Program Support Assistant (OA)

The Program Support Assistant (OA) works closely with all Business Office management including the Chief and Assistant Chief on assigned tasks and projects to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the programs aligned to the Business Office. The incumbent provides the primary administrative support (including timekeeping) to both management and other staff within the service.

Qualifications:

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 05/22/2026.

Time-In-Grade Requirement :

Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For the GS-07 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-06. For the GS-06 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-05. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.

Note:

Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. In addition to the time in grade requirements listed above, the below qualification requirements must be met at the grade(s) in which you are applying. This position requires the skills of a qualified typist . In addition to meeting the experience requirements, you must be able to type at least 40 words per minute. All candidates MUST provide a certificate of proficiency from a school or other organization authorized to issue such certificates by the Office of Personnel Management local office, or by self-certifying their proficiency . Performance test results and certificates of proficiency are acceptable for 3 years. Agencies may verify proficiency skills of self-certified applicants by administering the appropriate performance test. All candidates must submit documentation of his/her typing proficiency with their application package to clearly indicate the amount of words typed per minute. Example of a Self-Certifying proficiency statement: Date I, ______________, can type at least 40 words per minute. Signature in pen Print/type Name Your resume will be used as a work sample, and it will be used in determining your specialized experience for this position.

Grade Determination:

You may qualify based on your experience as described below: GS-06

Specialized Experience:

You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-05) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Using management information system(s), office automation systems, and processes, computer applications, principles, and techniques, including ability to develop and implement new automated systems for control and support of interrelated program operations. Collecting, compiling, and tracking data and statistical information in support of an organization's operation. Utilizing VA data collection systems such as VSSC, Pyramid Analytics, Corporate Data Warehouse, VISTA, CPRS, VERA and VetLink in order to pull data for compiling and distributing reports. Reviewing correspondence, required report formats, proper grammar, spelling and punctuation, syntax, etc., in order to review documents for conformance with formats and procedural requirements, and to identify and correct grammatical errors, and to prepare all materials in final format. Utilizing a variety of software and programs to accomplish work such as email, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing. You may qualify based on your experience as described below: GS-07

Specialized Experience:

You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-06) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Performing quantitative and qualitative analysis methods and techniques in order to be responsible for performing program analysis functions at the service within a medical facility. Planning and conducting program reviews and analyses, formulate study reports and recommendations regarding the effectiveness and efficiency of a service's operating and support programs, operations and activities. Using management information system(s), office automation systems, and processes, computer applications, principles, and techniques, including ability to develop and implement new automated systems for control and support of interrelated program operations. Preparing and presenting recommendations regarding complex issues to management based on analysis and evaluation, including the preparation and presentation of reports, proposals, charts and graphs, etc. Knowledge of basic statistical, accounting, budget formulation, fund control points, allocation of funds, and economic principles and techniques, skill in applying complex fact-finding, analytical and problem-solving methods, and techniques to identify interrelated program problems, draw conclusions and recommend appropriate action or solutions to improve program efficiency and effectiveness. Collecting, compiling, and tracking data and statistical information in support of an organization's operation. Utilizing VA data collection systems such as VSSC, Pyramid Analytics, Corporate Data Warehouse, VISTA, CPRS, VERA and VetLink in order to pull data for compiling and distributing reports. Reviewing correspondence, required report formats, proper grammar, spelling and punctuation, syntax, etc., in order to review documents for conformance with formats and procedural requirements, and to identify and correct grammatical errors, and to prepare all materials in final format. Utilizing a variety of software and programs to accomplish work such as email, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Customer Service Manages and Organizes Information Organizational Awareness Problem Solving Writing Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Note :

A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements:

The work is generally sedentary; however, there will be some walking, standing, bending, and carrying of light items such as papers and books. The tasks may require long periods at a desk working on a personal computer or other piece of equipment. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/ .