Launch Your Federal Career: Program Support Assistant at the VA

Are you looking to transition into a stable, mission-driven career that supports those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a dedicated Program Support Assistant (Time & Attendance) to join the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System. This role is essential to the daily operations of our medical facilities, ensuring that our healthcare staff are supported by accurate payroll and scheduling systems.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Support Assistant, you will manage the administrative heartbeat of the payroll department. Your daily duties include:

Timekeeping & Payroll: Managing time and leave records using systems like VATAS and Oracle Health Clairvia.
Data Analysis: Auditing records to ensure compliance with payroll regulations and identifying discrepancies.
Training & Support: Acting as a resource for supervisors and staff regarding timekeeping policies and procedures.

Responsibility Category	Primary Focus
Time & Pay Administration	45% of time allocation
Analysis & Monitoring	25% of time allocation
Administrative Support	30% of time allocation

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Ability to pass a background and security investigation.
Completion of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level.
Compliance with all mandatory health screenings, including the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Salary Overview

This position is classified within the General Schedule (GS) framework, offering a competitive annual salary ranging from $45,832 to $59,581 based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Employees of the Veterans Health Administration enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Robust federal health and life insurance options.
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for retirement savings.
Generous paid time off, including federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
Clear pathways for internal career advancement within the federal government.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
Clarity is Key: Use the USAJOBS resume builder to highlight specific competencies listed in the job description.
Document Everything: Include all required documents, such as transcripts or SF-50s, the first time you submit your application.

Serving the Veterans who have given so much for our nation is more than just a job; it is a calling. If you are detail-oriented, technically proficient, and motivated by a mission of service, we encourage you to apply for this Program Support Assistant role today.

Why This Program Support Assistant (Time & Attendance) Job Matters

Launch your career in federal administration with a role dedicated to supporting those who served our nation at the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System.

Program Support Assistant (Time & Attendance) Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a meticulous and detail-oriented Program Support Assistant to join the Time and Attendance team in Marion, Indiana. In this vital role, you will be the backbone of payroll accuracy and workforce management, ensuring that time, leave, and pay records are handled with precision for our dedicated healthcare staff. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission of providing world-class care to our Veterans while building a robust foundation in federal human resources and administrative operations.

Requirements for Program Support Assistant (Time & Attendance)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must successfully complete a background and security investigation.
Must complete an online onboarding process.
Must provide acceptable identification for employment verification.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must serve a one-year probationary or two-year trial period.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Support Assistant (Time & Attendance)

Demonstrated expertise in managing federal timekeeping systems and payroll processes.
Strong analytical skills to identify and resolve data discrepancies.
Experience in training staff on administrative policies and electronic scheduling software.
Proven proficiency in auditing complex records and maintaining confidentiality.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health insurance plans
✓Retirement program including Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
✓Paid annual leave and sick leave accrual
✓Federal holiday pay
✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth
✓Work-life balance through structured scheduling

💡 How to Apply Program Support Assistant (Time & Attendance) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Support Assistant (Time & Attendance) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or fewer in length.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all required documentation, including SF-50s if applicable.
Submit your application package before the closing date of October 28, 2026.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to ensure eligibility.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting meets requirements.
Clearly link your experience to the duties listed in the announcement.
Save all documents as PDFs to preserve formatting.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Ensure your SF-50s clearly demonstrate one-year time-in-grade if you are a federal employee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, though it is not a virtual position and requires on-site presence in Marion, Indiana.

What happens if my resume is longer than two pages?

In accordance with the Merit Hiring Plan, resumes exceeding two pages will result in an automatic finding of ineligibility.

Is a background check required?

Yes, all selected applicants must undergo a background and security investigation as a condition of employment.

What is the primary work location?

This position is based in Marion, Indiana.

Is relocation assistance offered?

No, relocation incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By joining our team, you become part of an "I CARE" culture—Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.