Administrative Excellence: Join the Team at Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital
Are you looking to advance your career in a supportive, mission-driven environment? The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Missouri, is currently seeking a highly skilled Secretary to join our Chief of Staff office. This role is an excellent opportunity for administrative professionals to contribute to the high standards of care provided to our Veterans while building a robust career within the federal government.
Job Responsibilities
As a Secretary, your daily contributions will impact the efficiency of our medical center. Primary responsibilities include:
- Coordinating schedules, managing calendars, and arranging high-level meetings.
- Serving as the primary point of contact for visitors and internal staff.
- Drafting and reviewing formal correspondence to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Managing records, files, and administrative databases.
- Transcribing clinical and administrative materials with precision.
- Providing administrative guidance to subordinate offices to ensure policy adherence.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards, including:
- U.S. Citizenship status.
- Meeting time-in-grade requirements for current or former federal employees.
- Successful completion of the online application and required assessments.
- Ability to pass a background investigation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range based on the General Schedule (GS) pay scale.
| Grade Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| GS-07 to GS-08 | $50,460 - $72,644 |
Note: Salary is determined by qualification level and federal regulations.
Benefits
Working for the VA offers a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:
- Health and life insurance options.
- Retirement plans including the Thrift Savings Plan.
- Paid time off, including vacation and sick leave.
- Federal holiday recognition.
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your resume is concise, results-oriented, and adheres to the two-page limit. Clearly outline your experience in terms of hours worked per week and ensure all supporting documentation, such as SF-50 forms, are current and clearly verify your eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is there a probationary period? A: Yes, selectees will serve a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period to evaluate performance.
Q: Can I update my application after submission? A: You may edit your application until the announcement closes at 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/08/2026.
Serving as a Secretary at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence in the service of our Veterans. If you possess the administrative skills and passion required, we encourage you to submit your application today.
Why This Secretary Job Matters
Join the dedicated team at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and play a vital role in supporting our nation's heroes through essential administrative excellence.
Secretary Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly organized and motivated individual to serve as a Secretary within the Chief of Staff office at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. This position is central to the daily operations of the unit, providing comprehensive administrative, clerical, and coordination support to ensure organizational success. As a developmental role, the incumbent will manage calendars, facilitate communications, handle correspondence, and serve as a key point of contact for staff and visitors, contributing directly to the mission of providing world-class care to our Veterans.
Requirements for Secretary
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must complete an online questionnaire and competency-based assessment.
- Must undergo a drug screening if required for the position.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Ability to maintain a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
- Must satisfy background and security investigation requirements.
- Compliance with annual seasonal influenza vaccination mandates.
- Current federal employees must demonstrate one year of Time-In-Grade at the next lower grade level.
Preferred Qualifications for Secretary
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Experience in executive-level calendar management and schedule coordination.
- Strong technical skills in transcribing clinical or administrative documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and integrity.
- Experience in drafting correspondence, meeting minutes, and professional reports.
- Proven ability to serve as a liaison between diverse stakeholders and management.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health Insurance options
- ✓Federal Retirement Programs
- ✓Generous Paid Time Off and Federal Holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression
- ✓Recognition for previous service in annual leave accrual calculations
💡 How to Apply Secretary Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Secretary Job
- Log in or create an account on the official federal employment portal.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or fewer and reflects all relevant experience with specific hours worked per week.
- Submit your application and all required documentation, such as SF-50s or transcripts, by the closing date.
- Complete the required online assessments if prompted after initial submission.
- Monitor your application status and check for notifications in your candidate dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Use the resume builder tool to ensure your document meets all formatting and length requirements.
- Clearly define your paid and unpaid experience, including month/year start and end dates.
- Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; explicitly link your duties to the required competencies.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and page limits.
- Set aside at least three hours to complete the online assessment when prompted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the promotion potential for this role?
This position has a promotion potential up to the GS-08 grade level. Advancement is performance-based and subject to regulatory requirements.
Are there physical requirements for this job?
No, this position does not involve inherent physical requirements that cannot be accommodated or adjusted.
Can I use foreign education to qualify?
Yes, provided you include a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to prove accreditation.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling the promise of caring for those who have served in our nation's military. Our team-oriented culture fosters compassionate, whole-health care. By joining the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, you become an essential part of an agency dedicated to excellence, integrity, and service.