Launch Your Federal Career: Program Support Assistant with the VA

Are you looking to turn your administrative talents into a mission-driven career? The Central Texas Veterans Health Care System is currently hiring a Program Support Assistant (Office Automation) in Temple, Texas. This position is a cornerstone of the Pharmacy Service, ensuring that the critical administrative functions supporting our nation's Veterans are handled with precision, integrity, and care.

About the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served. The Central Texas system is one of the largest integrated healthcare networks in the country, serving 39 counties. With facilities spanning Temple, Waco, Austin, and beyond, the system is at the forefront of providing whole-health care to our heroes.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Support Assistant, you will act as the right hand to the Pharmacy Service administration. Your core duties include:

Data & Reporting: Compiling complex productivity and workload reports, such as pharmacy automation and waiting time metrics.
Administrative Oversight: Maintaining pharmacy policies, station memorandums, and updating clinic profiles.
Communication: Drafting professional correspondence, including reports for leadership and congressional entities.
Operational Support: Managing schedules, maintaining calendars, and serving as the primary point of contact for visitors and inquiries.
Timekeeping: Handling timekeeping duties for various staff categories, including Title 38 and fee-basis personnel.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, applicants must meet specific federal standards:

Requirement Type	Detail
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Experience	One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level
Assessment	Must complete an online competency-based assessment
Documentation	Must provide an SF-50 demonstrating time-in-grade

Salary and Benefits

This position is graded at the GS-06 level with a salary range of $45,409 to $59,031 per year. Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
Generous retirement programs (FERS and TSP).
Flexible leave accrual based on years of service.
Stable, long-term career growth within the VA.

How to Apply

Success starts with a complete application. Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages and clearly articulates your experience. Follow all instructions in the job announcement precisely to avoid disqualification. Don't forget to monitor your email after submission for your assessment link.

Joining the VA means being part of a mission that matters. If you are an organized professional ready to support the health and well-being of Veterans in Central Texas, apply today to start your journey with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Why This Program Support Assistant / Oa Job Matters

Support those who served by providing expert administrative coordination for the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System’s Pharmacy Service.

Program Support Assistant / Oa Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a skilled Program Support Assistant (Office Automation) to serve as the primary administrative anchor for the Pharmacy Service in Temple, Texas. This role is essential for maintaining efficient office operations, managing sensitive healthcare data, and ensuring that our Pharmacy teams can focus on their mission of providing world-class care to America's Veterans.

Requirements for Program Support Assistant / Oa

U.S. Citizenship
Completion of an online assessment
Subject to a background/security investigation
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
One-year probationary period or two-year trial period
Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements (for current/former Federal employees)
Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959

Preferred Qualifications for Program Support Assistant / Oa

One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Experience with administrative records management and data protection
Strong interpersonal skills for visitor and telephone reception
Demonstrated ability to manage calendars and coordinate complex scheduling

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with annual increases
✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Life and long-term care insurance
✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS and TSP
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Career advancement and professional development opportunities

💡 How to Apply Program Support Assistant / Oa Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Support Assistant / Oa Job

Log in to your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
Review all requirements and prepare your resume (maximum two pages).
Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
Upload all required documentation, including your most recent SF-50.
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Monitor your email for a notification containing the link to the USA Hire assessment.
Complete the required assessments within the provided timeframe.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise and focused on relevant skills and results; ensure it is under two pages.
Be specific about your experience, including duties and hours worked per week.
Save your resume as a PDF to ensure proper formatting and readability.
Double-check your SF-50 to ensure it clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.
Practice using the resources available at the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of this position?

The Program Support Assistant provides principal administrative and secretarial support to the Pharmacy Service, including managing correspondence, scheduling, timekeeping, and report generation.

Is this a remote position?

No, this is not a virtual position; it is located on-site in Temple, Texas.

Can I use education to qualify for this role?

There is no educational substitution at this specific grade level; qualification is primarily based on specialized experience.

What is the most important document for current federal employees?

*A: Your most recent SF-50. If it does not show one year of time-in-grade, you must provide an additional document that does.*

Is there a physical examination required?

*A: No, a pre-placement physical is not required for this role.*

Program Support Assistant / Oa Job

Veterans Health Administration