Launch Your Career: Transportation Assistant at the Marion VA Medical Center

Are you seeking a career that combines administrative excellence with a profound sense of purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently looking for dedicated individuals to join the team in Marion, Illinois, as a Transportation Assistant. This is an incredible opportunity to serve those who have served our country by ensuring they have reliable access to the medical care they need.

Job Responsibilities

As a Transportation Assistant, you are the face of the Beneficiary Travel Program. Your daily tasks include:

Serving as the primary contact for Veterans, clinical, and administrative staff.
Managing the logistics of the Beneficiary Travel Program to ensure seamless transport.
Validating eligibility and determining appropriate payment methods for travel claims.
Maintaining precise manual and electronic accounting records.
Reconciling vouchers against authorizations for payment accuracy.
Collaborating with team members to ensure excellent customer service during high-volume periods.

Qualifications and Requirements

Candidates must be U.S. citizens and meet the specific criteria for the grade level they are applying for.

Level	Education Requirement	Experience Requirement
GS-4	2 years above high school	1 year of general clerical experience
GS-5	4 years above high school	1 year of specialized administrative experience

All applicants must also pass a security investigation and adhere to federal immunization requirements, including the seasonal flu vaccine.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $36,409 – $52,957 per year, commensurate with your grade and experience. Employees at the VA enjoy a competitive benefits package, including:

Health insurance options.
Retirement planning through FERS.
Generous paid leave (vacation, sick time, and federal holidays).
Supportive professional development environments.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: Federal agencies now enforce a strict two-page limit on resumes. Use the USAJOBS resume builder to stay compliant.
Be Specific: Do not leave gaps in your work history. Include hours per week and specific dates.
Prepare for Assessment: You will be required to take an online assessment after submitting your application. Set aside enough time to complete it without distractions.
Documents Matter: Ensure all transcripts and SF-50 forms are uploaded correctly to support your claims.

Working for the Marion VA Medical Center is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who have defended our nation. If you have the clerical skills and the dedication to provide compassionate service, we encourage you to apply for the Transportation Assistant role today.

Why This Transportation Assistant Job Matters

Join the Department of Veterans Affairs in Marion, IL, and play a vital role in ensuring our nation's heroes get the support they need. Become the bridge to essential care as a Transportation Assistant.

Transportation Assistant Job Overview

The Marion VA Medical Center is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as a Transportation Assistant. In this role, you serve as a primary point of contact for Veterans, clinical staff, and administrative teams. Your work directly impacts the patient experience by managing the Beneficiary Travel Program, ensuring eligible Veterans have the support required to reach their appointments and residence safely. You will handle travel arrangements, verify reimbursement legitimacy, and perform essential accounting functions to support our mission-critical services.

Requirements for Transportation Assistant

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be registered with the Selective Service if male and born after 12/31/1959.
Must pass a background and security investigation.
Must successfully complete a probationary or trial period.
Must participate in the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must complete an online assessment as part of the application process.
Must meet Time-In-Grade requirements if you are a current or former federal employee.
Must submit a resume not exceeding two pages in length.

Preferred Qualifications for Transportation Assistant

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 grade level (for GS-5 applicants).
Experience applying transportation regulations and administrative practices.
Proficiency in database management, record keeping, and report generation.
Strong skills in resolving complex administrative issues and providing excellent customer service.
Experience in coordinating travel arrangements and reconciling vouchers.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs
✓Life insurance coverage options
✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS)
✓Paid time off and federal holidays
✓Opportunities for professional development and advancement

💡 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 no longer than two pages.
Review the full vacancy announcement and gather all required documents (SF-50, transcripts, DD-214, etc.).
Complete the online questionnaire.
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date.
Monitor your email for a link to complete the required online assessment.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your format complies with the two-page limit.
Clearly define your experience with month/year start and end dates and hours worked per week.
Submit your application early to allow time for the technical requirements of the online assessment.
Review your transcript and ensure it shows all required credit hours if you are using education to qualify.
Make sure your SF-50 clearly demonstrates your time-in-grade if you are a current or former federal employee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of a Transportation Assistant?

You act as a primary point of contact for Veterans, arranging transportation for appointments and ensuring travel reimbursements are processed accurately and legitimately.

Is this position eligible for telework?

No, this position is not eligible for telework and is not a virtual position.

What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?

Per current regulations, resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for the position.

Do I need a clinical background for this job?

No, this is an administrative role, though basic knowledge of clinical services and office automation is highly beneficial.

Is there promotion potential?

Yes, this position has promotion potential to the GS-5 grade level.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is at the heart of the VA’s mission: to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for our Veterans and their families. Working at the Marion VA Medical Center means becoming part of a community that values compassion, integrity, and excellence. The VA’s "Fourth Mission" also highlights the importance of our staff in supporting national health preparedness during emergencies, making this a truly vital workplace.