Lead Transportation Assistant: A Vital Role at the VA St. Louis Health Care System

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to those who have served our nation. As a Lead Transportation Assistant within the Veterans Transportation Service (VTS) in Saint Louis, Missouri, you are at the heart of this mission. You will ensure that Veterans reach their healthcare appointments efficiently and effectively, leading a team that values service, integrity, and operational excellence.

Job Responsibilities

As a Lead Transportation Assistant, your daily duties are multifaceted:

Team Leadership: Distribute and balance workloads among staff, conduct on-the-job training, and monitor team performance.
Scheduling and Coordination: Manage consult processing flow, schedule admissions, and ensure seamless transportation operations for Veterans.
Data Management: Utilize systems like VISTA and CPRS to enter data, track program milestones, and generate production reports.
Process Improvement: Collaborate with supervisors to evaluate service practices, reduce patient wait times, and improve overall program flow.

Comparison: Standard vs. Lead Transportation Assistant Roles

Feature	Standard Transportation Assistant	Lead Transportation Assistant
Scope	Individual Task Management	Team Lead & Process Oversight
Training	Receiving Training	Conducting Training
Decision Making	Routine Procedures	Operational & Policy Implementation
Reporting	Task Tracking	Program Performance Analytics

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must:

Be a U.S. citizen.
Possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level (or equivalent).
Meet all requirements by the closing date of 10/28/2026.
Maintain current knowledge of transportation regulations and support services.
Undergo a background investigation.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-07 grade level. The salary range for this role is $51,740 to $67,264 per year, depending on qualifications and standard federal pay administration policies.

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy robust federal benefits, including:

Comprehensive health and insurance coverage.
Generous leave accrual programs.
Long-term retirement benefits via FERS.
A supportive environment that recognizes the unique needs of federal employees.

Application Tips

Mind the Resume Limit: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
Documentation: Include your most recent SF-50 and any other documentation proving your time-in-grade.
Clarity: Clearly state your hours worked per week, as the agency does not make assumptions about your work history.
Practice: Visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to familiarize yourself with the online assessment structure.

If you are a detail-oriented leader with a passion for helping others, this role offers a unique opportunity to advance your federal career while directly impacting the wellbeing of Veterans. Apply by the closing date to be considered for this essential role in Saint Louis.

Why This Lead Transportation Assistant Job Matters

Join the VA St. Louis Health Care System as a Lead Transportation Assistant and play a pivotal role in ensuring America's Veterans receive the compassionate, timely care they have earned.

Lead Transportation Assistant Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as a Lead Transportation Assistant for the Veterans Transportation Service (VTS). This position acts as the primary point of contact for Veterans’ transportation needs, coordinating complex scheduling, workload forecasting, and operational support. You will lead a team, ensuring that transportation programs run efficiently, data is accurately tracked, and service standards are consistently met to facilitate seamless care for those who served.

Requirements for Lead Transportation Assistant

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements (52 weeks at GS-06 level) if currently a Federal employee.
Completion of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 grade level.
Must pass a background/security investigation.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
Resume must not exceed two pages.
Completion of a one-year probationary period.

Preferred Qualifications for Lead Transportation Assistant

Expertise in transportation regulations, methods, and practices.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite, email systems, and data retrieval.
Strong interpersonal skills for resolving informal complaints and guiding staff.
Experience with VISTA, CPRS, or SharePoint tracking systems.
Proven ability to manage workloads and maintain accurate records in an automated environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary and pay schedule.
✓Annual leave accrual based on prior work or military experience.
✓Federal health and life insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Supportive work environment dedicated to Veteran care.

💡 How to Apply Lead Transportation Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Lead Transportation Assistant Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, focusing on relevant results and competencies.
Ensure your resume includes job titles, specific duties, start/end dates (month/year), and hours worked per week.
Submit the complete application package, including any required SF-50s and supporting documents, via the online portal.
Complete the required online assessment and questionnaire.
Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your resume meets the two-page limit and formatting requirements.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Be specific and clear in your duty descriptions; the agency cannot make assumptions regarding your background.
Set aside at least 3 hours to complete the online assessment in one sitting, or use your link to return later.
Double-check that your SF-50 clearly demonstrates your one-year time-in-grade eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Lead Transportation Assistant?

You will oversee daily transportation operations, distribute workloads to staff, manage scheduling, maintain data tracking systems, and ensure Veterans receive timely access to necessary transportation.

Is telework available for this position?

Per the current announcement, telework and virtual options are not authorized for this specific role.

What happens if I submit a resume longer than two pages?

In accordance with the Merit Hiring Plan, resumes exceeding two pages will result in ineligibility for the position.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing comprehensive care to millions of Veterans, the VHA prides itself on a culture of compassion and professional growth. Working at the VA St. Louis Health Care System means joining a multidisciplinary team focused on improving the lives of our nation’s heroes through innovative and respectful service.