Supporting Our Nation's Heroes: Program Support Assistant Careers at the VA

Are you looking for a career that offers both professional stability and a profound sense of purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a dedicated Program Support Assistant to join the team at the Atlanta VA Healthcare System. This position is vital to the daily operations of our medical facility, helping us deliver the high-quality care that our nation’s Veterans deserve.

Job Responsibilities

The Program Support Assistant serves as the backbone for various service lines within the hospital. You will be responsible for:

Administrative Coordination: Communicating with leadership to ensure departmental goals are met.
Workflow Management: Developing tracking systems for reports, correspondence, and office files.
Meeting Support: Recording and distributing meeting minutes to ensure clear communication.
Customer Service: Acting as a primary liaison, addressing the needs of patients, staff, and external visitors with professionalism and empathy.
Data Accuracy: Compiling and processing documentation to ensure office records are current and compliant.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet several federal criteria:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent.
Time-In-Grade: Federal employees must provide documentation of 52 weeks at the GS-05 grade.
Mandatory Testing: Applicants are subject to pre-employment background investigations and drug screening as required by the agency.

Candidate Comparison

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Experience Level	GS-05 Equivalent Experience Required
Education	No specific degree substitution permitted
Work Environment	Onsite at Atlanta, GA location

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this GS-06 position is $48,019 to $62,425 per year. Beyond the competitive salary, the VA offers an extensive benefits package including health insurance, generous leave policies, and a stable federal retirement system.

Application Tips

Respect the Limits: Your resume must not exceed two pages.
Be Specific: Detail your duties, including hours worked per week, for every job listed.
Use the Right Tools: Utilize the USAJOBS resume builder for the best results.
Proofread: Errors can impact your eligibility; review your documents carefully before submission.

This role offers a unique opportunity to build a career within the federal government while serving those who have protected our country. If you have the organizational skills and the commitment to service required for this position, we encourage you to apply by November 2, 2026.

Why This Program Support Assistant Job Matters

Join a mission-driven team dedicated to supporting those who served our nation. Use your organizational expertise to make a meaningful difference at the Atlanta VA Healthcare System.

Program Support Assistant Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a skilled Program Support Assistant to provide essential administrative and operational support within its Atlanta facility. This role is perfect for a detail-oriented professional who excels at managing competing priorities, maintaining complex data systems, and delivering exceptional customer service. You will serve as a vital liaison, ensuring that service line leadership has the administrative tools and information required to provide world-class healthcare to Veterans.

Requirements for Program Support Assistant

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements (52 weeks at GS-05 level for current or former Federal employees).
Must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must be willing to undergo a background and security investigation.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must complete a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period upon appointment.
Resume must not exceed the two-page limit.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Support Assistant

Proven experience in providing comprehensive administrative support.
Proficiency in office software including spreadsheets, databases, and word processing.
Strong ability to manage multiple assignments with competing deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for serving diverse internal and external customers.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Paid annual and sick leave.
✓Paid federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the VA.
✓Supportive and inclusive work environment dedicated to the mission of serving Veterans.

💡 How to Apply Program Support Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Support Assistant Job

Create or log into your account on the official federal hiring portal.
Review the full vacancy announcement and gather all required documentation, including your resume and SF-50s if applicable.
Complete the online application and mandatory questionnaire.
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date of November 2, 2026.
If prompted, complete the online USA Hire Assessment within the specified deadline.
Monitor your application status through the online portal.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is limited to two pages to remain eligible for consideration.
Use the resume builder to ensure your work history clearly demonstrates the required competencies.
Include specific details regarding hours worked per week for every position listed.
Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting.
Use a professional, legible font and standard margins.
Double-check that all required SF-50 forms are included to verify time-in-grade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of this role?

The Program Support Assistant provides administrative support to service line leadership, ensuring operational efficiency through data tracking, meeting support, and effective liaison work across the organization.

Are there physical requirements for this job?

The work is largely sedentary; no special physical demands are required, and the position is compatible with reasonable accommodations.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is not a virtual position. The role is based at the Atlanta VA Healthcare System and requires onsite presence.

What is the typical work schedule?

The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, subject to agency needs.

Is there an assessment required?

Yes, applicants will likely need to complete an online assessment of general competencies.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Joseph Maxwell Cleland Veterans Health Administration (VHA) stands at the forefront of patient care, research, and medical education. As a Complexity Level 1A tertiary facility, the Atlanta Health Care System provides a comprehensive suite of medical services, ranging from emergency and primary care to specialized surgery and mental health support. Joining this team means contributing to a mission that honors the commitment we made to those who served.