Launch Your Career as a Transportation Assistant at the VA in Long Beach
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to those who have defended our country. If you are an administrative professional looking to translate your skills into a meaningful mission, the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center in Long Beach, California, is currently hiring a Transportation Assistant. This role is essential to our daily operations, ensuring that our Veterans can access the high-quality care they deserve without the burden of travel-related logistical hurdles.
Job Responsibilities
As a Transportation Assistant (GS-5), you will be the primary point of contact for the Beneficiary Travel Program. Your daily duties will include:
- Managing and coordinating cost-effective transportation for Veterans.
- Reconciling travel vouchers and auditing invoices for accuracy.
- Communicating regulatory guidelines to patients and their families.
- Acting as a technical advisor to social workers regarding patient fund disbursements.
- Preparing correspondence and maintaining organized records.
Core Competency Comparison
| Skill | Importance | Application in Role |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service | High | Interacting with geriatric and adult patients |
| Data Accuracy | High | Processing travel claims and invoices |
| Communication | Medium | Explaining travel benefits to Veterans |
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet the minimum experience or education requirements by October 30, 2026. Applicants must have either one year of specialized experience at the GS-4 level or four years of education above high school. Additionally, candidates must pass a security investigation and adhere to federal onboarding protocols.
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-5 grade level. The current annual salary range is $47,490 to $61,738, depending on qualifications and performance.
Benefits
Working for the VA offers a competitive federal benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Retirement savings through the FERS program.
- Generous paid annual and sick leave.
- Professional development and growth opportunities within the federal government.
Application Tips
- Format Matters: Keep your resume to two pages and use a clear, sans-serif font like Lato or Arial.
- Quantify: Ensure every experience entry lists hours worked per week to verify your eligibility.
- Documents: Upload your SF-50 forms and transcripts as PDFs to ensure they are readable by HR systems.
Serving the Veterans of Long Beach is a rewarding challenge. If you are organized, detail-oriented, and eager to make an impact, we encourage you to apply for the Transportation Assistant position before the October 30, 2026 deadline.
Why This Transportation Assistant Job Matters
Join the dedicated team at the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center and play a vital role in coordinating essential travel services for those who served our nation.
Transportation Assistant Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Transportation Assistant to join the Health Administration Service in Long Beach, California. In this role, you will manage the Beneficiary Travel Program, coordinate cost-effective transportation for Veterans, and ensure that reimbursement processes are handled with accuracy and compassion. You will work closely with medical, administrative, and clinical teams to provide seamless support for our Veteransβ healthcare journeys.
Requirements for Transportation Assistant
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must pass a background and security investigation.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period is required.
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Possession of a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued ID.
- Current federal employees must meet 52-week time-in-grade requirements at the GS-4 level.
Preferred Qualifications for Transportation Assistant
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level, such as managing travel programs, data entry, or scheduling appointments.
- Equivalent education, such as 4 years above high school, or a combination of specialized experience and education.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate complex regulatory guidelines clearly to patients and stakeholders.
- Proficiency in managing electronic databases and reconciling financial vouchers.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- βComprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- βGenerous paid annual and sick leave accrual.
- βParticipation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- βOpportunities for career advancement within the VA system.
- βAccess to a supportive, mission-driven work environment.
π‘ How to Apply Transportation Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Transportation Assistant Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, focusing on relevant accomplishments.
- Review the job announcement and gather required documents (transcripts, SF-50s, DD-214).
- Complete the online application and questionnaire.
- Submit your application package before the deadline on October 30, 2026.
- Complete the required USA Hire online assessment if prompted.
π‘ General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes the job title, duties, start/end dates, and average hours worked per week.
- Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and adhere to the strict 2-page limit.
- Use clear, results-oriented language rather than just listing job descriptions.
- Double-check that all required documents, especially SF-50s for federal employees, are attached.
- Allow at least 3 hours for the USA Hire assessment if required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Transportation Assistant?
You will manage the Beneficiary Travel Program, handle travel invoices, coordinate cost-effective patient transportation, and provide guidance to Veterans regarding travel reimbursements.
Can I qualify for this position using education instead of experience?
Yes, you may qualify with 4 years of education above high school or a combination of specialized experience and post-high school education.
Is a background check required for this role?
Yes, this position is subject to a background and security investigation to ensure suitability for federal service.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We serve millions of Veterans annually through a network of medical centers and clinics. Our mission is built on the promise made by President Lincoln to care for those who have served in the military and their families. When you join the VHA, you join a community dedicated to Whole Health, where we prioritize the physical, mental, and social well-being of our patients.
External Resources
- β USAJobs Application Portal
- β Apply Online
- β Application Status
- β Education Accreditation Check
- β Foreign Education Recognition
- β OPM Qualification Standards
- β I-9 Acceptable Documents
- β VA Benefits Information
- β USA Hire Applicant Resource Center
- β USAJobs Help Center
- β Resume Guidance
- β Career Transition Resources
