Become an Executive Secretary for the Veterans Health Administration
Are you a highly organized professional looking to advance your career while supporting a noble mission? The Veterans Health Care Systems of the Ozarks is currently seeking a talented Secretary to join their team in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide high-level administrative support to executive leadership, ensuring that the critical work of caring for our Veterans runs smoothly and efficiently.
Job Responsibilities
As a Secretary for the Associate Medical Center Director, your daily responsibilities will be diverse and impactful:
- Executive Support: Manage complex, competing calendars and prioritize high-visibility engagements.
- Communication: Draft, review, and clear high-level reports, briefing materials, and executive correspondence.
- Workflow Management: Serve as a primary liaison between the executive office and internal/external stakeholders.
- Operations: Design and enforce standardized record-keeping systems and audit for policy compliance.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Meet one-year time-in-grade requirements (GS-07 equivalent).
- Specialized experience in administrative management.
- Completion of all required online competency-based assessments.
- Ability to adhere to VA vaccination and health standards.
Comparison of Applicant Eligibility
| Eligibility Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Current Federal Employee | Must show 52 weeks at GS-07 via SF-50 |
| General Applicant | Must demonstrate specialized clerical/admin experience |
| Veterans | May claim preference; must provide DD214 |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $55,882 to $72,644 per year, commensurate with qualifications and government pay scales.
Benefits
Working for the VA provides more than just a paycheck. Employees enjoy:
- Robust federal health and life insurance plans.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Generous leave accrual (annual and sick).
- Opportunities for continuous professional development.
Application Tips
- Focus on Quality: Keep your resume to two pages or less as per federal merit hiring guidelines.
- Be Specific: Use the 'results-oriented' language to describe your past administrative achievements.
- Document Everything: Ensure all SF-50 forms are included to verify your grade history.
- Test Prep: Utilize the USA Hire resources to prepare for the required assessments.
If you possess the administrative rigor and professional dedication required to support executive leadership, we encourage you to apply for this vital role in Fayetteville. Your work will directly contribute to the mission of providing world-class care to our Veterans.
Why This Secretary Job Matters
Join a mission-driven team as a Secretary for the Veterans Health Care Systems of the Ozarks, where your administrative expertise directly supports the care of our nation's heroes.
Secretary Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Secretary to support the Associate Medical Center Director in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This role is central to the Executive Leadership team, requiring high-level administrative coordination, complex calendar management, and the ability to maintain seamless executive workflow in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
Requirements for Secretary
- U.S. Citizenship
- Must meet one-year time-in-grade requirements for current or former Federal employees (GS-07 equivalent)
- Possess at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GS-07)
- Complete online application and questionnaire
- Successful completion of required online assessments
- Ability to complete a 1-year probationary period
- Registration with Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959)
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
Preferred Qualifications for Secretary
- Exceptional ability to manage high-level, complex executive calendars
- Proficiency in drafting executive-level correspondence and decision memos
- Advanced skills in administrative systems including Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint
- Proven experience handling sensitive information with high levels of discretion and professionalism
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively between multiple service lines and executive stakeholders
Federal Benefits & Perks
- βCompetitive Federal Salary
- βComprehensive Health Insurance options
- βFederal Retirement Programs
- βGenerous Paid Time Off and Federal Holidays
- βProfessional Development and Career Growth opportunities within the VA
- βWork-life balance in the heart of the Ozark Mountains
π‘ How to Apply Secretary Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Secretary Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare a two-page maximum resume highlighting relevant experience.
- Submit your online application, questionnaire, and all required documentation before the closing date.
- Check your email for instructions to complete the required online assessments.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.
π‘ General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes clear start and end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your document meets formatting and length requirements.
- Provide all necessary SF-50 forms to prove time-in-grade eligibility.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
- Complete the required assessments as soon as possible after receiving the access link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position remote?
No, this is an onsite position located in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
What is the maximum resume length?
Per current policy, resumes must be no longer than two pages.
Do I need a security clearance for this job?
No, a formal security clearance is not required, though the position is subject to a background investigation.
What is the work schedule?
Generally Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, though facility needs may dictate occasional shifts.
Can I request a reasonable accommodation for the test?
Yes, requests for accommodation regarding the online assessment can be made during the application process.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling the promise of caring for those who have served in our nation's military. The Veterans Health Care Systems of the Ozarks serves as a cornerstone of health services in the region. Located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville offers a high quality of life, featuring a low cost of living, excellent public schools, and a vibrant community atmosphere driven by the University of Arkansas.
External Resources
- β USAJobs Application Link
- β USA Staffing Apply Online
- β Application Status
- β OPM Qualification Standards
- β VA Benefits Information
- β Education Accreditation Verification
- β Foreign Qualifications Recognition
- β USCIS Form I-9 Acceptable Documents
- β USA Hire Assessment Resources
- β Resume Guidance
- β How to Use USAJOBS
- β Career Transition Assistance Plan
