Advance Your Career as a Secretary (OA) with the VA in Spokane

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a cornerstone of support for those who have served our country. If you are an administrative professional looking for a role that combines your organizational expertise with a mission-driven environment, the position of Secretary (OA) at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center is an exceptional opportunity. Located in the beautiful city of Spokane, Washington, this role offers the chance to support executive leadership in providing world-class care to our nation's veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As a Secretary (OA), you will serve as the primary administrative support for the Associate Medical Center Director. Your daily tasks will include:

Executive Scheduling: Exercising control over appointments and ensuring the Associate Director's calendar is optimized.
Communication Management: Screening incoming correspondence, drafting routine documents, and ensuring all outgoing communications meet agency standards.
Committee Support: Organizing meetings, tracking action items, and preparing agendas and minutes.
Workflow Optimization: Coordinating work across various departments to ensure policies and procedures are followed.

Requirements

To be successful, candidates must meet specific criteria:

U.S. citizenship is required.
Successful completion of an online competency assessment.
Proficiency in typing (minimum 40 WPM).
Compliance with the influenza vaccination program.
Submission of a resume no longer than two pages.

Salary and Grade Comparison

Position Level	Salary Range	Responsibility Scope
GS-6	$45,645 - $73,022	Specialized Clerical Support
GS-7	$45,645 - $73,022	Procedural/Admin Support
GS-8	$45,645 - $73,022	Independent Administrative Practice

Benefits

Employees of the VA enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Competitive health insurance and life insurance options.
A structured retirement plan through the Federal Employees Retirement System.
Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
Access to professional development programs.

Application Tips

Focus on Quality: Use the USAJOBS resume builder to craft a clear, two-page document that highlights your most relevant administrative experience.
Use Data: Clearly indicate hours worked per week, as the agency defines a full-time year as 35-40 hours per week.
Prepare for Assessments: Set aside dedicated time to complete the online competency tests accurately; remember that your score may be reused for other applications.

Serving as a Secretary (OA) at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the veterans who have sacrificed so much. If you are ready to apply your skills in a supportive, professional, and scenic environment, submit your application by the closing date of November 4, 2026.

Why This Secretary (Oa) Job Matters

Join the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center team and serve those who served us by providing high-level administrative expertise in a vibrant, four-season community.

Secretary (Oa) Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Secretary (OA) to provide critical administrative and clerical support at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane, Washington. This role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of the Associate Medical Center Director’s office, handling everything from high-level scheduling and correspondence to complex workflow coordination. If you are an organized professional with a passion for supporting veterans and administrative excellence, this opportunity offers a pathway to professional growth within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Requirements for Secretary (Oa)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must pass an online assessment of critical general competencies.
Ability to type at least 40 words per minute.
Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements if you are a current or former federal employee.
Must be able to successfully complete a background/security investigation.
Required to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must serve a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
Resume must not exceed two pages.

Preferred Qualifications for Secretary (Oa)

Experience as an office manager coordinating high-stakes meetings and complex calendars.
Proven history of managing confidential information and ensuring organizational compliance.
Expertise in interdepartmental communication and workflow optimization.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and office automation software.
Experience in risk mitigation and upholding legal and ethical standards.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Generous vacation and sick leave policies
✓Federal retirement savings plan (Thrift Savings Plan)
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Work-life balance in a scenic, four-season region

💡 How to Apply Secretary (Oa) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Secretary (Oa) Job

Create or log in to your account on the official USAJOBS portal.
Review the full vacancy announcement and prepare your two-page resume.
Submit your application and required supporting documents before the deadline of 11/04/2026.
Complete the required online assessment when prompted via the provided link.
Monitor your status through your USAJOBS account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your resume meets the two-page requirement.
Be specific and clear when describing your job duties; do not assume the hiring team knows your previous responsibilities.
Ensure all uploaded documents are in PDF format and under 5MB to maintain formatting.
Set aside at least 3 hours for the online assessment; however, it is often completed in less time.
Check your email regularly for notifications regarding the status of your application and assessment deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the promotion potential for this role?

The position has a promotion potential up to the GS-8 grade level.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

No, this is an onsite position located in Spokane, Washington.

What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?

Federal agencies now require resumes to be two pages or less; exceeding this limit will result in your application being ineligible.

Is a typing test required?

Yes, you must demonstrate the ability to type 40 words per minute through a performance test, certification, or self-certification.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing care to millions of veterans, the agency relies on dedicated staff to ensure that medical and administrative facilities run efficiently. By joining the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, you become a valued member of a team that honors the promise made to veterans and their families.