Duties
The VA Office of Congressional & Legislative Affairs (OCLA) Congressional Fellowship program offers individuals a unique opportunity to further serve our nation and deepen their understanding of public policy through participation in the legislative process. The fellowship offers participants to work in the legislative branch of the federal government for one session of Congress. The program provides an unmatched opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in the daily operations, activities, discussions and decisions on Capitol Hill, gaining invaluable first-hand experience while offering congressional offices their unique VA perspective and expertise.
Fellows are placed with a congressional office or committee for a 12 month period, starting January 3, 2026, and are given work equivalent to that of a congressional legislative aide or higher. By the end of the program, fellows will establish a professional network on Capitol Hill, understand how Congress operates, and acquire skills and expertise to further enhance the VA mission upon their return.
The VA OCLA Congressional Fellowship Program is an Employee Developmental Program that is 12-15 months in duration and consists of three components: (1) training through the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs (OCLA), (2) a legislative operations seminar through the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University, and (3) working on Capitol Hill. You may be required to work away from the Department of VA for a specified time not to exceed 12-15 months.
Your placement on the Hill will be based on your background and on the assessed needs of the participating offices. You will most likely meet with your prospective office prior to the beginning of the program.
You will learn the workings of the Legislative Branch of the federal government and will serve in a position that capitalizes on the education and experience gained. You will acquire an in-depth understanding of the legislative process that will help the VA interact more effectively with Congress.
Please ensure to read this advertisement in its entirety before submitting an application. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
Your will remain on your home office's payroll while participating in the program.
Your home office will be responsible for:
- Any relocation costs or payroll adjustments.
- Any travel while participating in the program or during the application and training period.
You will be responsible for determining your home office's ability to fund your participation in the fellowship program prior to applying which requires supervisory approval to meet the program's eligibility requirements.
You will be responsible for setting up your own living accommodations.
This fellowship program does not include a follow-on assignment. You will return to your original position at your home office.
You may be required to sign a continuing service agreement.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Permanent Career or Career Conditional (including Veterans Readjustment Act) VA employees, who are GS-12 through GS-14 with strong written and oral communication abilities and a keen sense to detail, are invited to apply. Parent organizations are responsible for funding costs associated with selected candidates. The ideal candidate is an employee who meets the eligibility criteria and works in the Washington, DC area.
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/10/2025.
Permanent VA employees with at least two years of service working for the Department of Veterans Affairs, who are GS-12 through GS-14 with strong written and oral communication abilities and a keen sense to detail, are encouraged to apply.
The application must contain:
- One to two-page resume.
- A one-page 250 words or less personal statement indicating how your skills and abilities apply to the program's purpose.
- Written supervisory approval.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action.
- Most recent Performance Appraisal.
Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
Title 38 employees are not currently eligible for the program
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applications will be evaluated and selections will be made without regard to race, religion, national origin, sex, political preference, color, marital status, age, disabling condition, sexual orientation, parental status, and with proper regard for privacy and rights as set forth in 5 USC 2302(b).
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
How to Apply
All interested permanent Veteran Affairs (VA) employees, GS-12 through GS-14 with strong written and communication skills with a keen sense of detail are encouraged to apply.
Title 38 employees are not currently eligible for the program.
To apply for this position, you must submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/10/2025 to receive consideration.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.