Become an Executive Support Professional with the VA Puget Sound Health Care System

Are you an organized, detail-oriented administrative professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a motivated Secretary (OA) to join the elite leadership support team at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, Washington. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission of serving those who have sacrificed for our nation.

Job Responsibilities

The Secretary (OA) provides comprehensive administrative support to the Deputy Executive Medical Center Director and the Associate Director of Business Services. Your daily tasks will include:

• Calendar Management: Overseeing schedules, resolving conflicts, and prioritizing critical appointments.
• Executive Support: Attending board meetings, preparing agendas, and tracking follow-up action items.
• Communication: Handling correspondence, proofreading official documents, and managing inquiries from Congressional offices and community partners.
• Administrative Oversight: Maintaining sensitive files, managing timekeeping, and assisting with travel arrangements.

Position Comparison: GS-8 vs GS-9

Feature	GS-8 Level	GS-9 Level
Scope	Foundational Administrative Support	Independent Administrative Management
Decision Making	Routine conflict resolution	Independent conflict and duplication elimination
Complexity	Standard office routines	High-level advisory and policy implementation

Requirements

To be considered for this competitive federal role, candidates must meet the following criteria by the closing date of the announcement:

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Typing Proficiency: Ability to type 40 words per minute.
• Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
• Assessment: Completion of the mandatory online USA Hire assessment.
• Immunization: Compliance with the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.

Salary Overview

The annual salary for this position ranges from $62,809 to $90,190 depending on qualifications and grade level. Federal employees receive competitive annual leave, sick leave, and federal holiday schedules.

Benefits

Working for the VA offers a robust benefits package designed to support your work-life balance and long-term security, including:

• Health and Wellness: Access to federal health, dental, and vision insurance programs.
• Retirement: Inclusion in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer matching.
• Stability: Federal service provides consistent growth opportunities and job security.

Application Tips

1. Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must be strictly two pages or less. Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure compliance.
2. Be Specific: Quantify your experience. List your duties, start/end dates, and hours worked per week clearly.
3. Provide Documentation: Ensure you upload your most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former federal employee to prove time-in-grade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I work remotely?

This is not a virtual position, though ad-hoc telework may be available based on agency policy.

Is a physical exam required?

A pre-placement physical is not required for this specific role.

What if I need an accommodation?

Reasonable accommodation requests for the online assessment process can be requested through the application portal before you begin.

If you have the administrative expertise and the desire to serve Veterans, this role at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System is an exceptional career move. Prepare your application carefully, highlight your skills in executive coordination, and take the next step toward a rewarding federal career.