Launch Your Career: Secretary at the VA Boston Healthcare System

Are you looking for a career that combines high-level administrative work with a profound sense of purpose? The VA Boston Healthcare System is hiring a Secretary for our Surgical Care department at the West Roxbury campus. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission of caring for America’s Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As a Secretary, you will act as the administrative backbone of the Surgical Care department. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Scheduling: Managing complex calendars, coordinating high-level meetings, and ensuring leadership is briefed on all participants and materials.
Communications: Screening visitors and directing inquiries based on your deep knowledge of service operations.
Documentation: Drafting, reviewing, and formatting official correspondence and reports to meet agency standards.
Travel Coordination: Managing travel authorizations, booking, and voucher processing.
Data Analysis: Monitoring clinic scheduling and patient flow to identify and fix inefficiencies.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet several federal criteria:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Time-in-Grade: Current federal employees must have 52 weeks of service at the GS-6 level.
Documentation: You must provide your most recent SF-50 to verify your eligibility.
Mandatory Requirements: Completion of a probationary period and adherence to the VA’s influenza vaccination policy.

Salary and Benefits Comparison

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$57,150 - $74,297
Work Schedule	Full-Time (40 hrs/week)
Location	West Roxbury, MA
Benefits	Full federal benefits (Health, Retirement, PTO)

Application Tips

The competition for federal roles is high. Ensure your application stands out by following these expert tips:

Strict Formatting: Do not exceed two pages for your resume. This is a mandatory requirement.
Detail is King: For every position listed, include duties, start/end dates, and hours per week.
PDF Format: Save your documents as PDFs to ensure they upload and display correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What if I don't have federal experience? A: This announcement is primarily for internal candidates and those eligible for federal transition programs. Always check the 'Who May Apply' section on USAJOBS.

Q: Is there flexibility in the start date? A: This position has a specific application window closing on 09/21/2026. Please ensure all documents are submitted by the deadline.

Working for the VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence and service. If you are an organized professional ready to support a team that makes a difference every day, we encourage you to apply for this Secretary role today.

Why This Secretary Job Matters

Support those who served by joining the VA Boston Healthcare team as a Secretary in a role that blends administrative excellence with a mission-driven career.

Secretary Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a detail-oriented professional to serve as a Secretary at the VA Boston Healthcare System's West Roxbury campus. This full-time, permanent position is vital to the operations of our Surgical Care department. You will provide essential administrative support, ensuring that our medical professionals and leadership can focus on providing world-class care to our nation's Veterans.

Requirements for Secretary

Must be a U.S. Citizen
Must complete a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
Ability to pass a background and security investigation
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory
Current federal employees must demonstrate 52 weeks of time-in-grade at the GS-6 level
Must be able to provide all required SF-50 documentation for eligibility verification

Preferred Qualifications for Secretary

Proven experience in managing complex calendars and scheduling for leadership teams
Strong proficiency in drafting formal correspondence and maintaining accurate records
Experience in data retrieval, statistical reporting, and quality management support
Advanced skills in creating organizational charts and visual presentations
Familiarity with federal supply chain, inventory, and travel authorization policies

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Generous paid time off and leave accrual
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan
✓Flexible scheduling opportunities where applicable
✓Career growth and leadership development within the largest integrated healthcare system in the U.S.

💡 How to Apply Secretary Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Secretary Job

Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
Review the job announcement and ensure your resume is limited to two pages.
Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
Upload your resume, most recent SF-50, and any relevant supporting documents (transcripts, DD-214, etc.).
Submit your complete application package by the closing date of 09/21/2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages to comply with federal merit hiring requirements.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure all necessary fields, such as work hours and series/grade, are included.
Be specific about your duties—avoid vague language and clearly state the month and year for every job listed.
Save and upload your documents as PDFs to preserve formatting.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the two-page resume limit?

To comply with the Merit Hiring Plan, federal agencies now require resumes to be two pages or fewer. Applications exceeding this limit will not be considered.

Is this position eligible for telework?

No, this is an onsite position located at the West Roxbury campus and is not eligible for virtual work.

Are there educational requirements?

At this grade level, there is no specific educational substitution. Qualification is primarily based on specialized work experience.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military. Our culture is defined by our "I CARE" values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.