Anchored at the main campus on 116 N. Pauline Street, it supports a state-of-the-art 12-bed Spinal Cord Injury Unit alongside ten community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs). It serves over 206,000 veterans throughout a 53-county tri-state region encompassing parts of Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

By joining the Memphis VAMC, you become part of a multi-specialty system offering advanced medical, neurological, and cardiovascular care, ensuring that those who put their lives on the line receive world-class healthcare in return.

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Key Job Responsibilities

As a Program Support Assistant (OA), you are the central liaison between the veterans, their caregivers, clinical providers, and outside vendors. This role requires independence, discretion, and an ability to troubleshoot complex scheduling and operational problems.

Your day-to-day duties will include:

• Data Analysis & Statistics: Collecting, tracking, and preparing administrative reports. You will run error checks on clinical encounters to ensure clinical databases accurately reflect workload statistics.
• Communication & Patient Liaison: Serving as the first point of contact for telephone and in-person inquiries. You must assess inquiries autonomously, identifying urgent clinical care needs and routing them to the proper medical personnel.
• Clinic Logistics & Scheduling: Managing vendor and provider schedules within the surgical subspecialty clinic. You will maintain complex calendars, organize small-scale administrative meetings, record exact meeting minutes, and track follow-up action items.
• Administrative Optimization: Reviewing administrative protocols to recommend process simplifications. You will manage office supply procurement, coordinate facilities maintenance (such as safety and fire inspections), and guide the onboarding orientation for new staff.

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Salary and Compensation Overview

This position is classified under the Federal General Schedule (GS) pay scale at the GS-06 grade level.

• Salary Range: $45,409 to $59,031 per year.
• Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Location: Memphis, Tennessee (On-site; telework or virtual status is not authorized).
• Incentives: Relocation, recruitment incentives, and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) packages are not authorized.

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Qualification Requirements

To be considered, candidates must meet all qualification requirements by the announcement's closing date on September 8, 2026. Candidates can qualify through experience, formal education, or a blended combination of both.

Experience vs. Education Comparison Table

Use the table below to determine which qualification path fits your background:

Qualification Path	Minimum Criteria	Key Required Documentation
Specialized Experience	1 full year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level. Must demonstrate proficiency in database tracking, statistical reporting, customer service, database design (Excel/Access), and administrative troubleshooting.	Chronological resume detailing exact dates (MM/YY to MM/YY) and weekly hours worked.
Education Substitute	4 full years of academic study beyond high school (from an accredited business, technical, junior college, or university) or an equivalent post-secondary degree.	Legible, official or unofficial college transcripts showing all coursework and degree conferral.
Blended Combination	A prorated mix of qualifying post-high school education (only credits beyond the first 60 semester hours/2 years are creditable) and specialized experience.	Both a detailed professional resume and complete college transcripts.

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Essential Federal Benefits

The federal government offers a robust total compensation package designed to secure your health, family, and financial future:

1. Health Insurance: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, featuring top-tier medical, dental, and vision coverages.
2. Retirement & Pension: Dual-layer security through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to a 5% matching contribution.
3. Paid Leave: Earn generous allocations of annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays each year.
4. Work Experience Credit: New hires may request to receive service credit for prior non-federal or military experience, allowing them to earn annual leave at an accelerated rate.

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Crucial Application Tips

Applying for a federal job requires strict adherence to administrative rules. To ensure your package is not disqualified, review these vital tips:

• The 2-Page Resume Rule: Beginning September 27, 2025, federal agencies will only accept resumes that are up to two pages in length. Resumes exceeding two pages will immediately render you ineligible. Focus your resume on highly relevant administrative, clerical, and scheduling experience, and use concise, metrics-driven bullet points.
• Document Hours Worked: For your specialized experience to be evaluated, you must write the exact weekly hours worked for every job entry. A statement like "Full-Time" is insufficient; specify "40 hours/week" or "25 hours/week."
• USA Hire Assessment Prep: This position requires completing online competency assessments. These test attributes like Attention to Detail, Interpersonal Skills, and Customer Service. Set aside at least 3 consecutive hours in a distraction-free space to take this test. Your score is valid for one year and is reused for similar applications.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the closing date for this application?

Applications must be fully submitted via the USA Staffing portal by September 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Is a physical examination required?

No. There are no inherent physical requirements for this clerical role that could not be resolved with reasonable workplace accommodations, and a pre-placement physical exam is not required.

Do veterans receive hiring preference?

Because this position is filled under a Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority, traditional Veterans' Preference point-based rules do not apply. However, qualified veterans will receive full consideration for the opening.

Is a drug test required?

Yes. All tentative selectees for testing-designated positions at the VA must pass a pre-employment urinalysis screening for illegal drug use.

Can I edit my application after submission?

Yes. You can return to your USAJOBS account and modify your application documents anytime before the close date on September 8, 2026. Once the announcement closes, no further updates are allowed.

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Serving as a Program Support Assistant (OA) at the Memphis VA Medical Center is more than just an administrative job; it is a vital calling. By ensuring the smooth operational flow of the Surgical Service, you act as an unsung hero behind the recovery of hundreds of veterans. If you meet the qualifications, possess excellent customer service skills, and can fit your outstanding professional achievements onto a crisp, two-page resume, take the next step. Begin your application today and build a stable, rewarding career with the Department of Veterans Affairs.