Become a Red Coat Ambassador: Supporting Veterans at the Dorn VA Medical Center

Are you looking for a career that prioritizes service, compassion, and community? The Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center is currently seeking an Information Receptionist—frequently known as a Red Coat Ambassador—to join its team in Columbia, South Carolina. This role is essential to the patient experience, serving as the first friendly face Veterans and their families see when entering the facility. If you are organized, empathetic, and eager to assist those who have served our nation, this is an exceptional opportunity to join the federal workforce.

Job Responsibilities

As a Red Coat Ambassador, your day-to-day duties will vary but always center on the needs of the patient. You will:

Provide concierge-level wayfinding support for patients and visitors.
Assist patients with utilizing self-check-in kiosks.
Facilitate transportation requests for patients unable to drive.
Act as a central information hub for inquiries regarding clinical appointments and facility operations.
Utilize critical thinking to identify emergent situations and ensure the safety of all visitors.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Background: Must pass a security/suitability investigation.
Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is mandatory.
Experience/Education: One year of specialized experience or two years of post-high school education.
Assessment: Completion of an online competency-based assessment is required.

Salary Overview

This position offers a stable salary range as a GS-04 employee. Below is the annual compensation breakdown:

Position Level	Annual Salary Range
GS-04 (Information Receptionist)	$36,409 - $47,334

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible for a robust federal benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health and insurance plans.
Defined benefit pension (FERS) and a 401k-style savings plan (TSP).
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the federal system.

Application Tips

Applying for a federal job can be intimidating, but following these steps will put you ahead of the pack:

The Two-Page Rule: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less. The system will reject longer resumes.
Highlight Skills: Match your resume language directly to the job announcement. If the post mentions wayfinding or customer service, ensure those keywords are present in your experience section.
SF-50 Documentation: If you are a current or former federal employee, ensure your SF-50 is accurate and clearly shows your time-in-grade eligibility.

Q: What is the work schedule?

A: The typical schedule for this role is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Serving as a Red Coat Ambassador is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the well-being of our nation's heroes. With a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the Columbia community, this role offers a rewarding path in public service. Submit your application before the closing date on October 15, 2026, to be considered.

Why This Information Receptionist (Red Coat Ambassador) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country as a Red Coat Ambassador at the Dorn VA Medical Center.

Information Receptionist (Red Coat Ambassador) Job Overview

The Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Information Receptionist, also known as a Red Coat Ambassador. In this vital role, you will be the first point of contact for Veterans, their families, and medical center visitors. You will provide essential wayfinding assistance, help patients navigate self-check-in kiosks, coordinate transportation services, and answer inquiries with empathy and professionalism. This position is perfect for someone who thrives in a service-oriented environment and is committed to supporting our nation's heroes.

Requirements for Information Receptionist (Red Coat Ambassador)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must complete a mandatory online assessment.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must be able to pass a background and security investigation.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must complete a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Must demonstrate 52 weeks of time-in-grade at the GS-03 level if currently a Federal employee.
Must possess one year of specialized experience or 2 years of education above high school level.

Preferred Qualifications for Information Receptionist (Red Coat Ambassador)

Ability to explain complex office functions and detailed requirements.
Experience evaluating and resolving inquiries to provide useful alternatives.
Experience with the MyHealth Vet program as an authenticator.
Demonstrated ability to operate effectively within an organization's mission, policies, and regulations.
Strong critical thinking skills for identifying emergent situations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal leave accrual based on service years.
✓Potential credit toward annual leave for prior work or military experience.
✓Supportive work environment dedicated to Veteran care.
✓Standard federal employee benefits package.

💡 How to Apply Information Receptionist (Red Coat Ambassador) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Information Receptionist (Red Coat Ambassador) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review your resume to ensure it is two pages or less.
Complete the required online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all necessary documents, including SF-50s and transcripts.
Submit your application package by the closing date of 10/15/2026.
Complete the mandatory online assessment as instructed.

💡 General Tips

Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and character count.
Use concise, results-focused language in your resume.
Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates time-in-grade if you are a federal employee.
Prioritize recent and relevant experience to stay within the two-page limit.
Double-check that all required documentation is attached before hitting submit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Red Coat Ambassador?

You act as the primary point of contact for the medical center, assisting Veterans and visitors with wayfinding, check-in kiosks, and transportation coordination.

Is this position remote?

No, this is an onsite position located at the Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina.

Are there strict resume requirements?

Yes, federal agencies now enforce a two-page limit for resumes. Ensure yours is under this limit and clearly reflects your relevant skills.

Q: Can I apply if I am not a veteran?

Yes, this position is open to qualified applicants who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of veteran status.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By working at the Dorn VA Medical Center, you become a critical part of a massive, mission-driven organization focused on providing high-quality, whole-health care to our Veterans.