Career Spotlight: Personnel Security Assistant at the Veterans Health Administration

Are you looking to pivot your administrative career into a mission-critical role? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring a Personnel Security Assistant at the Clement J. Zablocki VAMC in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This role is essential to our mission of providing world-class care to our nation's Veterans by maintaining the highest standards of security and reliability.

Position Overview

The Personnel Security Assistant serves a vital function within our Personnel Suitability and Credentialing Program. You will assist specialists in managing the security lifecycle for our workforce, ensuring all employees and contractors meet strict federal identity standards. This is a career-ladder position with the potential for growth up to the GS-7 level.

Comparison Table: Qualifications by Grade

Feature	GS-5	GS-6	GS-7
Scope of Work	Entry-level / Guided	Mid-level / Moderate	Full Performance Level
Autonomy	Supervision required	Moderate independence	High independence
Complexity	Foundational tasks	Increased analysis	Complex adjudications

Job Responsibilities

As a member of the Personnel Security unit, your day-to-day duties will include:

Background Investigation Support: Initiating, tracking, and reviewing case files for submission to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Credentialing: Managing the issuance and troubleshooting of PIV (Personal Identity Verification) cards.
Data Integrity: Maintaining accurate records in agency-wide databases to monitor security status.
Customer Communication: Serving as a primary point of contact for new appointees, including volunteers and contractors.

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet all federal hiring requirements, including registration for the Selective Service. Because this position involves sensitive information, you must successfully pass a background security investigation. Additionally, all VHA personnel are required to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $42,601 to $68,603 per year, depending on your experience and the specific grade level of the appointment.

Benefits of Federal Service

Working for the VA offers more than just a paycheck. Employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Health and dental insurance plans.
Generous retirement contributions through FERS.
Structured promotion potential.
Paid time off and federal holidays.

Application Tips

Mind the Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you meet this requirement.
Be Precise: Do not leave out dates or hours per week. If you held a part-time job, indicate the specific number of hours worked.
Use Keywords: Mirror the language of the job duties in your resume to show your alignment with the role.

This position at the Clement J. Zablocki VAMC is more than just an administrative job; it is a chance to protect the integrity of a healthcare system that cares for millions of Veterans. If you are detail-oriented, calm under pressure, and ready to serve, we invite you to apply.

Why This Personnel Security Assistant Job Matters

Join the Veterans Health Administration as a Personnel Security Assistant and play a vital role in securing the future of those who served our nation.

Personnel Security Assistant Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Personnel Security Assistant to join our team at the Clement J. Zablocki VAMC in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In this role, you will provide critical support for our Network Personnel Suitability and Credentialing Program. You will assist specialists in managing sensitive security clearances, processing background investigations, and ensuring compliance with federal identity standards. This is a fantastic opportunity for a detail-oriented professional to contribute to a secure environment that supports the compassionate care of our Veterans.

Requirements for Personnel Security Assistant

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be registered for the Selective Service if male and born after 12/31/1959.
Must complete an online assessment.
Must meet one-year time-in-grade requirements if you are a current or former federal employee.
Must undergo a background and security investigation.
Must be willing to report to the duty location in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications for Personnel Security Assistant

Experience with the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Program regulations and procedures.
Proven proficiency in navigating and managing data within complex computer databases.
Strong oral communication skills for providing technical guidance to diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to maintain composure and professional effectiveness in sensitive, high-pressure situations.
Previous experience assisting with background suitability adjudications and OPM compliance.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
✓Opportunities for professional development and career progression
✓Life insurance and flexible spending accounts

💡 How to Apply Personnel Security Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Personnel Security Assistant Job

Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, focusing on relevant accomplishments.
Complete the required online questionnaire.
Submit your application and all supporting documents (SF-50, transcripts, etc.) before the closing date.
Complete the online USA Hire assessment if prompted via email.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your formatting meets the two-page limit.
Be specific about your hours worked per week; we cannot make assumptions about your experience.
Include the exact start and end dates (month/year) for every role listed.
Ensure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates your one-year time-in-grade if applicable.
Double-check your application for completeness before hitting submit, as we cannot request missing documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote or virtual position?

No, this is an on-site position at the Clement J. Zablocki VAMC in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

What is the maximum length allowed for my resume?

As of September 2025, federal resumes for this position must be no longer than two pages.

What happens if I forget to attach my SF-50?

We cannot contact you for additional information. If your application package is incomplete, you may lose consideration.

What is the first thing I should do to apply?

Ensure your USAJOBS profile is up to date and you have your SF-50 ready if you are a current or former federal employee.

Can I request a reasonable accommodation for the online assessment?

Yes, you have the opportunity to request an accommodation during the application process if you have a disability that impacts your ability to take the assessment.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We serve those who have served us, honoring President Lincoln's promise to care for our Veterans and their families. Working for the VHA means being part of a diverse, professional team dedicated to compassionate whole health care.