Program Support Assistant

Summary

This Social Work & Community Based Service (SW&CBS) Program Support Assistant (PSA) position is located within Social Work and Community Based Service and is supervised by the Administrative Officer. The primary purpose and responsibilities of this position are to provide expert technical program support and administrative clerical duties to the various programs with-in the service and Main Social Work Office operations.

Duties

• MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIESTechnical Program Duties: 65% Under general supervision, the Program Support Assistant (PSA) is responsible for the submission of all statistical and administrative reports or data from their designated assignment area with the aforementioned programs. This may include data research and entry, program reports, patient lists, accounting and budgetary duties and ongoing responsibility for projects. problems. or requirements that arise within their designated work site. The work will be performed in a timely, professional and courteous manner to sustain quality patient care and customer satisfaction. Responsible to operate all necessary applications within FBCS, CPRS and VistA (including but not limited to VistA FEE, Lodging, Admissions, AOD, Caregiver, TCM, MFH and Eligibility Computer Systems as well as ability to work with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Power Point, SharePoint and Excel Spreadsheets). Will assess the dimension, consequences, and impact of the assigned work and thus prioritize, collect, and assemble the necessary facts, resolving conflicts, and performs these functions independently. Creativity in the development of procedures where no guidelines exist may be necessary; will identify these irregularities in the course of the work and reconcile those problems . Educate Veterans and family members of Veterans on benefits, eligibilities alternative lodging and other available programs with in the Service. Issue discount letters for non-eligible or families, meal vouchers as appropriate by policy. Monitor and ensure external supporting services goals are met i.e. dietary, housekeeping, logistics, respiratory and voluntary to complement our systems or services. Resolve problems with office equipment malfunctions, obtaining JRM, Engineering, copier/fax technician, or Facilities Management support as indicated. Assigned as an authorized user of the Government Purchase Card for small item purchasing in their designated site and section. As an authorized user of this card the incumbent is responsible for meeting the standards for documentation and monthly reconciliation of the purchase cards in accordance with all rules and regulations. Automated Data Processing Application Coordinator (ADPAC) liaison, responsible for systems administration within the service and will provide guidance and assistance to clinical staff within the service. Conduct training for new employees as to the administrative requirements of their jobs in the program, i.e., function, documentation, clinic encounters. etc. Customer Services: 10% Works with a patient population ranging from age 18 through senior adults (age 65 and over) and must be aware of, and respond appropriately to the physical, social, and psychological differences among these groups. Communicate effectively with patients, patient's family or caregiver, clinical staff, and hotel contractors in person or by telephone in order to assess the Veteran's needs. Take messages; track call-ins/call-off by other staff members, and notify the appropriate supervisor, they will assess Veterans' needs, assist with the Veteran's situation or redistribute to the appropriate manager, social worker, department, patient advocate, etc. Handle consult requests expeditiously or assign to the respective social worker as they are received in the service and log them into the tracker. Working with the clinical unit/providers, the PSA will ensure Veterans are screened and approved appropriately prior to social services being rendered. Files, Correspondences and Records Management 25% Obtain, organize, file and retrieve reports, correspondence, and numerical data for use in preparing status reports, briefings, and presentations i.e. daily AOD log, gain and losses sheets, lodging lists and admission reports, medical records etc. in accordance with all Federal, VA and local policy and guidance. Responsible for the administrative handling of all records, forms and documents, retrieval and dissemination of data relating for the programs listed above. Type, edit, maintain current copies of records or forms relating to the program such as letters, memos, reports and summaries, surveys, program brochures, letters of introduction, and other types of written communications. Compose correspondence; prepare agendas and meeting minutes as indicated to assist clinical functions of as the need arises. Print daily roster of Veterans when necessary, maintain a weekly list of scheduled CNH Veteran VA medical center appointments and arrange travel consults to meet the appointments. The PSA will perform other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30 pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Program Support Assistant/PD938910 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/22/2026. Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-5 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Providing administrative support to a team, including but not limited to time keeping, receiving and screening phone calls, filing, taking minutes, arranging travel, maintaining appointment calendars, coordinating meetings, conference calls, and ordering supplies. Using various Microsoft Office programs, database programs and office equipment. Assisting in departmental problem solving and planning alternative solutions. Preparing reports, assisting in planning, reviewing and reporting data, and statistical results. 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 sedentary. Typically, the employee sits comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, or carrying of light items (medical records, computing devices, manuals, papers, books, small parts). The work requires manual dexterity for computer data entry, office machine operation and filing. However, in general, the work does not require unusual physical demands. The work does require emotional stability to resolve crisis situations. 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/.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) License Other (3) Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities. Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.