Advance Your Career: Secretary Position at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System
Are you looking for a career that combines administrative excellence with a noble mission? The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System is currently hiring a Secretary to join our Research Service team in Charleston, South Carolina. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the vital work of supporting medical research that improves the lives of our nation's Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Secretary within the Research Service, you will act as the backbone of our administrative operations. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Coordinating research committee meetings, including preparing agendas and minutes.
- Managing sensitive records in accordance with federal standards.
- Handling budget documentation and financial reporting.
- Utilizing government purchase cards for necessary supplies.
- Serving as the lead for employee time and attendance tracking.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $50,460 - $65,599 |
| Location | Charleston, SC |
| Employment Type | Permanent, Full-time |
| Job Series | 0318 |
Requirements
To be eligible for this role, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet the specific criteria outlined by the Office of Personnel Management. This includes having one year of specialized experience at the GS-06 level or equivalent. If you are a current federal employee, you must provide an SF-50 that verifies your time-in-grade status.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary based on the GS-07 pay scale. Beyond the financial compensation, the VA provides an industry-leading benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, a robust federal retirement plan, and significant paid time off.
Application Tips
- Keep your resume concise: federal rules now limit resumes to two pages.
- Be specific: clearly document your duties, hours worked, and specific accomplishments.
- Prepare for the assessment: set aside time to complete the required online competency tests once you have submitted your application.
This role is more than just a job; it is a chance to support the men and women who have sacrificed for our country. If you possess strong administrative skills and a desire to serve, we encourage you to apply before the closing date. Your work in the Research Service will help create a lasting impact on Veteran health care.
Why This Secretary Job Matters
Join the Research Service at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System and play a pivotal role in advancing medical breakthroughs for America's Veterans.
Secretary Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a detail-oriented professional to serve as a Secretary within the Research Administrative Office in Charleston, South Carolina. In this essential administrative role, you will provide critical support to the Research Service team, facilitating operations that directly impact the health and well-being of our nation's Veterans.
Requirements for Secretary
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must meet the one-year time-in-grade requirement for GS-07 if currently in federal service.
- Must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 level.
- Ability to complete all required online assessments.
- Must be able to successfully pass a background and security investigation.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications for Secretary
- Proven experience in business function coordination and resource allocation.
- Comprehensive knowledge of budget administration, including justifying and reporting on financial systems.
- Strong proficiency in administrative tasks such as data entry, records management, and office communication.
- Experience utilizing government systems for supply and service acquisition.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits, including pension and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- ✓Employee wellness programs and life insurance options.
💡 How to Apply Secretary Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Secretary Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that specifically details your relevant experience, including hours worked per week and start/end dates.
- Submit your application and all required documents, including your most recent SF-50.
- Complete the mandatory online assessment if prompted after initial submission.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal until a final decision is made.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages to comply with federal merit hiring requirements.
- Use the provided resume builder in USAJOBS to ensure proper formatting and compliance.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve your layout.
- Submit your application early, as the first 50 applications may receive priority consideration.
- Double-check that your SF-50 clearly demonstrates your one-year time-in-grade status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Secretary role involve?
You will provide administrative support to the Research Service, including managing budgets, handling purchase card transactions, tracking time and attendance, and preparing documentation for research committees.
Is remote work available?
This position is primarily an in-person role in Charleston, SC. While some virtual work eligibility may apply to current VA employees under specific mandates, there is an active return-to-office requirement.
What if I do not have a federal SF-50?
The SF-50 is only required if you are a current or former federal employee to prove your time-in-grade eligibility. If you have no prior federal service, you will follow the standard application path.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our military and their families. At the Ralph H. Johnson VA, we focus on providing compassionate, whole-health care and conducting cutting-edge research to solve complex health challenges. Joining our team means becoming part of an organization that values integrity, commitment, and excellence.